Van Rysel RCR Connected Home Trainer with Zwift Cog and Click

Van Rysel has launched its RCR Connected Home Trainer, featuring integrated Zwift Cog and Click technology, aiming for a seamless indoor cycling experience. However, initial reviews, specifically from road.cc, highlight significant drawbacks: inconsistent and inaccurate power readings, alongside a notable absence of calibration functionality. While praised for its overall feel, these technical shortcomings directly impact the device's core utility for serious training.

This development is particularly salient given the booming indoor cycling market, where data accuracy is paramount for structured training and competitive platforms like Zwift. Van Rysel, Decathlon's performance brand, typically offers strong value, but a smart trainer's primary function is precise power measurement. Without reliable numbers or the ability to calibrate, the RCR Connected risks alienating a discerning customer base that prioritises data integrity over mere connectivity, potentially undermining its position in a crowded, quality-driven segment.

Ultimately, a smart trainer that can't reliably measure power is less 'connected' and more 'disconnected' from its fundamental purpose. One might suggest Van Rysel recalibrates its priorities.