Name: Van Rysel GRVL AF
Brand: Van Rysel
Rating: 89 (15 reviews)

89/100

BikeRide Score

Users (5 ratings)

Experts (3 reviews)

Where to buy

$1,399.00 REI.com See it

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Facts

Gender

Men, Women

Type

Gravel - Adventure, Beginners, Bikepacking, Non-Electric

Release Year

2025

Brand

Van Rysel

Wheel Size

700c

Number of Gears

24 (2x12), 12 (1x12), 10 (1x10)

Gearing Type

External Derailleur

Weight

22.9, 24, 23.9 lb

Suspension

None

Brake Type

Disc: Mechanical, Disc: Hydraulic

Frame Material

Aluminum

Summary of Reviews

We have read all expert and user reviews on the Van Rysel GRVL AF. In summary, this is what cyclists think.

17 reasons to buy

This bike is available in three builds: GRVL AF Sword (1x10), GRVL AF Apex (1x12), and GRVL AF II GRX (2x12).
Experts say the balanced geometry leaves the rider comfortable and in control, and is ideal for beginners and long days in the saddle.
Testers relish the GRVL AF’s blend of decent low-speed agility, solid stability, and predictable handling.
Two experts highlight this bike's versatility and well-rounded character.
Testers are impressed by the GRVL AF’s efficiency and how it responds to out-of-the-saddle efforts.
The GRVL AF handles well on all but the steepest off-road climbs, according to an expert.
Reviewers like the cockpit, citing the handlebar's comfortable flat tops, shallow drop, and flare.
The frame has clearance for tires up to 50mm.
The GRVL AF has mounts for fenders and a rear cargo rack, three-pack mounts on the fork legs and down tube, and a standard bottle cage mount on the seat tube.
The microSHIFT Sword drivetrain shifts reliably and predictably in testing, and includes a derailleur with a clutch.
A tester of the GRVL AF Sword notes the “surprisingly premium feel” of the shifter hoods and paddles.
An expert enjoyed confidence in the Apex hydraulic disc brakes' stopping power.
The Hutchinson Touareg 45mm tubeless-ready tires (Apex) provide plenty of grip and vibration damping.
The threaded bottom bracket is easier to service than press-fit alternatives.
Testers and owners of the Apex build appreciate the wide gearing range of the 12-speed drivetrain's 40t chainring and 11-44t cassette.
Reviewers compliment the clean, modern look, thanks to the internal cable routing and understated branding.
Van Rysel provides a lifetime warranty on the frame and a five-year warranty on the fork.

5 reasons not to buy

The frame lacks routing for a dropper post.
Though the wheels and tires are tubeless-ready, an expert and an owner find tubeless conversion difficult.
The combination of a 20mm seatpost offset and slack 73.5-degree seat-tube angle puts one tester too far back for comfort.
A reviewer finds the XS frame's 40cm handlebar too wide.
Reviewers note how sluggish the wheels feel, though a heavy wheelset is expected in this price range.

Bottom line

Van Rysel’s GRVL AF is an entry-level gravel bike with an aluminum frame, available in three builds: 1x10 microSHIFT Sword, 1x12 SRAM Apex, and 2x12 Shimano GRX. All experts highlight the bike’s versatility, saying it's equally adept at long gravel rides, multi-day bikepacking trips, and commuting. The comfortable ride position, balanced geometry, surprising efficiency, and stable, predictable handling impress. Additionally, reviewers agree the components are well-chosen at each price point. Minor complaints include wide bars, tricky tubeless conversion, and incompatibility with wired droppers. Overall, experts deem the Van Rysel GRVL AF an excellent first gravel steed.