Not the FCR, but I’ve tried on the RCR in a store - very similar in size and shape to Specialized, I’m M in Specialized and would get M for the RCR
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Doesn’t look or feel bad at all! Though I haven’t ridden with it yet
Giro Eclipse Spherical for reference
The Giro is 18g maybe 20g lighter, which I think is mostly due to the magnetic lock of the FCR
Edit; I used the FCR today, it was very cold, windy and wet today, so I can’t really comment on ventilation but the comfort was very good, didn’t even notice it was there at all. I had some problems getting my sunglasses into the sunglass holder but maybe that’s just practice before that I had a Giro vanquish and taking off the visor was frustratingly hard too
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Not tried it but I love my Ekoi AR14 with a magnetic buckle; the Decathlon one will be a contender when it needs replacing or I need more ventilation (not an issue in the UK)
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Did a flat 2h out-and-back ride with my new Van Rysel FCR helmet yesterday (28°C, 20 km/h wind) and here are some of my toughts:
Positives
- Perceived Speed: I feel that the helmet is really fast (maybe placebo) as I had higher avg speeds with less effort on the local loop, particulary noticable in strong headwinds.
- Comfortable Fit: The size L helmet fits well for my 59cm head circumference. The pads are well-placed, and the straps are comfortable and unobtrusive.
- Magnetic Fidlock Buckle: This feature is convenient and easy to use - neat solution.
- Good Ventilation: The frontal ventilation holes are large, and integrate nicely with sunglasses but you need to go fast to be cool - this is not a helmet for climbing in hot weather.
Negatives
- Weight: At 330 grams, the helmet’s weight is noticeable, especially when turning your head, causing a sense of inertia.
- Lack of MIPS: Only team version with AG2R logos had MIPS at the time of the purchase, but I did not fancy the colors.
Overall
I’m very happy with the helmet. For 105 €, it’s a great bargain despite the weight and the lack of MIPS. Now considering even buying the RCR version.
The difference with the Giro Eclipse Spherical was only 18g on my kitchen scale (vs the FCR mips version)
How are consumers getting this product in the USA (if they even are)?
I forgot to say that I’ve compared it to Kask Valegro, Kask Protone and Abus Gamechanger all in size M.
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grumpy old guy question… do people give a hoot about actual safety ratings on helmets anymore or is it totally down to wind tunnel testing? Hardly ever read anything about it without actively searching VTs database, and reviewers almost never mention it. I realize most are really good, but even many super expensive helmets in the past have fallen well below 5star rating.
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I cannot find the rating for any helmet but the FCR has mips and complies to at least EU standards just like the much more expensive Giro I tried on for comparison
Unless it’s an obvious deathtrap, helmets have a minimal effect on overall risk and safety of cycling compared to the airtime they get. So no, aero dynamics and comfort are the top characteristics.
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Do you have a reference for this? I would be very interested in looking at comparative data on different brands, including the obvious death traps you mentioned (what makes them obvious?)
I don’t think it exists, and, I don’t think anyone is arguing that head injuries are the most common injury so we don’t really need data in that
A helmet that passes whatever standards exist in your region will be good enough, or as good objectively good as any, hence you can focus on other characteristics
So you’re saying the entire premise of the VT helmet lab is completely useless and they’re all the same?
I’m not OP but my take is that VT’s rating is probably helpful for some people, but I personally don’t use it at all when choosing a helmet. I’m glad it exists and they test helmets. But I’m picking mine on aero characteristics, ventilation, looks, and price. In my mind, they’re all going to be close in protection level. Or I’m hoping they are. But it’s not making my decision. Maybe if I’m looking at 2 helmets and one gets a 5 star and the other gets a 1 it might make me reconsider. Maybe.
haha we’d all like to think this, but its unfortunately not the case. Few years ago when I was looking at new MTB helmets I was cruising around their database. Several $250+ helmets scored worse than offerings from Walmart under $50
Most helmets coming out these days are good and if its coming from a reputable brand, its PROBABLY totally fine and up to standard, but its not always the case
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Pretty favourable review. 
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Slightly less ventilation is definitely noticeable (but not necessarily a bad thing depending on where you live) and that’s why I didn’t bring my FCR on my holiday to the French Alpes but the RCR instead. The price of RCR mips+FCR mips combined is still less than that of a more expensive helmet but now I have 2 helmets with dedicated use, the FCR for the cool flats of the Netherlands and the RCR for hot climbs but if I lived in the French Alpes I probably would have bought the Giro Eclipse Spherical
Revisiting the topic, I’m looking for a new helmet, and the FCR seems, by far, the most budget-friendly option. It seems neat and rated quite well on the BikeRadar test.
How is it performing to those who bought it? Is it a good purchase?
I’m having a hard time finding it in the Canadian store, is out of stock for a while. Received an email yesterday that it was back, and went to check and nope, still out of stock.
I have the RCR-F MIPS which seems to be the same as the FCR just with MIPS. I like it so far, can’t say much about how aero it is. For ventilation I can’t say that much as I didn’t ride it in much more the. 20C except for this week and it seemed ok. But I have more vented helmet for hot/climbing days. Fits me pretty well not as well as most giros do but it’s comfy for 6h rides and more.
I may do an aero test in the coming weeks between it and the abus game changer if the weather is good and I have the time.
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Thanks for the answer, the Game Changer is exactly my first option, but the FCR costs less than half…