Rock Racing Launches Exciting New Product Line

Las Vegas — During Interbike, Rock Racing Team Owner Michael Ball ushered in the team’s new product line of branded bikes, equipment and isotonic sports drinks at an invitation-only event at the Blush Boutique Nightclub in the Wynn Las Vegas.

Ball, always the entrepreneur and visionary, had targeted 2010 for Rock Racing's entry into the bicycle industry fray as early as last year.

"Thing is I built Rock Racing and we’re selling the soft goods right now, our kits we can’t keep them in, we’ve got eyewear launching next year. We’re looking at 2010 launching bikes and other hard gear, helmets, and the like. We’re in negotiation for some wheels. And on the manufacturing side, we’ve got a great lab that we’ve created which is called Rock Racing Research and we’ll be doing things over the next few years to advance this sport."

And like the jeans and apparel of the team's parent company, Rock & Republic, the actual finished cycling products have — on the surface — exceeded all expectations.

Rock Racing riders such as Fred Rodriguez and Ivan Dominguez helped show off the new “RX-1” and “X-2” carbon frame and fork racing bicycles, and the “Project 4815” fixed gear bike. The “4815” moniker is a tribute to Ball, an avid cyclist and former track racer whose gear cluster of choice is 48 x 15. All three models are available in three colors – Kosmos red, pearl black and pearl white – and six sizes: 50, 52, 54, 56, 58, 60.

As Shane Fedon, Rock Racing’s Research and Development Engineer, described the collection, “We wanted to have one fluid design from head to pavement, one collective Rock Racing attitude on the bike. The ride quality of our bikes are tuned in to the rider, merging technology and science to improve the cycling experience.”

The "RX-1" and "X-2" models utilize several different technologies — the creation of a skeletal structure for the frame with dual chamber ribbed technology; a joint gusset system used throughout the frame, specifically at the head tube, bottom bracket, and at the seat tube-seat stay junctions; and Carbo Nano Array (CAN) technology, which incorporates MS-30, HM-40, and T700 carbon fibers in a "Hi-Fi and Lo-Fi" layup, where the Hi-Fi layup is designed to respond to high frequency oscillations, and the Lo-Fi to low frequency oscillations — to help minimize the frames weight while also increasing its stiffness.

RX-1: Features

• 3K SL version (850-900 g frame)
• BB-30 compatible
• Special Shimano Di-2 frame option
• Tapered steerer tube (1 1/8-1)
• 2x fork option
• Carbon dropouts
• Integrated head tube
• Seat post: 31.6
• Mono stay rear stay (Rock Racing Power Stay) - Increases the energy transfer between frame and the rear wheel
• Over-sized BB area to help increase the energy transfer between the ride and drivetrain

X-2: Features

• UD Std version (1000-1050 g based on a 56cm frame size)
• BB-20 compatible
• Tapered steerer tube (1 1/8-1)
• 2x fork option
• Carbon dropouts
• Integrated head tube
• Seat post: 31.6
• Mono stay rear stay (Rock Racing Power Stay) - Increases the energy transfer between frame and the rear wheel
• Over-sized BB area to help increase the energy transfer between the ride and drivetrain

"4815": Features

• 7005 T4 aluminum fixie frame
• Aluminum steerer tube 0 Std 1 1/8
• Fork-Rake: 30 or 43mm options
• CNC dropouts with a unique in-house design belt compatible option
• Integrated head tube
• Integrated FSA seat post
• True fixie, no rear brake option

Ball told the invitation-only media and guests that the bicycles, components, wheels, tires, helmets, shoes, kits, cycling lifestyle apparel and sports drinks signal the team’s “Here To Stay” commitment that has made Rock Racing one of the most popular professional cycling teams in the world.

“We are partnering with the top companies, incorporating the latest technology and working with leading manufacturers to bring our brand to the public,” Ball said. “This gives cyclists of all ages and abilities the opportunity to have the same top-notch cycling experience as the pros.”

Ball also announced that six companies will partner with Rock Racing in 2010 to leverage its brand to produce special edition Rock Racing products: Louis Garneau (helmets and shoes), Prologo (saddles), Shimano, FSA (handlebars, stems, seatposts, cranks and headsets) Carbon Sports (Lightweight wheel sets) and Vittoria (tires and tubes).

Guests also had the opportunity to sample Rock Racing’s two one-of-a-kind isotonic sports drinks, R3 POWER ELIXIR and R3 RECOVERY. R3 RECOVERY is a post-workout tonic formulated to restore, replenish, and refuel while bringing the body to the natural balance it craves.  The R3 sports drinks are sweetened with agave nectar, for a low glycemic index, and packed with electrolytes and vitamins B-6 and B-12.

Additional specifications for each Rock Racing partner and the team’s complete product line can be found at www.rockracing.com.

For more images of the Rock Racing 2010 product launch at Blush, visit our Image Gallery.

Photos: © Leonard Basobas

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