IRC Opens New Field of Rice Bran Ceramics to the Bicycle Industry
Rice Bran Ceramics Gives New Meaning to Sticky Rice

Under exclusive license, IRC Tire has developed a bicycle rubber compound that incorporates the newly founded field of Rice Bran Ceramics. Previously discarded in the production of food, the outer husk, or bran of an individual rice grain is ground, mixed with phenolic or epoxy thermosetting resins, then kneaded into IRC bicycle rubber compounds.

Improved Traction_ Think of the small bits of Rice Brand Ceramic as tiny balls with both needles and pores that are randomly oriented throughout the tire tread. The needles create a "micro-spike" effect that enhances traction by essentially poking into the road surface. RBC's "micro-pore" structure absorbs water from the road surface, providing more tire-road contact for greater rider confidence and control in wet conditions. Better yet, these advantages are not diminished in extreme heat or cold, ensuring consistent grip.

Decreased Weight_ Compared to other common rubber compound additives such as silica or carbon, Rice Bran Ceramic possesses a lower molecular weight thanks to its porous structure and yields a lighter tire. Take for example the new IRC Redstorm RBC, a full featured tire meant for everyday, as well as race use. In the 700x23c size, the weight hovers at only 205g.

Reduced Friction_ Rolling resistance is a reality that every rider must face, and better grip inherently ensures greater friction. To minimize this effect, IRC mixes the Rice Bran Ceramic with a proprietary rubber compound which damps tire squirm and deflection. A quieter tire is a faster tire with greater straight line speed.

Details_ IRC’s first model to receive the Rice Brand Ceramic Compound is the Redstorm RBC, a high end road racing tire, and will be produced with a distinctive wine-colored tread. Samples for testing, evaluation and review are available now.

REDSTORM RBC

Size	Weight	TPI	Bead	Inflation
700 x 23c	205g	127	folding	100-130 psi / 7.0-9.0 bars
700 x 25c	240g	127	folding	90 - 115 psi / 6.0-8.0 bars

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About IRC Tire. Founded in 1926, IRC Tire has continuously produced tires for all bicycle applications. With factories located in Japan, Korea and Indonesia, IRC supplies tires and tubes to OEM bicycle assemblers and aftermarket distributors throughout North America, Europe and Asia. IRC Tire is a division of the Japan-based INOAC Corporation, LTD.

For more information, contact Skip Reys IRC North America
2900 3rd Avenue North, Seattle WA 98109
t: 866.878.8473
c: 206.383.7547
e: skip_reys@irctire.com

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