RICE BRAN CERAMIC
Under exclusive license by NMB Minebea, IRC Tire has developed a bicycle rubber compound that incorporates the newly founded field of Rice Bran Ceramic. Previously discarded in the production of food, the outer husk, or bran of an individual rice kernel is now ground, mixed with a phenolic or epoxy thermosetting resins, then kneaded into IRC bicycle rubber compounds.
Improved Traction_ Think of the small bits of RBC 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 while the "micro-pores" act as mini suction cups, and grip the surface in a second way. 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. Rice Bran Ceramic improves upon previous rubber compounds by actively damping tire squirm and deflection. A quieter tire is a faster tire with greater straight line speed.
Durability_ Longer tire life means changing out fewer tires. RBC also boasts a greater life span than more common rubber compounds. And because the Rice Bran Ceramic is found throughout the rubber compound, the benefits do not diminish as the tread is worn away through normal use,
Models Offering RBC: Redstorm |