News | Onza’s Newest Gravity-Specific Rubber Compound
Since their relaunch in 2008, ONZA Tires have cemented their position on the marketing after developing certain notably well-profiled tyres. But considering the advanced state of technology within the cycling industry, and the ever harder and faster races, a good profile alone isn’t sufficient, as we consistently demand a higher performance from the rubber compound too. Duly noted, ONZA have spent the past four years developing their GRP40 compound, a specific rubber compound for enduro, freeride and downhillers that is said to offer above-average grip and damping.
ONZA spent a full four years analysing, developing and testing the rubbers. After getting the competent team at the VISCO Lab GmbH on board, they succeeded in developing a genuine gravity-orientated single compound tyre with the eponymous 40a – with the figure denoting the hardness of tyres, which is measured in Shore A. When James Doerfling participated in the 2013 Red Bull Rampage on these pre-production tyres and their exciting new compound, their performance stunned him. So they’re clearly something we should be excited about.
ONZA rubber compounds: an overview
RC2 55a – Racing Compound 55a/65a
55a/65a dual compound for the best traction, combined with low rolling resistance and extraordinary durability.
Usage: Cross country, all mountain, enduro, freeride, downhill training
RC2 45a – Racing Compound 45a/55a
The soft 45a/55a dual compound delivers great grip, excellent cornering and a long lifespan.
Usage: All mountain, enduro racing, freeride, downhill racing
GRP40 – VISCO Compound GRP40
High performance GRIP 40 compound with particularly great damping control, a VISCO polymer structure that has been specifically developed for gravity-style riding, offering fantastic grip in filthy, wet and muddy conditions.
Usage: Enduro racing, freeride, downhill racing
These new ONZA tyres with the GPR40 compound will be available from the end of May 2015.
Words: Andreas Maschke Fotos: Christoph Bayer
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