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| Onix Black RH Bikes - Picture by James Maloney (Merseypics) |
Named the Onix "Black" range, both models the RH and the RH Pro are painted in a stealthy black with either blue accents (RH) or red accents (RH Pro). It's the beginnning of another step in the journey of entrepreneur - Craig Middleton - who started the brand less than two years ago. Hear more about his story from the video below.
Onix have announced that Former World Champion - Rob Hayles - has agreed to be their chief tester, his signature can be found on the bike, hence the reference to RH. I think that is a major coup as Rob (also affectionately known as "killer") is one of the most respected guys out there and people value his opinion. He's got his name on these two framesets, so that's quite an endorsement.
Having seen both bikes in the flesh, I have to say they are both stunning with stealthy black paintjobs, offset by some nice black gloss accents and a either a striking blue (RH) or red (RH Pro) providing the main colour contrast.. Both are aimed at the second bike market, with prices starting from £1649 for a tiagra groupset equipped RH model, Shimano 105 starts from £1849, Ultegra from £2149.
The RH Pro is +£200 more than the RH, as it boasts performance geometry, integrated cabling and carbon drop outs. A Shimano 105 equipped model starts from £2099, Ultegra equipped from £2349.
Both bikes are very striking, with distinctive two tone paint schemes. They boast coloured inside forks and rear chainstays, the RH Pro has a distinctive bold red stripe down the toptube which has a lovely sense of modernity to it. Bikes can be built to specification using the Onix bike builder within the website, so let your imagination run free.
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| Onix Black RH |
Toray T700 3k carbon - weight 1030g (490mm frame without paint)
Taller head tube providing a less aggressive, more sportive riding position.
BB30 bottom bracket
Top tube internally cabled
Aluminum rear dropouts
FSA Orbit C40 integrated headset
Straight bladed full carbon fork with carbon steerer & carbon dropouts - weight 380g without paint.
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| Onix Black RH Pro |
Toray T800 UDM Carbon. 70g lighter per frame than 12k/3k carbon - weight 960g (485mm frame without paint)
Wider Flow chainstay design. Chainstays flow out side the seat tube and into the down tube giving extra width to the BB area providing stiffness and stability to the ride.
Wider seatstays for extra stability
BB30 bottom bracket
Fully internally cabled
Carbon rear dropouts
FSA Orbit C40 integrated headset
Straight bladed full carbon fork with carbon steerer & carbon dropouts - weight 380g without paint
The bikes will be available from April 2011and Onix are offering a 10% discount for pre-orders, which effectively means you'll be able to get a better groupset if you're prepared to stump up your hard earned now and wait until then for delivery. Nice idea if you're in the market for a new bike for Spring (reaches for wallet).
I have to say it's hard to pick between them, however the RH Pro is simplicity itself, reminding me of the Specialized Venge in terms of paint job. Onix Chief tester - Rob Hayles - had nothing but praise for the way it performed in testing, I'm looking forward to riding one.
You can learn more about the whole story by reading the Onix blog here. As an entrepreneur trying to make it in the market, you have to tip your hat to Craig Middleton. He's designed a couple of beautiful bikes, got a big name as his front man and a crowd of people supporting him on social media. I think we'll all see a lot of these bikes in coming weeks and in the spring when deliveries start. More pics can be seen here.
Very exciting news for Onix and a great coup getting Rob Hayles on board.
ReplyDeleteJust a couple of questions.
Do Onix develop and design their own frames?
On the new black range, how are they a progression from the established Aurious and Azzuro?