Rock Racing: 'Here to Stay'

by Nick Mulder at 1:48 PM EST

Michael Ball, owner of the controversial Rock Racing team, took another step in his conquest to dominate the world of cycling by introducing his team’s new product lines including bikes, equipment, and isotonic sports drinks.

The Rock and Republic owner unveiled the new “RX-1” and “X-2” carbon framesets and the “Project 4815”, a fixed gear bike with Fred Rodriquez and Ivan Dominquez at his side. The frames were designed by former Advanced Sports engineer Shane Feldon, who has worked on carbon fiber frames for other companies including Fuji and Kestrel. Feldon claims that the “hi-fi” and “lo-fi” techniques for layering the carbon sheets adds stiffness and suppleness to the frame where needed.

The new frames, sporting spectacular paint jobs, will be available in three paint schemes - pearl black, pearl white and Kosmos red. The frame sizes will range from 50cm to 60cm. In 2010 there will approximately 2000 framesets produced.

Ball told the media that these developments are just another example of his “Here to Stay” commitment after it was rumored the team would cease to exist. The future of the team in 2010 still remains unanswered, but they will likely build on the domestic and European successes that included wins in the Tour of Utah and the Tour of California.

To date, Ball has been unsuccessful in finding a co-sponsor for the team, but he has named several partners for 2010 including FSA (handlebars, stems, seatposts, cranks and headsets), Carbon Sports (Lightweight wheel sets), Vittoria (tires and tubes), Louis Garneau (helmets and shoes), Prologo (saddles), and Shimano (components).

“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.”

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