Utah-based Razik Bicycles has announced that the official launch of the company and the presentation of its first road bike, the Vortex, will take place at Sea Otter near Monterey, California, from 10-13 April 2014.
Razik recently exhibited at the North American Handmade Bicycle Show, and held an open house for friends and family at its new Springville facility. The new company sees Sea Otter as its main introduction to the cycling community.
The timing of the distinctive Vortex bike launch appears good. With the Spring Classics now underway, shock absorption certainly comes front of mind, particularly for riders looking to take on age group racing at events such as Paris–Roubaix.
Whether it’s softening the impact of ‘the hell of the north’ or nasty cobbles elsewhere, with road surfaces taking a pounding from the elements, any relief from excessive vibration should be welcome for a notable selection of cyclists.
Razik’s distinctive IsoTruss frame design debuted in bicycle frames several years ago under the brand name Delta 7, which reportedly lost the licensing rights to the technology. Understanding the advantages and capabilities IsoTruss adds to a bicycle’s construction, a completely new company, Razik, acquired the rights and has spent more than a year in development of an entirely new chassis and product line-up.
The company’s new road frame, the Vortex, is ‘100% made in the USA’, and is completely redesigned inside and out with additional patents pending.
Arguably the most distinctive-looking bike on the market, the Vortex ‘tubes’ use an open lattice structure made up of three-dimensional pyramid-shaped trusses consisting of carbon fibre and Kevlar strands – all meticulously wrapped by hand, instead of moulded sheets of carbon fibre. According to Razik, the design ‘delivers vibration damping and incredible handling in a bike that is sub-13 pounds, depending on component selection.’
“The unique capabilities of the IsoTruss design allows us to tailor the properties of each characteristic of the ride,” explained Ryun Noble, President and Director of Engineering at Razik. “What’s truly astounding about this construction is the ability to absorb energy-robbing vibration while maintaining all the strength and rigidity to effectively transfer power and deliver precise, razor-sharp handling, all without a weight penalty.”
Razik offers the Vortex frame and fork for US$3,999; with full builds starting at US$5,799 with Ultegra components. The company notes that this is ‘excellent pricing especially considering the intensive labour and painstakingly, meticulous care that goes into the creation of each chassis.’
Razik has worked hard to improve the quality of the product without increasing prices. Many will remember that previous bicycles using IsoTruss technology sold at nearly US$9,000 for the frame alone. In addition to the improvements and cost conscious pricing, Razik frames also come with a lifetime warranty and a generous crash replacement policy.
As part of its intent to prioritize consumers, a key goal for the company in 2014 is to develop a network of IBDs, and the company has started accepting dealer applications.
“Vortex is just the beginning,” said Philip Boyack, Vice President of Sales and Marketing. “Later this year we will offer hard-tail and full-suspension mountain bikes. Both of these bikes feature several design innovations such as the capability to interchange 29, 27.5, or 26 inch wheels on the same frame, a revolutionary suspension system, as well as other patent-pending advancements.”
Razik will be exhibiting at Sea Otter in booth 355 and invites retailers, media and consumers to stop by and see the Vortex in person or take the opportunity to schedule a demo ride.
“We’ve created something that’s truly unique,” added Boyack. “Vortex looks amazing and delivers a spry, confident, and comfortable ride – at an affordable price.”
