Zyvex Technologies And ENVE Composites Introduce The World's First Nano-Enhanced Carbon Fiber Downhill Bike Rim

COLUMBUS, Ohio, May 1, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- The world's first molecular nanotechnology company, Zyvex Technologies, and ENVE Composites announced an exclusive partnership to provide a bicycle rim specifically for downhill mountain biking that uses the latest advanced materials comprised of nano-enhanced carbon fiber. This new bicycle rim gives a significant competitive advantage to the downhill cycling market as proven during the last year in development and testing. The ENVE DH rim provides performance benefits to all downhill cyclists including those that compete at the highest levels of World Cup racing.

ENVE used Zyvex Technologies' nano-enhanced carbon fiber technology called Arovex, which is a carbon nanotube and graphene engineered composite material that uses the proprietary Kentera technology to create chemical bonds on the carbon nanotubes. It provides an advantage in toughness without compromising strength. It also protects from fracture damage.  ENVE has an exclusive license for this advanced technology for cycling applications.

ENVE developed the first nano-enhanced carbon fiber downhill bike with the intention of its riders winning a World Cup. After being in development for over a year, the rim carried ENVE sponsored rider Greg Minnaar (see photo) to victory at the 2012 World Cup opener in South Africa.

"The ENVE-Zyvex partnership introduces the first carbon fiber rim specifically designed for the downhill cyclist. During development and testing the wheels have won over 50 podiums in competitions around the world. These results validate ENVE's success using Zyvex's Arovex. Downhill racing is extreme in nature. The fact that these new rims have survived the most challenging tracks in the world make them truly one-of-a-kind," noted Jason Schiers, founder of ENVE Composites.

Most notable is an unprecedented increase in durability, strength, and stiffness over traditional alloy offerings on the market.  Often, top level teams will need to change rims more than 180 times during a season.  World Cup downhill racing champion Steve Peat raced on one pair of the ENVE DH wheels during the entire 2011 season. Traditional aluminum rims historically lasted him a mere one to three runs.

"Nano-enhanced carbon fiber wheels are changing what people expect from a bike's ride quality. Being the first nano-enhanced carbon fiber downhill clincher to win a World Cup is difficult. We are changing the game. The new DH rims are the best riding and the most durable rims on the market today," concluded Schiers.

The new rim design shows significant technical and competitive advantages in this demanding market.

Some scientists believe the ability to move and combine individual atoms and molecules will revolutionize the production of every human-made object leading to a potential new technology revolution.

"The use of carbon atoms in the 21st century will be as significant as the use of silicon in the 20th century. Zyvex Technologies is the first company to globally commercialize nano-enhanced products from carbon atoms," said Lance Criscuolo, president of Zyvex Technologies. "The value of building a $40-billion supply chain in less than four years means that partners like Composites One convey these advances to companies like ENVE that are constantly innovating products. Our advanced materials weigh less and have increased strength. We are changing the way products are manufactured and perform," said Criscuolo.

About Zyvex Technologies:
Zyvex Technologies unlocks the power of carbon nanomaterials. Headquartered in Columbus, OH, with facilities in Texas, South Dakota, and Washington, Zyvex Technologies was the first company to bring nano-enhanced products to the marketplace. Its commercially proven technology makes products stronger, lighter, tougher, more fuel efficient and more electrically conductive.

Visit zyvextech.com. On Twitter, follow @ZyvexTech.

About ENVE Composites:

Located in Ogden, Utah, ENVE Composites is a manufacturer of handmade carbon fiber bicycle rims and components.  ENVE is a company made up of passionate cyclists who have created a unique brand and complete product offering based on a riding lifestyle.  ENVE employees have innovated and designed some of the world's most respected products in the bicycle industry. Combined, ENVE has over 30 years of carbon and bicycle engineering experience and designs, engineers and manufactures 100% of its rims in America.

Visit www.enve.com and follow us on Facebook (ENVE) and Twitter @envecomposites.

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120501/CG97406)

Media Contacts:
Kellee Johnson, The Ballast Group for Zyvex
312-751-3959 or [email protected]

Jake Pantone, ENVE Composites
801-476-3363 x 103 or [email protected]

SOURCE Zyvex Technologies