Onix: British Carbon Road Bikes from Azzuro to the Rob Hayles Range
Onix was a British bicycle brand whose early-2010s range centred on carbon road bikes, with separate options for racing and sportive riding. Its story connects a small Lancashire business, configurable bike builds and a development partnership with former world champion Rob Hayles. For riders researching an older Onix, the model name reveals more than the carbon label alone.
A small British brand with an international supply chain
Craig Middleton founded Onix, which contemporary cycling coverage placed in Preston. An interview at the 2012 Scottish Bike Show described his previous career in printing and the company's reliance on online sales and social media to reach customers. That background makes Onix an interesting example of a small entrant seeking space in a crowded road-bike market. The Washing Machine Post's interview captures that entrepreneurial setting.
British identity did not mean British frame manufacture. In a statement reproduced by road.cc, Onix explained that its Azzuro frame came from a specialist carbon manufacturer in the Far East. The publication also established that the frame shared a mould design with another supplier's product, while Onix specified different carbon material. This distinction matters: brand ownership, frame shape and manufacturing specification are separate parts of a bicycle's identity. road.cc's Azzuro review documents both the company's explanation and the questions surrounding its original design claims.
From the Azzuro to two different road-riding priorities
The Azzuro occupied the top position in Onix's 2011 range. It was a carbon racing platform offered with a choice of build components, so two examples carrying the same model name could have different equipment. Comparing complete bicycles therefore requires attention to the actual drivetrain, wheels and finishing kit, alongside frame size.
Black RH versus Black RH Pro
In February 2012, BikeRadar reported that Rob Hayles had joined Onix as chief development and test rider after initially testing its range. Two bikes carried his initials: the sportive-friendly Black RH and the racing-focused Black RH Pro. BikeRadar's announcement provides a clear guide to their intended roles.
That split is the most useful starting point when comparing the pair. A rider interested in longer organised road events would begin with the Black RH's stated purpose; someone seeking a racing platform would investigate the Pro. These are historical product intentions, rather than guarantees about an individual bicycle's comfort or suitability. Use the Onix brand page as a starting point, then identify the exact model, size and fitted components before drawing comparisons.