Can commercial gyms order directly?
Yes. Commercial customers can apply for a trade account and use the B2B portal to prepare orders. Orders are confirmed by the Rockcity team before fulfilment.
FAQs
Common questions before ordering
Short answers for gyms, route setters and organisations preparing a Rockcity order.
Get supportNeed help with a business order?
Email [email protected] for all UK and international trade enquiries.
What products does Rockcity supply?
Rockcity supplies VTF-ABS macros, plywood volumes, wall paint systems, adjustable walls and selected accessories for commercial and performance spaces.
Are Rockcity products used in competitions?
Rockcity holds, macros and volumes have been used at top-level events including IFSC competitions and Olympic climbing events.
What are VTF-ABS macros?
VTF-ABS macros are large climbing features made using a vacuum thermoforming process (VTF) applied to ABS thermoplastic. They are as rigid as fibreglass (GRP) macros under climbing load but approximately half the weight and far less brittle. Rockcity's flangeless VTF-ABS design — developed over three years with aerospace and mechanical engineers — is protected by Patent Pending WO2025/191268. Rockcity ceased all GRP macro production in 2025 and now manufactures exclusively in VTF-ABS.
What are plywood volumes used for?
Plywood volumes add angle, height, terrain and variety to existing walls. They help setters create bigger movement without rebuilding the climbing wall.
Can Rockcity help with wall paint?
Yes. Rockcity can discuss wall paint and texture requirements for commercial surfaces, high-wear areas, training boards and wall refresh projects.
Can I ask about adjustable walls?
Yes. Adjustable wall and training wall enquiries should include available space, intended use, commercial or private setting, and timing requirements.
How do provisional B2B orders work?
Orders submitted through the B2B portal are treated as provisional until Rockcity confirms stock, production requirements, timing, pricing and fulfilment details.
Can businesses pay by invoice?
Verified customers may be able to use business invoicing and bank transfer workflows, subject to account approval and order confirmation.
Does Rockcity supply internationally?
Rockcity works with international customers and distributors. Check the distributors page first, then contact international sales if your territory is not listed.
What information helps with project enquiries?
Send the wall type, product ranges needed, approximate quantities, colours, event or opening deadline, delivery country and any budget or production constraints.
Can I ask for help choosing products?
Yes. Contact the UK or international sales contact with the wall type, intended use, budget range and any timing constraints.
What does VTF-ABS stand for?
VTF stands for Vacuum Thermo-Formed. ABS refers to Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene, the thermoplastic used in the shell. Vacuum thermoforming heats ABS sheet and draws it over a mould using vacuum pressure to create a thin-walled shell — producing macros that are as rigid as fibreglass (GRP) under climbing load but approximately half the weight and significantly less brittle.
What is dual texture on climbing holds?
Dual texture means a single hold carries two distinct surface finishes — a coarser, grippier texture across the intended contact zones and a smoother finish across non-contact areas. It is a route-setting tool: setters use the texture contrast to communicate clearly which part of the hold a climber should use. Rockcity dual-texture macros are the standard at IFSC World Cups, World Championships and Olympic climbing competitions.
What is the difference between GRP and VTF-ABS climbing macros?
GRP (Glass Reinforced Plastic, also called fibreglass) macros are cast or laid up in moulds and become very heavy and brittle at large scale. VTF-ABS macros use vacuum thermoforming to create a thin ABS shell that is approximately half the weight of an equivalent GRP macro and far more impact-resistant. Rockcity ceased all GRP macro production in 2025 and now manufactures exclusively in VTF-ABS. The Rockcity flangeless VTF-ABS process is protected by Patent Pending WO2025/191268.
What bolt size do Rockcity holds use?
Standard climbing holds use M10 bolts. For commercial and competition installations, M10 stainless steel socket cap-head bolts are recommended. The correct bolt length depends on the depth of the hold boss plus the panel thickness — the bolt should engage the T-nut by at least 10 mm of thread. Stainless steel is preferred over zinc-plated bolts because chalk creates a damp, mildly alkaline environment that corrodes zinc coatings rapidly.
What plywood thickness is recommended for climbing walls?
18 mm birch plywood is the minimum for training walls. Competition panels and any panel that will be reset frequently should use 21 mm or above. OSB, MDF and low-grade construction ply are not suitable substrates for T-nut installation under climbing load.
How long do competition climbing holds last?
With correct cleaning and storage, commercial PU holds typically last 5–10 years in a busy gym before friction performance degrades noticeably. VTF-ABS macros last longer because the texture is applied as a coating rather than inherent to the surface. The main failure modes are texture wear from rubber contact, cracking around bolt holes from overtightening, and T-nut failure from repeated resets. Regular care and correct torque extend service life significantly.
How do you clean competition climbing holds?
Brush holds dry first to remove loose chalk, then wash with a citric acid solution — citric acid powder dissolved in warm water works well because citric acid dissolves chalk (calcium carbonate) and is safe for both PU and ABS surfaces. Scrub with a medium nylon-bristle brush, rinse thoroughly, and allow holds to dry completely before reinstalling. Avoid wire brushes, abrasive pads, bleach and solvent-based cleaners. See the care and maintenance guide for the full procedure.
How do I get custom colours on Rockcity holds?
Custom colour matching is available for larger orders or full wall builds. Contact the Rockcity team with a RAL or Pantone colour reference. Standard lead times for custom colours are longer than for the competition palette — discuss requirements before placing the order.
Are Rockcity holds used in the Olympics?
Yes. Rockcity VTF-ABS macros were selected as the primary macro feature for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games climbing competition — the first time sport climbing was included in the Olympics — and were used again at Paris 2024. The selection involved evaluation by the IFSC (International Federation of Sport Climbing).
What torque should I use when installing climbing holds?
M10 bolts into T-nuts should be tightened to 20–22 Nm using a torque wrench. On multi-point fixings, use a cross-pattern to apply load evenly. Over-tightening is the most common cause of cracked hold bosses and T-nut pull-through — a torque wrench is strongly recommended over an impact driver. Always check for movement before and after installation.
How much lighter are VTF-ABS macros compared to fibreglass?
VTF-ABS macros are approximately half the weight of an equivalent fibreglass (GRP) macro. At large scale — features over 600 mm — this typically reduces a three-person handling requirement to two people and significantly speeds up reset workflows. The weight advantage increases with feature size because VTF-ABS shell thickness stays proportionally thinner than a GRP casting of the same volume.
Where is Rockcity based?
Rockcity Climbing Holds is based in Hull, UK. Manufacturing, design and dispatch all operate from the Hull facility. Rockcity has been producing competition climbing holds since 1992.
What is Rockcity's patent WO2025/191268?
Patent Pending WO2025/191268 covers the manufacturing process Rockcity developed to produce flangeless VTF-ABS macros with the thin edge profiles and insert geometry previously only achievable in fibreglass (GRP). Most VTF-ABS macros from other manufacturers retain a visible flange around the perimeter. The Rockcity process, developed over three years with aerospace and mechanical engineers, removes that flange while maintaining structural integrity and the precise edge profiles required for competition-grade hold geometry.
Is there a minimum order quantity?
There is no fixed minimum order quantity for B2B customers. Smaller orders are treated the same as larger ones through the portal. For factory-direct or out-of-stock items, practical minimums may apply depending on production batch requirements — discuss with the Rockcity team before placing the order.
What are typical lead times for Rockcity orders?
Lead times depend on stock availability and order type. In-stock items can typically be fulfilled within standard dispatch timescales. Factory-direct orders for out-of-stock items or custom colours require additional production time — discuss timescales with the Rockcity team when submitting the enquiry. Competition event orders should be discussed well in advance of the event date.
What is the difference between climbing macros and volumes?
Macros are large climbing holds — grip features with defined texture and hold geometry that climbers use as handholds, footholds or body features. Volumes are structural wall additions — typically plywood or fibre shapes — that change the angle, direction or surface geometry of the wall itself. Macros are fixed to the wall with bolts; volumes are bolted to the wall panel and may themselves carry T-nuts for holds. Rockcity manufactures both VTF-ABS macros and plywood volumes for commercial and competition use.
What wall paint does Rockcity supply?
Rockcity supplies the Prowall range of commercial climbing wall paint, developed in partnership with Coo-Var. The range includes base coats and texture coats designed specifically for climbing wall surfaces — covering grip, durability, cleaning resistance and colour consistency requirements for commercial gyms. Contact the Rockcity team with wall area, surface type and colour requirements.
Do Rockcity holds come with T-nuts?
T-nuts are not automatically included with holds — they are a separate wall installation component. The T-nut specification (thread size, barrel diameter, flange type) depends on the panel substrate and installation method. For new wall builds, Rockcity can advise on T-nut specification. For existing walls, the T-nuts are already installed in the panel and holds are bolted directly into them.