It’s been just about 23 years since paired spoke technology was first licensed by prolific inventor Rolf Dietrich. Since then, an incredible amount of technology has changed when it comes to the humble bicycle. Batteries are everywhere, carbon fiber is common place, and every marginal gain is celebrated as the next best thing. In spite of that, Rolf Prima is still doing their thing – albeit under new ownership and under a new roof. While 2018 sees the introduction of a new brand for Rolf Prima which focuses on traditionally spoked wheels, it only seems to strengthen the brand’s resolve when it comes to building top shelf, paired spoke wheels. By hand. And predominantly in the U.S.
Before Rolf Prima was ever in Eugene or a thing for that matter, the brand started as a license to Trek for the paired spoke technology along with a few other patents, which lasted from 1996-2001. After their agreement ended, Dietrich wanted to start his own company in Northern Ohio. While this was taking place, Brian Roddy and two other product managers who used to work at Trek and had worked with Dietrich, relocated to Oregon to work for Burly in 1999. As fate would have it, Dietrich would end up contacting Roddy and the two other engineers in 2002 about getting the band back together so to speak. It was 3 vs. 1 on where to locate the business, and nothing against Ohio, but Oregon won out. Rolf Prima was born.
