If you’ve been in the cycling universe for a while, you know Rolf Prima. The Oregon-based wheel company sponsored the infamous US Postal Service Team in 1999. Their unique paired-spoke design wheels were a mainstay with the iconic red, white, and blue Trek 5500, leaving casual cycling fans wondering, “How does that even work?” That sentiment hits again with the 16-spoke Rolf Prima EOS AR wheels.
Fast-forward many (many) years and Rolf Prima is still cranking out quality wheels. They still employ the eye-catching paired spoke and craft some of the more unique wheels on the market.
Rolf Prima EOS AR
The newest addition to the Rolf Prima line is the all-new EOS AR (all-road), which the Rolf team calls its most advanced performance base wheel to date.
Only 16 Spokes
How? Like their existing ARES AR offering (reviewed here), the new wheels feature a 25mm wide, 40mm deep carbon rim profile and hooked rim design. Rolf added an all-new carbon layup and reduced the spoke count to 16 spokes front and rear.
Why reduce the spoke count so much? Rolf Prima says placing the spokes together makes an inherently more aerodynamic wheel. Plus, the equalized spoke-pull creates snappy acceleration. With the EOS AR’s unique shape and rim strength, Rolf could reduce the spoke count further, offering a 16/16 disc brake wheel for the first time in the company’s 25-year history.
Cerakoted Hub Shells and Ceramic Bearings
The wheels roll on ENDURO XD-15 ceramic and stealth-curated hub shells for increased longevity and striking aesthetics. The complete wheelset weighs only 1385 grams.
What’s the Weight Limit? Despite the low spoken count, Rolf attaches no weight limit to the EOS AR. The engineering team confidently speaks about the strength and durability of the wheelset. Rolf Prima says the wheel has a more supple ride quality while maintaining snappy acceleration and precise steering. We have some coming for review, so save your comments.
“After releasing this wheel’s predecessor, the Ares AR, we realized that the wide, deep rim offered strength and stiffness beyond any other road rim we’d designed. So, we could change the layup to reduce weight without adversely impacting durability. Because of this rim’s specific design and layup, we could reduce spokes without adding unwanted flex.”
William Reen Rolf Prima – Engineer
Rolf Prima EOS AR Pricing and Availability
The new EOS AR is available now and retails for $2999.00. Look for a full review coming
