Make no mistake: frame geometry remains the single most important determining factor for a bike's fit, handling and comfort. We started our research into fit by taking a long look at other high performance frames on the market. We were shocked by what we found. Riders today are being forced into making an impossible trade-off between a smaller, stiffer and more aggressive frame that can be uncomfortable, or a better fitting, more comfortable and larger frame that is less competitive.
It comes down to the most important metric in frame geometry: the stack to reach ratio. Our understanding of bike fit tells us that the ratio should be about 1.5 to be a good compromise between an aggressive and comfortable position. In fact the bikes that customers consistently consider the most comfortable are almost always right around this number. The further the ratio sinks below 1.5, the more aggressive the position on the bike will be and the more the rider will essentially be rotated forward about the hips. As the ratio rises above 1.5, the position becomes increasingly relaxed.
The challenge lies in trying to make this ratio consistent across sizes because as the frames sizes decrease, the ratio tends to decrease. Have you ever noticed that so many tall professional riders seem to have very small frames with very long stems tall seat posts? Typically, the larger frames are not stiff enough. It would seem to us that the taller riders would most likely put out more power than smaller riders, so if anything wouldn't they need stiffer frames? The fact is that if the geometry is consistent, then the lay-up must be scaled-up to accommodate the higher loads.
Simple really. Well, when we say simple, we actually mean simple to solve, incredibly complicated to build.
We discovered that very few, if any, manufacturers change the lay-up of the carbon depending on frame size. Imagine a large jeans manufacturer using the same amount of denim material to make jeans, regardless of the size of the jeans they are making.
So, we alter the lay-up depending upon the size of the frame. This means we can offer something that no other manufacturer can: our baseline frame specifications are equally stiff across the entire range of sizes.
No longer are riders forced to make compromises when it comes to frame size and stiffness. No longer must competitiveness be sacrificed for comfort.
A monocoque composite bicycle frame is constructed with varying layers of carbon fiber. While we cannot alter the geometry of the frame, the precise nature of the frame's lay-up will determine how stiff or compliant the frame is.
Other manufacturers decide how your frame is going to be constructed. But for a Rolo, it is you and not us that controls this process. This is a service that has never been offered to cyclists before.
You can decide how stiff or compliant you want your frame to be at three core points: the headtube, bottom bracket and seat tube. The result is a bespoke bike individually tailored to your specific requirements.
Exact frame construction is based on information we take from you. We feed your individual information and required characteristics
into our computer model and it provides the ideal combination of carbon, numbers of layers and construction possibilities.
To enhance this capability, we base the build recipe on a large selection of highest quality materials with varying moduli and complexity, leaving nothing to chance to ensure the perfect optimization.
If you have data from a power meter such as SRM, send it to us and we will incorporate the data into the calculations for your individual frame.
In addition, we strongly encourage you to go through a fit session with an experienced bike fitter. Once you have the results, send us the report and we will start constructing a frame and component set up that are specifically designed for you. Please also tell us what type of riding you enjoy most - climbs, descents, long flat rides – and we will also integrate this into your specification.
The Rolo Limited Edition is the lightest, stiffest, individually tailored high performance bicycle on the market. It is also fast – very fast.
A tantalizing combination of high tech engineering, Scandinavian contemporary design and tailored, hand crafted Swedish quality, delivering industry leading performance, rugged durability, jewel like quality with comfort and fit that is in a class of its own.
Let's begin with the numbers. The frame on the Featherlight version weighs 640g, the frameset 931g. As a point of comparison, the Cervelo R5Ca weighs in at a hefty 727g, or 1087g for the frameset.* Bottom bracket stiffness– the ability to transfer power – on the Prolight version, is 26 per cent better than anything else tested, according to the Zedler Institute in Germany.** The bike is engineered by A2J Technical Artisans, utilising their extensive knowledge of composite materials, lightweight structures, aerodynamics and high-end bespoke manufacturing techniques.
We like those numbers – a lot. We have worked hard to reach them. But Rolo is much more than numbers.
Cyclists do not just ride on a Rolo. They fuse. Rider and bike engage one another with the help of our bespoke bike specification system that can tailor each frame to the exact needs, riding style and all-round individuality of each rider.
Why are people with differing needs, strengths and riding styles expected to ride bikes that are the same? The simple fact is that most bikes don't fit. Yes, you can tweak them and adjust them. But this is all done after the bike has been made.
Not at Rolo. We design your individual characteristics and ride requirements into your frame from the beginning of the manufacturing process, through to the selection of the highest performance componentry, using a system approach, ensuring a synergetic machine that is tailored to your exacting needs.
From birth.
This means that a Rolo will share your DNA. It will be your bike and no one else's. No one else will be able to ride it as competitively as you, because it is yours and yours alone. A part of you.
And out on the road this means: faster, longer, better.
This is how we do it.
