photos by: Jake Moore

Erik Rolf – Alliance Bicycles – Ketchum, Idaho

When you build your bikes how do they take shape with your customer?

“I start talking with the customer and take what they tell me and interpret it in to a frame design. I ask them where they ride, how they ride, any fit issues, what components they want on the frame, and max tire size. I also ask them how stiff they want their frame. I am very meticulous about choosing the tubing diameter for the frame to give it the correct stiffness. I can then create the design for the frame and then send off a blueprint to the customer. Sometimes there are revisions and sometimes the design is a slam dunk.”

Do you offer any standard models?

“All of my bikes are custom one off.”

What frame construction material options do you offer?

“Titanium and steel construction. I build mostly titanium.”

What do you offer with your frames that you think sets you apart from other builders?

“I don’t try to do a lot of crazy things with my bikes. I do offer a lot of options though. My frames are available to be built for every bottom bracket available, every headtube configuration, and every dropout you could want.”

Do you offer paint and powerdercoat finishes?

“I do offer paint or powdercoat. Powdercoating is done be Spectrum Powderworks. I have 4 different downtube logos available or can do fully custom.”

If you didn’t build bikes what would you do?

“Maybe work in a bike shop or be an accountant. I have an accounting degree.”

What was your first childhood bike?

“I had a badass Murray that was flat black with red handlebars. It was a single speed type mountain bike with 24” wheels.”

How long have you been riding mountain bikes?

“Since about 13. I had a GT RTS with Race Face Turbines and Amp fork. It was purple.”

Do you have a favorite trail?

“I like to ride all over.”

Shimano or SRAM?

“Shimano. Can’t beat the latest XTR”

Burrito or taco?

“Burrito”

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