With over 70 years of experience in metal transformation, Rodi has evolved from being a steel components producer for the Portuguese motorcycle industry to becoming a leading manufacturer of high-performance bicycle wheels. The company started with steel rims before quickly expanding into aluminium. And now it produces complete wheel systems in-house, supported by a dedicated hub manufacturing unit.
A new design philosophy
With the launch of the Aeron collection, Rodi aims to offer a more complete and optimised response to the needs of cyclists today, and that means adopting a new design philosophy.
While its previous SL line was highly focused on lightweight performance, Aeron was engineered to strike the right balance between structural endurance, riding comfort, serviceability, and long-term reliability.
The company wanted to produce a fully integrated platform; not just a rim, but a complete wheelset developed and assembled in-house, where all components are engineered to work together. And that’s exactly what the company did.
What’s unique is how well the entire system works together”
All of its models are tubeless-ready (hooked/crotchet type), compatible with Centerlock and 6-Bolt disc brakes, and support a wide range of freehub systems (HG, XD, XDR, MS). Its hubs feature a ratchet freewheel mechanism and serviceable internals, with cassette bodies available in aluminium or steel according to their application.
What makes the collection really stand out however, is the use of a modified high-performance 6000-series aluminium, which was developed in close collaboration with Hydro to ensure improved strength and fatigue resistance compared to other standard alloys.
“What’s unique is how well the entire system works together — from our rim profile to hub architecture. The result is a wheelset that is mechanically consistent, easy to service, and that performs consistently with stability across different riding conditions,” says Cesar Cardoso, head of innovation and engineering.
Built at home
Rodi made a strategic decision to develop, manufacture and assemble Aeron entirely in-house in Portugal so that it could have full control and more flexibility. By internalising the design and production of critical components, including hubs, rims, and final wheel assembly, the company was able to optimise the entire system around specific engineering targets, rather than adapt to external constraints.
It also eliminates dependencies with third-party suppliers, inevitably improving lead times, reducing risks, and giving Rodi a stronger competitive edge. This is particularly important in a global context where supply chain costs and delays are increasingly unpredictable. It gives the company the freedom to customise parts at an OEM level, with greater responsiveness and technical agility compared to standard off-the-shelf solutions.
Meet the models
Each Aeron model reflects a deliberate balance between structural integrity, long-term fatigue resistance, and service-friendly design, which was the result of a development process driven by real-world riding conditions and OEM integration requirements.
The Aeron 22
- Internal width for modern road tyres with 25mm profile height to ensure a structurally balanced rim
- Optimised stiffness-to-weight ratio for confident handling
- Delivers comfort and durability across varied road conditions
- Ideal for cyclists seeking predictable response and high reliability without compromising efficiency
The Aeron 25
- 25mm internal width and low 18mm profile height
- Balances low rotational mass with strong tyre support
- Performs well in technical, variable off-road conditions
- Versatile enough for broader MTB use e.g. cross-country
The Aeron 30
- 30mm internal width to support wide, high-volume tyres
- Improves traction and cornering confidence
- 21mm profile height with reinforced wall thicknesses
- Fully suited for e-MTB use with high impact resistance and torque stability
The Aeron 35
- 35mm internal width and 22mm profile height for added strength
- Engineered for high-load applications and heavy-duty use
- Delivers excellent lateral stability and long-term durability
- Ideal for e-bikes, speed pedelecs, and cargo platforms under intense load and braking forces
Entire system upgrade
The new hubs and spokes were developed as part of the Aeron project, but their modularity and robustness also make them suitable for wider applications. In fact, they will also be integrated in the previous SL series.
“Our aim is to gradually extend these technologies across our full wheel range, ensuring that every product continues to benefit from the same in-house expertise and assembly standards,” explains Cardoso.
"Aeron sets the foundation for a broader innovation ecosystem, where every design decision is made with the rider’s real-world experiences in mind," concludes Cardoso. "It capitalises on performance, longevity and serviceability, and is a credible and competitive solution for riders and OEMs seeking quality European products. Visit us at Eurobike 2025 to discover our products."
This article is sponsored by Rodi Industries.
