RIH was formed in 1921 by the Bustraan brothers in the Jordaan in Amsterdam, Holland. The name RIH is for the name of an Arabian stallion ridden by one of the characters in a Karl May novel which was very popular at the time (and still are in Europe). RIH's first championship was in 1924 when Jan Hijzelendoorn (a butcher) rode a Bustraan brothers frame to the sprint and 1 kilometre titles in the Dutch National Champions.
      In 1928 the firm moved to its present address in Amsterdam Also in 1928 Willem Bustraan Jr. joined the business with his father and Uncle.
      In 1948 Wim van der Kaay joined the RIH business as an apprentice, he is the the sole owner and still builds frames, while already over 70 years of age.
      It is estimated that RIH frames have been ridden to over 350 national championships in both road and track events and 63 World and Olympic titles.

Special thanks for translation to Freek Faro and Marty Eison

1960s  bicycle as in use in NYC
pictures courtesy Andrei Padlowski

A frame set built by Fongers-RIH in Groningen, under license
 from RIH, as an upgrade and sporty addition
Pictures courtesy Freek Faro

Marten Gerritsen's RIH

"BUILDING A RIH BIKE, PART 1"
 by WeAreThePeople

"BUILDING A RIH BIKE, PART 2"
 by WeAreThePeople