Rapha co-founder and former CEO Simon Mottram is the new lead investor of independent British framebuilder Quirk Cycles, the bike brand targeting a £500,000 funding round to take the business to the next level.
Mottram, who founded the iconic premium cycling clothing brand and oversaw its rise across two decades, stepped down from his role as CEO at Rapha in 2022. Now becoming lead investor in Quirk Cycles, he expressed excitement at the challenge of helping Rob Quirk scale the brand “into a modern, globally respected performance brand”.
As part of the expansion, Quirk Cycles is seeking a £500,000 fundraising round to scale its boutique performance range, investment that will come as the London-based brand prepares to launch new models in early 2026.
An independent British framebuilder which has won awards for its handcrafted bikes, Quirk Cycles is ambitious and suggests Mottram’s investment marks “a pivotal moment in Quirk’s journey”.

The Rapha founder said he was attracted to Quirk Cycles’ “absolute authenticity” and suggested this is key to building “every great cycling brand”.
“Rob and his team are building something truly special: a brand rooted in craftsmanship and rider obsession, with the ambition to set a new benchmark in performance and design,” Mottram said.
“Quirk isn’t following trends; it’s defining what’s next for boutique performance cycling, and I’m excited to help him scale this vision into a modern, globally respected performance brand.”

Rob Quirk was equally complimentary of his new business partner and said Mottram had “redefined what cycling could mean to people” at Rapha.

“He built a brand that connected deeply with riders,” Quirk said. “For him to believe in Quirk is both humbling and exciting; it’s a huge vote of confidence in what we’re building. We’re shaping a new chapter for performance bikes: one that’s driven by design and the thrill of the ride.”

5 thoughts on “Rapha founder Simon Mottram becomes lead investor in independent British bike brand Quirk Cycles”
A bit out of my price range
A bit out of my price range but they are some very nice looking bikes
they are indeed. I recall
they are indeed. I recall Francis Cade did a workshop tour with him, was interesting.
Rob is one of Francis’
Rob is one of Francis’ friends, he’s been all over his channel for years. Seems like a nice guy too.
…So many new bike brands,
…So many new bike brands, endless new models….the N+1 cycling industry is clearly thriving. Booming even.
Quirk is small, but not
Quirk is small, but not especially new – I first saw one probably nearly a decade ago.