Rapha founder invests to help scale-up British brand Quirk Cycles
Independent British framebuilder Quirk Cycles has revealed Simon Mottram, founder of Rapha, has joined as a lead investor ahead of its next phase of expansion.
Quirk, known for its award-winning handcrafted bikes, is targeting a £500,000 fundraising round to scale its boutique performance bike line-up. Quirk is currently preparing to launch its new models in early 2026.
Quirk Cycles was founded in London and the investment from Mottram supports Quirk’s vision to evolve from bespoke workshop to global boutique brand — one that remains rooted in craft while embracing cutting-edge performance innovation.
Simon Mottram, Founder of Rapha and Lead Investor in Quirk Cycles, said: “What drew me to Quirk Cycles is their absolute authenticity — the same spirit that drives 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. 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, Founder of Quirk Cycles, added: “Simon redefined what cycling could mean to people — he built a brand that connected deeply with riders. 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.”
Noting that the high-end cycling sector continues to show resilience amid wider market challenges, Quirk Cycles said it “stands at the intersection of innovation and authenticity — two qualities increasingly absent in mass-market offerings”. It said its “commitment to individuality and technical excellence positions it to capture a growing audience of riders seeking connection and meaning in performance cycling”.
