1. LeMond Bicycles: Greg LeMond
Greg LeMond, the first American to win the Tour de France, is a legend both on and off the bike. His brand, LeMond Bicycles, is synonymous with innovation. Focusing on lightweight carbon-fibre frames and e-bikes, LeMond’s expertise ensures his bikes meet the highest standards. The company also champions sustainability, aligning with Greg’s advocacy for environmental awareness.
2. Rapha: Simon Mottram and David Millar
While Simon Mottram founded Rapha, ex-professional cyclist David Millar has been a significant face for the brand. Known for its sleek, high-quality cycling apparel, Rapha revolutionised how cyclists approach gear, blending performance with style. Millar’s racing insights have influenced some of Rapha’s premium designs, ensuring they cater to the needs of serious riders.
3. Moots Cycles: Andy Hampsten
Andy Hampsten, the first American to win the Giro d’Italia, is closely associated with Moots Cycles. Though not the founder, Hampsten collaborates on designs and promotions. Known for titanium frames that combine durability and elegance, Moots produces bikes perfect for enthusiasts who value craftsmanship over mass production.
4. Cipollini Bikes: Mario Cipollini
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Known for his flamboyant personality and sprinting prowess, Mario Cipollini launched Cipollini Bikes to reflect his passion for speed and performance. These Italian-made bikes are renowned for their aggressive designs and cutting-edge aerodynamics, catering to riders who demand both aesthetics and functionality.
5. Kask Helmets: Bradley Wiggins
While Bradley Wiggins didn’t found Kask, the Olympic champion collaborated closely with the brand during his racing career. After retirement, he became a key ambassador, influencing helmet designs tailored for competitive and casual cyclists alike. His involvement has helped Kask maintain its reputation for safety and comfort.
6. Factor Bikes: Baden Cooke
Former Australian pro cyclist Baden Cooke co-owns Factor Bikes, a premium bicycle brand celebrated for its innovative engineering. Factor has gained recognition in the pro peloton, sponsoring teams like Israel-Premier Tech, and appeals to cyclists seeking cutting-edge technology.
7. Velocio: Kristy Scrymgeour
Former pro cyclist Kristy Scrymgeour founded Velocio, a brand dedicated to creating sustainable and ethically made cycling apparel. Velocio stands out for its commitment to environmental responsibility, combining style, function, and a minimal ecological footprint.
8. Giro and Bell helmets: Lance Armstrong
Post-retirement, Lance Armstrong has been involved in various business ventures, including collaborations with brands like Giro and Bell Helmets. Although controversial, Armstrong’s contributions have influenced the cycling industry significantly.
9. Pas Normal Studios: Christian Meier
Ex-Garmin-Sharp rider Christian Meier co-founded Pas Normal Studios, a Danish brand merging high-performance cycling apparel with minimalist design. The brand has a cult following among cyclists who value aesthetics as much as performance.
10. Café Roubaix Bicycle Studio: Paul Brodie
Paul Brodie, a pioneer in mountain bike design, transitioned from competitive racing to craftsmanship. Café Roubaix Bicycle Studio reflects his passion for custom frame-building, offering bespoke designs for cycling enthusiasts.
Coming up: Cyclists venturing beyond the cycling world
While these brands keep their roots firmly in the cycling industry, some former cyclists have branched out into entirely new fields—from wine production to motorsports, real estate, and wellness. Stay tuned for Part Two of this series, where we explore how these athletes took their drive and creativity into uncharted territory.