Atherton Bikes launched their bike brand in 2019. Since then, they have won 3 World Cups and numerous World Cup podiums, sold over 170 bikes to customers in 16 countries, and have just launched their direct-to-market website. consumer with two key mountain bikes. products available, as well as a range of merchandise.
Their first product, the AM.150, recently won Enduro magazine’s Trail Bike of the Year award, which is a fantastic achievement after only 2 years of production.
Atherton Bikes is a collaboration between the Athertons, the most awarded family in mountain biking history, and a team of engineers at the forefront of composite technology.
Brothers Dan, Gee and Rachel Atherton have dominated the sport for years and between them they have 49 World Cups, 8 World Championships and 7 World Cups. They partnered with a group of passionate mountain bikers who bring cutting edge aerospace and F1 experience, as well as Piers Linney (BBC Dragon’s Den, Shark Tank) who brings business experience.
During his visit, the Minister of Economy had the opportunity to learn about the main processes involved in the construction of these high-performance bicycles with additive manufacturing and to see the team’s next product, which has just been pre-launched – the AM.130 – (a trail bike) to be released to the general public later this month. In a pioneering and characteristic way, the Minister saw how the Athertons had turned their backs on traditional manufacturing methods and Far Eastern production by introducing “additive manufacturing” (3D printing in titanium) to the mountain bike industry.
Chancellor of the Exchequer Vaughan Gething said:
“It has been fantastic to see the growth and success of this company in such a short time. Their passion for what they do has certainly played a big part in their achievements, and their cutting-edge technology is bringing something new to the mountain bike industry. I am delighted that the Welsh Government has been able to support the development of the business and has been awarded an R&D grant from SMART Cymru for the development of a new concept bike. I wish the team the best for the future.”
Dan, Gee and Rachel Atherton are globally recognized as mountain biking visionaries, constantly pushing the limits of the sport.
His passion for his sport is combined with a deep love for his adopted homeland and a drive to bring wealth and employment to the Machynlleth area. Older brother Dan is the creator of Red Bull Hardline, “the world’s toughest downhill race”, which is now in its eighth year at Dinas Mawddwy, as well as Dyfi Bike Park, which attracts over 500 riders a week across the UK. When the family founded Atherton Bikes, making high-quality, perfect-fitting mountain bikes, it was only natural that they set up their facility in Machynlleth.
Dan Brown CEO of Atherton Bikes said
“When we started our company, it was important to us to do things our way, and one of the key elements of our vision has been to reorient manufacturing with all the sustainability and quality control benefits that local production brings. We are very grateful for the support of the Welsh Government and proud to be based in Machynlleth, an area with a strong mountain bike heritage.”
Source: gov.wales