Hope Technology products sold via our website are delivered by BikeChain Group Pty Ltd, part of the BikeSportz Imports Pty Ltd family – the official Australian distributor for Hope Tech.
At Hope Tech Australia, our mission is to fuel the passion and progression of mountain biking across the country. We’re committed to bringing Australian riders the same precision-engineered, UK-made components trusted by the world’s best – built to handle everything from local trail loops to the wildest alpine descents. By shopping through Hope Tech Australia, you enjoy all the convenience of online ordering, while your purchase supports a local Australian retailer and strengthens the MTB community nationwide. Every order helps keep the wheels turning for our independent bike shops, trail networks, and the riders who make Australian mountain biking so unique.
Hope Technology has grown from humble beginnings into one of the most respected names in cycling components. Founded by Ian Weatherill and Simon Sharp in the late 1980s, the company originally operated as a precision toolmaker for the aerospace sector. By 1989, their engineering curiosity led them to develop disc brakes for their own mountain bikes—a rarity at the time. This soon sparked the idea to turn their designs into market-ready products. What followed was a steady expansion of their product range and capabilities. From pioneering cable-operated calipers and sealed cartridge hubs in the early 1990s, to today’s full-scale in-house manufacturing of frames, brakes, hubs, and lighting systems, Hope has consistently maintained its commitment to precision and innovation. Everything is designed, machined, anodised, and assembled under one roof at the advanced factory in Barnoldswick, UK. Around half of all products are now exported globally, with the brand trusted by riders chasing world-class performance.
1985 – IPCO is Born
Ian Weatherill and Simon Sharp leave Rolls Royce Aerospace to launch IPCO, a toolmaking business serving local aerospace firms.
1989 – First Bicycle Disc Brake
Unimpressed with cantilever brakes, Ian and Simon engineer their own disc brake setup for personal use, using screw-on hubs and cable-operated calipers.
1990 – Factory Expansion
IPCO moves to an 11,000 sq ft site in Colne, Lancashire, nicknamed the 'Hope Shed', later renamed 'Hope Mill'.
1991 – Hope Technology Established
Hope Technology is formed to manufacture and sell disc brakes and hubs. The first 6-bolt disc-specific hubs using sealed cartridge bearings are introduced.
1992 – International Debut
Hope exhibits at Interbike in Anaheim, with brakes featured on 14 show bikes. A satellite office opens in California. The Ti-glide hub, made from titanium, is launched. Hope acquires its first CNC machine.
1993 – Ti-glide Evolves
The Ti-glide hub is refined with a splined version for weight savings. Hope also begins producing CNC-machined skewers.
1994–1995 – First Hydraulic Brakes
Hope releases its first hydraulic system, unveiled with a concept twin disc at Eurobike. The Big'un hubset debuts, along with Kevlar-reinforced brake hoses.
1996 – World Cup Success
The Sport lever and C2 system are launched. Rob Warner wins a DH World Cup using Hope brakes.
1997–1998 – New Premises & Products
Hope moves into a 39,000 sq ft site in Barnoldswick. Products launched include Ti-bottom brackets, the Pro Series lever, and DH4 brakes.
1999 – XC4 Launch
Hope unveils the lightweight XC4 disc brake. Steve Peat finishes 2nd overall in the World Cup, with the top 20 at the British Nationals all using Hope brakes.
2000 – Bulb Hub & DH4 Released
The versatile Bulb hub and long-anticipated DH4 four-pot downhill brake enter production. Paul Oldham joins Hope to assist in product testing.
2001 – Mini Brakes & 6-Bolt Hubs
The Mini brake system is launched. The Bulb and new Sport hubs are revised for 6-bolt compatibility.
2002 – Headsets Join the Lineup
Hope introduces stainless steel sealed headsets, along with bar end and steerer tube accessories.
2003 – Mono6ti Brakes Debut
Hope reveals the Mono6ti—the first disc brake with six titanium pistons in a one-piece caliper. Mini and M4 brakes are updated to the same Mono architecture.
2004 – Award-Winning Innovation
Hope releases its own cleaner, Sh1t Shifter, and wins a University of Central Lancashire award for design innovation.
2005 – Stems Added
Stems for XC and freeride bikes are introduced into the Hope range.
2006 – Lighting Division Begins
The Vision HID marks Hope’s entry into lighting, designed to meet staff needs. Ian and Simon also compete in the Yorkshire Three Peaks cyclo-cross event.
2007 – Vented Disc Brakes Launched
Moto V2 brakes debut with vented rotors for powerful stopping. Hope also releases wheelsets and LED lighting.
2008 – Factory Expansion to 56,000 sq ft
Hope relocates to Fernbank Mill in Barnoldswick. New launches include Shimano Hollowtech BBs and a new 4-LED light.
2009 – Danny MacAskill Goes Viral
Hope-supported rider Danny MacAskill’s video edit garners global attention. The company had no idea it was being filmed.
2010 – Staff-Centric Culture
Hope offers a custom Ride to Work scheme where staff receive bikes kitted with Hope parts. Internal testing is built into company culture.
2011 – Pro 2 Evo & Community Trails
The Pro 2 Evo hub is introduced. Hope funds the “Hope Line” trail at Gisburn Forest, and Paul Oldham wins the national cyclo-cross title.
2012 – Hope Mill (89,000 sq ft)
Hope settles into its new Calf Hall Lane facility. The F20 flat pedal is launched, and Martyn Ashton’s viral “Road Bike Party” video hits 10 million views.
2013 – #TeamGreen and Prime Minister Visit
Hope Factory Racing dominates cyclo-cross with a third Rapha Supercross win. David Cameron visits Hope as part of the "Get Britain Cycling" initiative. Guy Martin hits 112mph on a Hope-equipped custom bike.