Simon Sharp, co-founder and co-owner of iconic British bike brand Hope technology, died yesterday aged 53.

A statement released by Hope Technology reads…

It is with regret we advise of the sad passing of Simon Sharp on Monday 4th July.

Simon was one of the founders of Hope Technology alongside his friend and business partner Ian Weatherill. Every product in Hope’s almost 30 years history has had influence and input from him, from the disc brakes that originally made Hope famous through to the latest carbon fibre products. He was still in the factory every day keeping his watchful eye over all Hope’s product development, quietly working in the background, never seeking attention.

Simon was an accomplished motorcycle trials rider as well as competitive mountain biker, riding at the highest level in both. In May this year he rode in the Pre65 Scottish Two Day Motorcycle trial and the following week rode the Scottish Six Day Trial with his son Sam. An epic eight days riding around the Scottish Highlands that even his much younger son found challenging. Last year he raced his mountain bike in several rounds of the Enduro World Series in the Masters category for competitor’s over 40 years old and embarrassed many younger riders with his excellent results.

Every weekend he could be found either riding mountain bikes or trials bikes with his children and members of the Hope staff around the local Dales or further afield.

In his riding career he suffered several concussions, with the most serious resulting in brain bleed and it is believed that this may have led to CTE, a degenerative brain disease that arises from concussions and is associated with impaired judgment and depression and may have contributed to his death.

He leaves his wife Alison and three children, Sam, Katherine and Heather. He will be sorely missed and fondly remembered by all he knew him.

Everyone riding a Hope product has a part influenced by Simon Sharp and as a legacy will do for many years to come.

North Yorkshire Police said: “I can confirm our officers were called to an address in Flasby near Skipton just after 12-15pm yesterday. The body of a man in his 50s was found at the scene. An ambulance was called but sadly the man was pronounced dead. His death is not being treated as suspicious and the coroner has been informed.”

Everyone at mbr would like to express our condolences to Simon’s family, friends and colleagues.