About us

Our Story

Chaparral Cycles was founded on the combined enthusiasm and companionship of two friends, Brian and Brandon. The notion of starting their own bike company became a consistent topic in their conversations while they biked along the paths, roads, and trails above Claremont, CA.

Brian, with his natural understanding of bikes and design, and Brandon, fueled by the infectious energy of a latecomer to the sport, found common ground in their love of outdoor adventures and the challenge of “Type 2 Fun” - those experiences that are difficult in the moment but extremely rewarding in retrospect.

After years of deliberation, Brian took the lead in creating the ideal bike, designed precisely for the tough journeys they enjoyed. What's their vision? To set out from their own front doors, navigate the roads to the trailhead, face difficult routes with epic climbs and thrilling descents, and return home, all on two wheels.

Chaparral Cycles is more than simply a brand; it represents a way of life that honors the spirit of adventure, the bond of friendship, and the thrill of riding.

Co-founder

Brandon Frank

Hello, my name is Brandon. I grew up in Southern California, and my first bike was a Diamondback BMX bike, which I still have today. I've always enjoyed riding, but I really became a "cyclist" around 6 years ago, and Brian is almost entirely to blame. A long bike ride has a unique ability to simplify and focus thought. Life as a husband, father, business owner, and soccer coach is busy, and I appreciate taking advantage of those early morning hours to simply ride. I hope Chaparral Cycles inspires others to enjoy a sense of adventure and the challenge of pushing boundaries and exploring new roads.

Co-founder

Brian Sims

Howdy, y’all! I also started riding a BMX around the suburban streets of Memphis, TN. I found a passion for mountain bikes in high school in the mid-’90s. Anyone remember the first generation Manitou elastomer forks and the birth of SPD pedals?!?! I went from being a weekend warrior huffing and puffing up little hills to falling in love with 12 hour MTB races, road centuries and double centuries, to creating my own all day epics around SoCal. Over the years I’ve owned a wide range of mountain, gravel, and road bikes from big and small brands to custom frames in each category. Chaparral Cycles grew out of a combined interest in designing the right bike for the stuff we like to ride. Rather than build another custom bike for myself, we decided to design that bike and bring it to the market. Where we go from here we will figure out along the way.