About Us
Born in Portugal during the 1950s, my upbringing was filled with the thrill of local bike races and the awe-inspiring sight of European cyclists speeding through our town on their gleaming bicycles. At the tender age of 14, I ventured into my first TT race, navigating the course on a 24-pound steel bike with a single speed and 32c tires, ultimately securing a proud 2nd place podium finish.
My journey didn't solely revolve around cycling; I explored various other sports, including rowing, where I competed in a 4-man Shell and even qualified for the European finals in France. The 1970s saw me delving into the disciplines of karate and judo, pursuits that instilled in me discipline and determination. However, my educational path led me to IT school, where I graduated in architectural drafting in 1978. Despite initially finding employment in this field, fate intervened when my family made the bold decision to relocate to the United States in 1979, seeking new opportunities and adventures. Admittedly, the transition wasn't seamless; leaving behind my cherished Jaguar Mark II in Portugal to navigate the American roads in a Ford Pinto was quite the adjustment! Nevertheless, the move proved fortuitous, as it introduced me to a world of mechanical engineering and electronics. Immersed in a family tradition steeped in these fields, I found myself drawn to auto mechanics, honing my skills alongside my father in his workshop. From rebuilding diesel engines to repairing electronic devices, each task sparked a newfound passion within me. By the early 1990s, I embarked on the entrepreneurial path, establishing my own electronics business that flourished until 2010. Concurrently, I embraced a role as a national tech director for an esteemed audio components manufacturer. It was during this tenure that I garnered industry recognition, receiving a prestigious product innovation award at the renowned Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in 2004. Crafting audio systems for illustrious personalities like Jay Leno, Mick Fleetwood, and members of bands like Limp Bizkit and System of a Down further solidified my expertise in the field. Yet, amidst the rigors of business and technology, my heart remained tethered to cycling. Joining a local cycling club in the mid-1980s reignited my passion for the sport, leading me to partake in local races purely for the joy it brought. As my knowledge expanded across different trades, I found myself drawn to assisting fellow cyclists in maintaining their bikes' peak performance through meticulous tune-ups. This newfound hobby supplanted my previous pursuit of photography, where I had spent a decade capturing the magic of weddings as a side gig. In 2013, a pivotal moment occurred when I attended the Interbike show, where I immersed myself in a course on wheel building. This experience ignited a spark within me, leading to the inception of Scorpion Bike Wheels. Driven by my passion for cycling and product innovation, I set out on a mission to provide the cycling community with top-quality, handcrafted bicycle products and specialty components. As a master wheel builder, my objective is clear: to offer cyclists personalized, high-performance wheels that rival those of top brands but at prices accessible to all. With a keen focus on customization and performance, I aim to fulfill the diverse needs of riders while delivering unparalleled value. Personal achievements:
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Scorpion Bike Wheels, Building the Brand.
- 1. With two decades of experience as a National Technical Director, my career was defined by spearheading research and development efforts for numerous companies, always striving to create products that resonated with end-users while pushing the boundaries of design, innovation, and quality control.
2. Recognizing the limitations imposed by off-the-shelf products from big-name brands, my mission began with the vision of offering cyclists personalized, high-performance wheels at price points that weekend riders could afford. I questioned why cyclists should settle for exorbitantly priced products simply because of a prestigious brand label, igniting my quest to democratize access to quality cycling equipment.
3. My exposure to numerous corporate meetings shed light on the stark realities of retail pricing, where products with minimal production costs could fetch exorbitant prices in the market. Armed with this knowledge and a commitment to transparency and integrity, I set forth to redefine the wheel-building landscape by prioritizing performance, value, component selection, and rider-centric design. By aligning with emerging trends and real-world demands, I aimed to craft wheels that not only met but exceeded the expectations of cyclists worldwide.
I would like to thank:
David Potter Jr. 12 hour race world Champion
Peter Pereira Dominos/PB jaguar racing team
Jacky Francisco Triathlon Champion
Fernando Vidinha (Master bike mechanic)
Butcherbox Racing Team
ZipCar Racing Team
Tampa Bay Club Riders
NBW Club Riders
David Potter Jr. 12 hour race world Champion
Peter Pereira Dominos/PB jaguar racing team
Jacky Francisco Triathlon Champion
Fernando Vidinha (Master bike mechanic)
Butcherbox Racing Team
ZipCar Racing Team
Tampa Bay Club Riders
NBW Club Riders
