No.22 Bicycles, a leading manufacturer of high-end titanium bicycles, has filed a legal complaint against an alleged imitator, warning consumers about fraudulent products being sold under its brand. The company, renowned for its innovative bike designs and exceptional craftsmanship, claims that its reputation is being harmed by the marketing of knockoff cycling goods.
Founded in 2012, No.22 Bicycles has earned a solid reputation for creating high-performance titanium bikes, known for their unique finishes and advanced features. The company expanded in 2019 with the launch of No.6 Composites, a sub-brand dedicated to manufacturing carbon forks specifically designed for custom frame builders. While No.6 Composites currently only produces carbon forks, a quick online search reveals carbon wheels bearing a similar No.6 logo.
According to No.22, the dispute began in January 2024 when the company restructured its dealer network and ended its longstanding partnership with Ken Goh of RideNow Cycle Club, a Shanghai-based business. Shortly after the termination of the relationship, Goh allegedly launched his own “No.6” brand, using a logo similar to No.6 Composites and applying for trademark registrations worldwide.
No.22 has contested these trademarks, filing a Notice of Opposition with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, citing concerns about fraud, non-ownership, and the likelihood of market confusion. The company plans to take similar action in other regions where Goh is using the No.6 name.
“We have always operated with integrity in all our dealings with customers, suppliers, and the framebuilding community,” said Mike Smith, co-founder of No.22 Bicycles and No.6 Composites. “Imitating the name and branding of No.6 to launch a knockoff wheel brand is disrespectful to customers, creates confusion, and harms both the consumer and the industry.”
No.22 further alleges that Goh’s wheels are rebranded and overpriced Farsports wheels. The company has a longstanding relationship with Farsports, which often supplies rims for No.22’s bicycles. However, when No.22 reached out to Farsports regarding the alleged knockoff products, they confirmed that the wheels in question were indeed theirs but stated that they had no involvement in the branding or logo application.
Goh’s website presents his No.6 brand as a premium cycling company, offering “progressively designed wheels” for athletes who demand top performance. Founded in 2023, No.6 operates from Singapore, Shanghai, and Xiamen, with a global customer base. Goh claims that his brand does not replicate No.22’s designs, stating, “We are the rightful owners of the No.6 trademark worldwide.”
“We were briefly a dealer for No.22 in China, but we have no knowledge of No.6 Composites,” Goh added. “Our No.6 brand does not produce forks, nor do we copy any of their designs. We are developing high-quality carbon racing wheels with unique, progressive designs.”
Trademark filings for both No.22 and Goh’s brand were reviewed, revealing that both parties applied for registration in 2024, with a four-month gap between their filings. The trademark status for both parties is still pending.
Branding disputes are not uncommon in the cycling industry. Earlier this year, Factor Bikes faced criticism after launching the “OSTRO VAM Scarab,” a name that drew attention for its similarity to Scarab Cycles, a Colombian custom frame builder. Scarab Cycles responded by issuing a cease-and-desist letter, requesting that Factor discontinue the use of the name and logo.
This ongoing legal dispute highlights the importance of clear and distinct branding in the competitive world of cycling, where imitation can undermine consumer trust and disrupt the market. No.22’s legal action underscores its commitment to protecting its brand and ensuring that customers know exactly what they are purchasing when they choose a No.22 bicycle or No.6 component.
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