The Tora Story

Founded in 2020 by friends Neil and James, Tora Cycles was created from a shared passion for the mountain bikes that shaped the sport. The bold silhouettes, uncompromising engineering and unmistakable character of the early freeride and downhill era inspired a simple ambition: to build modern steel mountain bikes with the same sense of individuality, but engineered for the demands of today’s riders.

That vision became the EVH, our first frame. Drawing inspiration from the iconic Brooklyn Machine Works Race Link, it established the design language and engineering philosophy that continues to define every Tora frame.

Today, the range has grown to four purpose-built platforms, each developed for a different style of riding while sharing the same commitment to craftsmanship, performance and durability. Every frame is built from aerospace-grade T45 steel tubing, chosen for its exceptional strength, ride quality and longevity. It is a material that can be repaired, recycled and ridden for years to come, because we believe great bikes should be built to last.

Tora has always been about more than geometry charts and suspension kinematics. It’s about creating bikes with character, machines that stand apart in both appearance and performance, and that inspire confidence every time the trail points downhill.

Whether you’re chasing race runs, big mountain lines or long days with friends, every Tora frame is designed with the same philosophy: timeless design, uncompromising engineering and a ride that never loses its sense of fun.

Tora Cycles Today

Tora Cycles is now solely owned and operated by Neil Pengilley, continuing as an independent, founder-led frame brand built around craftsmanship, creativity and a deep connection to riding.

With 40 years of cycling experience and three decades spent as a skilled fabricator, Neil brings a lifetime of hands-on knowledge to every frame. His background spans the creation of race cars, motorcycles and bespoke engineering projects, developing the precision, problem-solving and attention to detail that define the Tora approach today.

Alongside fabrication, creativity has always been a central part of Neil’s life. Through 20 years as a professional tattoo artist as the owner of Dust N’ Bones Tattoo, he has developed a unique eye for form, detail and individuality. This same creative process is evident throughout every Tora frame—from the distinctive silhouettes and carefully considered details to the finishes that make each bike unmistakably Tora.

Every frame is individually handcrafted by Neil in his workshop on the edge of Dartmoor, Devon, UK. Machined components are produced locally, and frames are finished by a trusted local powder coating partner, allowing every stage of the process to remain close to home and under careful attention.

When he’s not in the workshop, Neil can usually be found riding the trails surrounding Tora HQ, just minutes from the workshop itself. Whether testing prototypes, refining designs, creating content or simply enjoying time on the bike, every Tora frame is shaped by real-world riding experience.

Tora Cycles represents a return to thoughtful, purposeful frame building, where engineering, craftsmanship and individuality come together to create bikes that are built to be ridden, admired and shredded for years to come.