A family-driven venture, Oxford has grown into the UK's premier distributor of aftermarket products for bikes, achieving global recognition in just five decades.
Now in its 51st year, this Oxfordshire powerhouse offers nearly 12,000 motorcycle and bicycle products, designed, refined, and validated within their 150,000 sq ft R&D center in Oxfordshire. In addition to their own extensive line, they also distribute thousands of products from major international brands. The journey began in 1973 with a simple top box...
Oxford's founder and Chairman, Alec Hammond, reflects on the early days: “Motorcycling was a different world back then. Commuting on bikes was widespread, and luggage options were scarce.”
Alec's entry into the motorcycle world began with a partnership with an innovator who had crafted top-quality top boxes but needed help getting them to market.
“I showed some samples to dealers during my work travels,” Alec recalls. “The response was overwhelming, and I knew there was a business opportunity in motorcycling, so I encouraged David to start full-time production.”
Racing to Success
Oxford’s path quickly expanded from fiberglass top boxes into bodywork, and a passion for racing emerged.
Alec shares, “We sponsored several riders early on, eventually running our own team in BSB and at the Isle of Man.”
A highlight was Oxford's role in Mike Hailwood's triumphant return at the TT after an 11-year hiatus.
Oxford's commitment to racing spanned the '80s and '90s, supporting many renowned riders. Alec fondly recalls Trevor's first TT win in 1984, a victory for a small private team against factory bikes.
Evolution and Innovation
Oxford's identity has evolved from fiberglass fairings and top boxes. In the early '80s, Alec ventured into manufacturing locks and accessories, introducing the now-iconic HotGrips in 1983.
2010 marked a significant transformation, as Oxford expanded into rider clothing and strengthened in-house R&D. Alec's son, Andrew Hammond, the current Managing Director, led this monumental shift.
Oxford's R&D center thrives on cutting-edge technology, like 3D CAD modeling and Finite Element Analysis, streamlining product development. Chief Engineer Kris Doe explains how these tools save months of time.
Investing in Talent
Oxford's meticulous approach to product development includes exhaustive testing, even for simple products like bike covers. Andrew remarks, “We take pride in seeing our covers globally.”
Quality assurance is rigorous, with testing for accelerated aging, destruction, and industry-required CE certification.
Oxford's team consists of in-house and imported talents, from both the biking industry and the broader sports and leisurewear sectors.
Being privately owned allows Oxford to truly stand by the mantra 'by bikers, for bikers.' Andrew's pride in their products is evident, always eager to discover what the community wants next.
A Legacy of Quality
Oxford's expansive product line symbolizes a commitment to enhancing the biking experience: clothing, helmets, accessories, hard parts, locks, luggage, detailers, and much more! This 50-year journey celebrates innovation, quality, and a genuine love for biking.
