von Frauen entwickelt
Hi, I'm Raphaela, a passionate mountain biker and designer. I love developing products, thinking creatively, finding technical solutions, and getting hands-on.
For over 10 years, I've been experimenting with fabrics, colors, and materials, developing functional bike, outdoor, ski & workwear apparel at Schöffel, Zimtstern, and Engelbert Strauss.
I always wanted to join the outdoor bike industry to combine all my hobbies.
Engineered by women
When I started mountain biking, I often rode alone. I didn't know anyone else who shared the same passion. That changed when I met my first biking girls through the "Pfadjägerinnen" (Trail Hunters) in Augsburg.
And suddenly, there was more than just sport: support. courage. solidarity.
But also the same problem again and again. Our mountain biking clothing doesn't really fit, it looks so-so.
This feeling changed everything. And that's exactly how RaphRoxs was born.
NO MORE BOYS CLUB. HEY GIRLS, WE RIDE OUR OWN ROUGH TRAILS
The cycling industry has traditionally been heavily male-dominated. Women too often have to choose between "doesn't fit properly" and "doesn't exist for me."
I wanted to change that. RaphRoxs stands for functional bikewear especially for us female mountain bikers.
Raphroxs is here to do things differently. From technical materials to inclusive sizing. RaphRoxs is on a mission to empower more women to ride their own raph trail.
Developed with expertise, passion, and true community power.
Empowered by Community
RaphRoxs' development process is a collaborative effort with the community. Female mountain bikers provide their feedback directly via social media, in WhatsApp groups, or during ride outs on the trail.
This results in a collection that grows out of the scene and benefits from many different perspectives.
Furthermore, RaphRoxs wouldn't be what it is without the incredible motivation the community provides. <3
Why start a bike brand?
Because mountain biking and the MTB girls are simply inspiring. The solidarity and support you find in mountain biking is unmatched in any other sport. That's why we girls deserve our own brand that perfectly captures this vibe.
RaphRox's @Desire Lines Podcast
RaphRoxs was recently a guest on the desire lines campfire podcast and, together with Norman Bielig and other inspiring founders from the cycling and startup scene, discussed founding experiences, challenges, and creative solutions. In the startup episode (#173), Raphaela Franke shares valuable insights into the world of RaphRoxs and her entrepreneurial journey. Tune in to learn more about her story and the inspiration she offers for other founders!
Learn more
RaphRoxs @ISPO 2025
The startup RaphRoxs , a mountain bike clothing brand, presented itself for the first time this year at ISPO Munich, the world's leading sports trade fair. As part of the special exhibition "10 Years of ISPO Masterclass," founder Raphaela Franke presented her innovative concept: functional mountain bike clothing exclusively for women. Developed by a designer who is herself a passionate mountain biker. RaphRoxs pursues a clear mission: To make women in mountain biking more visible and to create products that reflect their body shapes, needs, and community spirit. The collections are born from a deep understanding of female anatomy, performance requirements, and the unique camaraderie of the mountain biking community. "I want to show how strong, creative, and diverse women in mountain biking are and how important it is that their needs are taken seriously in product development," explains founder Raphaela. "ISPO was the perfect place for me to present my vision to an international audience for the first time." At the trade fair, RaphRoxs showcased its first prototypes, offered insights into the development process, and presented the brand's community-based concept. A key element of the brand is the active involvement of female mountain bikers in design decisions, from feedback sessions to co-determination of product features. The positive response and great interest at ISPO confirm the potential of this approach: RaphRoxs is filling a gap in the industry, which has long been characterized by male-oriented product developments. RaphRoxs now plans to further develop the prototypes, enter the first production phase, and involve the community more. Therefore, the launch can start in April 2026 .
Learn more
RaphRoxs wins pitch with Stoff im Kopf
Four Months That Changed Everything – My Journey with RaphRoxs in the "Stoff im Kopf" Accelerator Sometimes in life, there are those moments when an idea suddenly becomes reality. Participating in the Stoff im Kopf accelerator program was exactly such a moment for me, and I can already say: these four months have not only shaped my startup RaphRoxs but also me personally. What exactly is "Stoff im Kopf"? "Stoff im Kopf" is the only textile accelerator in Germany and is aimed at startups from German-speaking countries that want to shape the future of the textile industry. In an intensive program lasting approximately four months, founders are supported in further developing their ideas and taking them to a new level. Since its inception, over 230 startups have been supported – and I had the chance to be a part of it with RaphRoxs. Four Months of Development, Focus, and Growth These four months were intense – but exactly what I needed. Our idea was examined from all sides, questioned, further developed, and most importantly, we were encouraged. We were made to truly think of everything. The support from the mentors and coaches was particularly valuable to me. They not only provided professional guidance but also strengthened me mentally. Especially in the early phase of a startup, this is incredibly important – because doubts are simply part of it. It's even better when you have people by your side who believe in you and help you see your own path more clearly. And then there were the other founders. People going through exactly the same thing. The exchange, the conversations, the mutual pushing – that was priceless. The Big Moment: Our Pitch on Stage After four months of hard work came the moment everything had been leading up to: the pitch. Standing on stage with a well-developed concept, presenting to an audience, and knowing that everything hinged on this – it was an incredible feeling and for me, it was also emotional to talk about my dream, my passion, in front of so many people. I was very nervous at the beginning, because presenting your idea and getting straight to the point in just 3 minutes is really not that easy. And of course, the questions afterwards. But I mastered it. Confidently. Focused. With full conviction. And then came the moment I won't soon forget: I won the pitch. I managed to emotionally connect with the audience. I firmly believe that they felt what I am passionate about. For RaphRoxs.For mountain biking.For strong girls.For design.For functional and stylish mountain bike apparel. This energy, this motivation, and this passion were present in every second of my pitch. Many thanks to my friend, family & the MTB girls for their support <3 and to all coaches and mentors for this great program.
Learn more
