The birth of Topfun
When celebrating 35 years since its foundation, it is interesting and inspiring to remember how Topfun was born. It is especially so because, by going back in time to learn about the history of this company, we find that the founder and CEO of Topfun, Andreu Codina, had spent his childhood and youth achieving success in the world of two wheels, first pedal-powered and then motor-powered. Andreu was the first professional rider in the world of bicycle trials, and in 1982, at only 15 years old, he achieved glory by winning the title of European Trialsin Champion. Later, he became a professional motorcycle trials rider, being a leading rider in the World Championship during the 1980s.
Back in 1986, coinciding with his best years as a trials rider and competing for Montesa in the World Championship of the specialty, Andreu Codina realized that, given the precarious situation of the brand, he needed to start seeking the financial resources that would allow him to continue competing at the highest level. Thus, at barely 22 years old, Andreu decided to venture into the business world. Emulating one of the people who had helped him the most in his early days as a rider (his Dutch engineer, Wim Suyker), he began to manufacture and market a pressure gauge, which soon became very successful among trials enthusiasts.
At the same time, Codina took advantage of the summer break from the championships and capitalized on his knowledge and experience by doing exhibitions, participating in indoor trials, and organizing trial courses that, true to his philosophy, he did not hesitate to call the Top Fun Trial Stage.
In 1988, now as a rider for Gas Gas, Codina met Hagiwara-San, a renowned Japanese businessman who, among his many companies, owned the Arrow brand and soon became his sponsor. Arrow became Andreu's equipment sponsor, and the brand created a new line for trials under his supervision and advice. Their relationship quickly grew closer, and Codina soon started working on commission for the businessman, searching for spare parts and accessories made in Europe that could be interesting for the Japanese market. It was in 1989 that Andreu decided to create a Limited Company, which he would, of course, name Top Fun...
The Distribution Begins
In 1990, Hagiwara-San proposed to Andreu the distribution of the Arrow product line in Europe, and the Japanese businessman acquired a 50% stake in Top Fun. During this process of solidifying the business, Codina's sponsors, such as Gaerne, Twin Air, and Domino, expressed their interest in having Top Fun distribute their products in Spain.
At that time, Top Fun's offices were located in the basement of Andreu's house, with a team consisting of Ismael Tuneu and Joan Fontserè. However, severe space constraints forced them to move to the industrial area of Sant Feliu de Codines. This relocation took place on January 1, 2000.
Gas Gas and Sherco
Andreu decided to hang up his boots and end his sports career at the end of 1991, and soon received a proposal from Narcis Casas and Josep Maria Pibernat, the owners of Gas Gas, to join their company as the Commercial Director. Codina did not hesitate to accept the offer, but he maintained the activity of Top Fun by incorporating new brands that helped to complete its catalog and establish it as a leading distributor in the highly competitive motorcycle sector.
The growth of Top Fun continued steadily, but that did not prevent Codina from leaving Gas Gas to partner with the Frenchman Marc Teissier and found a new trial motorcycle brand: Sherco. In 1998, Codina agreed to get involved in the creation and growth of what would become a major competitor to his former brand, and he did so until 2008, the year he decided to sell his shares in this company and focus on Top Fun.
Pioneers in the digital age
During the company's rapid growth at the new headquarters, Top Fun saw the future of distribution in new technologies. Following an initial attempt in 1999, in 2001 they fully embraced online sales of all their trial products worldwide. The goal was to prioritize service and continually enhance its quality by staying technologically advanced and up-to-date, ultimately providing tools to help stores operate more effectively. In 2006, they established a robust B2B service that streamlined order management for customers, provided real-time stock visibility, and offered a delivery service ensuring shipments within 24-48 hours. Digitizing the catalog was another key initiative. Having everything online allowed for deeper information, including extensive photos, videos, and comprehensive details—crucial when dealing with premium brands and essential to maintaining their strategic focus on growth and digitalization, with a strong emphasis on customer satisfaction.
The 29ers Arrive and Top Fun Biking
In 2007, during a visit to One Industries in California, Andreu discovered a Gary Fisher bicycle with 29-inch wheels and didn't hesitate to buy it because he found it ideal for the Camino de Santiago he planned to undertake in the coming months. The result was so satisfactory that in July 2008, he decided to go to the Eurobike Fair in Germany, where he arranged for the distribution of Niner, a renowned American brand that championed the 29" wheel as a unique selling point, making Top Fun a pioneer of the 29” in Spain.
To introduce Niner in Spain when it only produced frames, they offered customers the possibility to assemble the bicycle according to their tastes and preferences. To achieve this, Topfun made an innovative move by creating Niner Configure, an online tool that allowed for fully personalized custom bicycle assembly. Similarly to what was done previously in the motorcycle sector, they soon created TFHPC (Top Fun High Performance Components), a line of high-end components noted for their many qualities and maximum performance. The manufacturing of each component was meticulously detailed, utilizing the latest and most reliable technologies in the process. Naturally, TFHPC components stood out among the offerings in the online configurator.
With Topfun Biking established as the importer of Niner, the company's commitment to the cycling world grew, and step by step, it secured the distribution of iconic brands such as Afton, Bolle, Brooks, Ergon, Formula, HT, Knog, Milkit, Pedro’s, Renthal, Scicon, Tubolito, WTB, and more.
Thus, Top Fun Biking was born, becoming the company’s way to overcome the severe global crisis that the offroad motorcycle industry was experiencing at the time.
Commitment to Gravel and Finna Cycles
During the period from 2008 to 2013, Top Fun Biking experienced tremendous growth, with its contribution to the company's total revenue reaching 50% by 2011. This substantial growth led to significant investments in new opportunities. In collaboration with Niner, they decided to venture into a new market: Gravel Bikes. Additionally, they created Finna Cycles, a brand dedicated entirely to Gravel Bikes, which also included an extensive line of urban bicycles in its catalog.
Relocation to Caldes de Montbui
Top Fun's growth is now unstoppable, and they decide to move to new facilities spanning 4300 m² in Caldes de Montbui, their current headquarters. The advantages of being in Caldes are significant both logistically and in terms of space. With their digital expertise and organizational efficiency, Top Fun achieves a remarkable 92% same-day fulfillment rate for all orders.
Generational succession
In a constantly evolving environment, managing generational change has become a strategic priority for Topfun. Therefore, in addition to strengthening management with the addition of Aleix Codina, the founder's son, the company has brought in a generation of young workers to harness their innovative energy and enhance the organization's ability to adapt to future needs.
At Top Fun, we want to thank all our suppliers, sales agents, and collaborators who, in one way or another, have been part of this Top Fun journey over the past 35 years.
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