Hi, I’m Thijs Koops, a 21-year-old mechanic and former cyclist, and I’m reaching out to ask for your support as I take the leap into entrepreneurship with my own bike shop and custom brand – Sogno.

For years, I’ve been passionate about bikes, from my time as a mechanic working with top-tier teams, including a season with Team Visma Lease a Bike, to my love of building and repairing bikes. My dream has always been to create a space where cycling enthusiasts can bring their dream bikes to life, and today, that dream is becoming a reality.

Sogno isn’t just a bike shop. It’s a place where you get to design every detail of your custom bike, from the first drop of paint to the last screw. Whether it’s a mountain bike, gravel bike, road bike, track bike, or even a kid's bike – the possibilities are endless. I take the time to get to know each client’s vision and ensure that their bike is a perfect reflection of their dreams, at a reasonable price.

Starting young was a big decision for me, but it’s one that feels right. I’ve worked in the cycling industry for years, and I know what it takes to create a top-quality bike and provide excellent customer service. Being young means I have energy, the time to put in extra hours, a passion that drives me, and the determination to work hard for my clients, bringing fresh ideas and a strong commitment to success.

In April, we opened the doors of Sogno officially at the foot of the famous Cauberg in Valkenburg, a prime spot on this historic cycling route. This bike shop opening is just the beginning – with your help, I hope to take this venture even further, building the brand both locally and internationally in the future.

That’s where you come in. I’m asking for your support through this GoFundMe to help fund the start-up of Sogno. Your financial help will allow me to establish a space where cycling dreams come to life. In return, I’ve set up some exciting rewards:

• €100 and more: A tote bag from the brand and a Fixed Gear Coffee bike bottle.

• €500 and more: A full bike service (worth €200) – your bike gets the care it deserves!

• €1000 and more: Unlimited free small bike services for life! ( Everything that takes less than an hour)

Donations of any amount make a huge difference, and your support means the world to me. For our friends in Canada, the bike service reward will be available at the end of the 2025 season near Montreal. Just in time to freshen it up after the summer and get it ready for 2026.

Thank you for believing in me and my dream. Together, we can make Sogno a success and bring creativity and passion back to the cycling industry.

With gratitude,

Thijs Koops