Renthal Co-Founder Andrew Renshaw Succumbs to Cancer

Motorcycle handlebar manufacturer Renthal sadly announced the passing of its co-founder Andrew Charles Renshaw on Oct. 27 following a long battle with cancer. Renshaw leaves behind three sons, Edward, James and Mark, and his wife Claudine.

Renshaw founded the company with his friend, Henry Rosenthal, in 1969, after creating a prototype handlebar for Rosenthal’s trials bike from repurposed World War II surplus aircraft aluminum. Renthal – a portmanteau combining its founders’ names – later expanded to producing handlebars for motocross bikes, and today, Renthal is the OEM supplier of choice for several off-road motorcycle manufacturers.

Beside its handlebars, Renthal also produces drive chains, chainwheels, handlebar grips, levers and steering stems for on- and off-road motorcycles as well as bicycles.

Here is Renthal’s official statement on the passing of its founder:

Renthal co-founder, Andrew Renshaw, passed away peacefully on 27th October, after a long battle with Cancer. Together with his lifelong friend, Henry Rosenthal, Andrew established the company in 1969. The “Ren” from Renshaw and the “thal” from Rosenthal make up the world famous Renthal brand name, synonymous with the revolution of aluminium handlebars.

Andrew was truly passionate about engineering, culminating in achieving Chartered Engineer status, after graduating from University. His natural curiosity for mechanical understanding, improving current designs or conceiving new solutions for motorcycle racers, led to the development of a large number of products. Many of these innovative products carry patents and all remain core to the Renthal product portfolio today.

A gentle giant of a man at 6’4″, Andrew was never happier than when educating people on engineering principles, whether it be stress-strain analysis, heat treatment or material fatigue. Despite his brilliance, he always remained modest of his achievements.

Towards the end of his life Andrew became a keen farmer, looking after his 200 acre farm, on the outskirts of the Peak District, England. Born in Manchester, England, Andrew was the loving husband of Claudine and their three sons, Edward, James and Mark.

All the staff at Renthal are deeply indebted to this remarkable man. His obsession for quality and engineering integrity remains embedded within Renthal DNA. This serves as the company’s greatest asset in ensuring the Andrew Renshaw legacy continues.

[Source: Renthal]