A cyclist turned up late to a meeting with oily hands after his bike chain dropped. Instead of just complaining about it, he invented a tool to fix the problem. Then he took it to Dragons Den and got offers from all five Dragons. Here is what happened to Rehook after Dragons Den.
What Is Rehook?
Rehook is a lightweight cycling tool designed to get your bike chain back on without getting your hands dirty. The tool weighs just 20 grams, clips onto your bike frame, and can re-seat a dropped chain in about three seconds. No oil on your hands, no ruined clothes, no being late.
Wayne Taylor, a tech worker from Norwich (originally from Teesside), invented Rehook after dropping his chain on the way to a meeting. He arrived late with oil-stained hands and a soiled shirt. Rather than accepting it as part of cycling life, he started prototyping solutions using 3D printing.
Wayne developed the business in his spare time while raising two young boys, renovating his house, and working full time. His wife Anna Taylor-Maughan helped him build the business alongside him.
The product range has since expanded beyond the original chain tool to include the Rehook PLUS (a multi-tool weighing 60 grams with hex keys, spoke keys, screwdriver, and wrenches), the Tyre Glider, and the Revive Drivetrain Care Kit.
The Dragons Den Pitch
Wayne appeared on Series 17 of Dragons Den in September 2019 seeking £50,000 for 15% equity. He had already built the business to £150,000 in turnover.
The pitch had some drama before it even started. Wayne’s two boys came out in chickenpox just before filming, and he had a wardrobe malfunction walking into the Den. Another contestant lent him a spare shirt that was too big and needed a wash, but Wayne ironed it and went in anyway.
Theo Paphitis was initially sceptical, doubting whether there was a market for the product. But when Theo volunteered to demonstrate putting a chain back on with his bare hands, he quickly proved Wayne’s point. The mess was real.
What followed was one of the best bidding wars in Dragons Den history. All five Dragons made offers, a rare achievement on the show. Peter Jones offered £50,000 for 30%. Tej Lalvani offered the same amount for 25%. Deborah Meaden matched Tej’s offer. Sara Davies also threw in a bid.
After some Dragon in-fighting, Wayne chose Deborah Meaden’s offer of £50,000 for 25% equity. Peter Jones was visibly disappointed at losing out.
What Happened After Dragons Den?
The partnership with Deborah Meaden proved to be exactly what Rehook needed. The Dragons Den appearance coincided with a surge in cycling popularity during the COVID-19 pandemic, which was a perfect storm for the business.
Rehook’s profit margin grew by approximately 85% following the investment. The company secured a major retail deal with Halfords, getting the product into over 350 stores across the UK. Products are also available on Amazon, eBay, and through the company’s own website at rehook.bike.
The company expanded its product range, manufacturing the parts for its flagship products in the UK. Wayne has committed to having components made within a bicycle ride of their base in Norfolk, supporting local suppliers and the local economy.
Rehook was awarded a Queen’s Award for Enterprise, one of the highest accolades a UK business can receive. The company now generates an estimated turnover approaching £750,000 annually with consistent 40-50% year-on-year growth.
Rehook Net Worth 2026
As of 2026, Rehook has an estimated net worth of between £200,000 and £500,000 based on its turnover, growth trajectory, and brand value. The company continues to grow and innovate in the cycling accessories market.
Wayne Taylor built Rehook because he was fed up with oily hands. It is the kind of simple, problem-solving invention that Dragons Den was made for. Getting offers from all five Dragons confirmed what every cyclist who has ever dropped a chain already knew: this product makes sense.