FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 19, 2026
I'm going to keep this simple because you deserve that.
The last few years have been the hardest this industry has ever seen, and Knolly has not been immune. But we have been fighting through it: restructuring costs, tightening operations, and doing the difficult work of right-sizing the business to match a new reality. We were making progress.
That progress was cut short. Our bank, RBC, has made the decision to call in our account. This comes at a time when RBC is posting record annual profits- $20.4 billion last fiscal year. RBC has been consolidating aggressively, and small businesses like ours are feeling the consequences. In an already concentrated Canadian banking landscape, the options for companies in our position are narrowing, not widening.
I'm not here to litigate our bank's priorities. But when a business is doing the hard work of recovery and its lender chooses to write down the account rather than work through it, while posting the most profitable year in Canadian banking history, the community that supports us deserves to know that.
I want to be direct about what this means and what it doesn't.
What it means: We are now in a position where we must evaluate all restructuring options to determine the best path forward. That process is underway. I expect to have more clarity within the coming weeks and will share it as soon as I have it.
What it doesn't mean: This is not an obituary. I started Knolly in a garage because I believed I could build a better bike. I still believe that. The question in front of me right now isn't whether Knolly should exist, it's what Knolly needs to look like to keep existing. We have been in active development and on the cusp of releasing several new models before these recent events occurred.
Our highest priorities right now are two things: taking care of our staff, and taking care of our active customers. Those are the people who have put their trust in us most directly, and they will be at the centre of every decision we make from here. At this time we are confident that we won't leave any customers hanging: we have already satisfied the vast majority of open orders and are actively resolving the few that remain.
To our dealers: you have been the backbone of this brand. I'm not going to make promises I can't keep today, but protecting those relationships is central to every conversation we're having.
To our riders: your bikes are not going anywhere. Knolly frames are built to outlast trends, that was always the point. I will keep you informed, honestly and without spin. That's the only way I know how to do this.
More to follow.
Noel Buckley
Founder & CEO, Knolly Bikes
Comments
This is Leadership! A founder demonstrating true Entrepreneurial Spirit, and honest communications, well done Noel. RBC is Canadas ‘Dirtiest’ Bank, funding environmental damaging projects and lacking an ESG acumen. Say good riddance and head to Vancity my man!!
This is Leadership! A founder demonstrating true Entrepreneurial Spirit, and honest communications, well done Noel. RBC is Canadas ‘Dirtiest’ Bank, funding environmental damaging projects and lacking an ESG acumen. Say good riddance and head to Vancity my man!!
This may be a painful time to offer such a suggestion, but a million of us folks over 70 could use a bike similar to yours. Something like a 1970 ccm mustang with a longer wheelbase. Beach cruisers are too high. My torn rotator cuff shoulders cannot lean forward. Government health agencies might appreciate and help endorse such a safe way to enjoy healthy excercise.
Your bikes are amazing!! I was a fan was a fan when you dropped the original delirium. Took a while, but I finally got the fugitive 140. It has been perfect!! Going to have so many adventures thanks to your bike. Praying for everything to just align so you can get back to making these bikes. They have great impact to us riders!! Forever grateful for your visions to make amazing bikes!!
I really enjoy my Chilco, I hope you guys will come back!
Meanwhile, RBC claiming they’re helping businesses. Can you believe the balls on these guys?
https://finance.yahoo.com/news/time-shift-narrative-rbc-launch-144000129.html
Thank you for sharing Noel, we feel you and wish you clarity to find that mix/model/ target that will define what Knolly needs to look like to keep existing. We are exited to here that you had been in active development and on the cusp of releasing several new models before these recent events occurred. And completely stand with you on the two priorities, is there anything that us; the Knolly community, could do to help with taking care of ‘our’ staff? Offer part time jobs or temp transfers …Perhaps we (at least I know I am willing to listen and share some thoughts) could also offer an idea bank, if you want to bounce ideas… I am also an Engineer and would love to help if I can.
Love my Knollys.. I currently have two and there’s definitely room for more, 10 years with the brand and hoping for more.
All our support is behind you Noel and Knolly crew!! With a current stable of 9 models of Knolly bikes in this house, regardless of what happens we will continue to ride and represent the brand, passion and engineering here in Australia. Times and business can be tough, so here is hoping and praying for a positive outcome for Noel and the whole team – whatever that may look like.
I‘ve met Noel many years ago in Whistler and a couple of months later the same year at Eurobike in Germany … where he actually talked me into buying my first Knolly frame: bright green 27.5 Warden 😆 I still have it, I still ride it, I still love it! Best bike I‘ve ever had … well, apart from all the other Knollys I’ve bought and built in the meantime (Fugitive, Chilcotin and Delirium). Knolly till the effin‘‘ wheels come off!!! Hang in there, Noel & crew!!!
Other bikes will come and go, but my forever bike will always be my Tyaughton. Hang in there, please.