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
Stay strong Knolly!
I’ve been fortunate to ride Knolly Warden for a long time, appreciating superior design and durability. My latest addition, a Tyaughton has revived my love for the finer aspects of Mountain biking to complement my Warden. Canadian bikes are among the best in the world and certainly the best for BC riding. It mystifies me why any serious Mtn bike rider in BC would ride anything other than a bike designed in Canada and especially BC, although the US companies certainly have massive marketing and race support budgets to keep the hype strong for US bikes.
This is a hard time! The US tariffs are terrible and now RBC. There’s got to be an investor, who is a sick rider and die hard Knolly fan. Knolly are truly exquisite. We still have hope!
Noel & Knolly Team, our family is on our 4th knolly and love them, so much I was going to look into a hardtail for myself. Your team and service is fantastic and the reason why we buy Knollys. How can the community support you and the team? I look forward to you-all coming out of this on top!
Damn! Im legit sad. Cant imagine how the Knolly crew is feeling. Ive had 7 Knolly’s in my stable dating back to 2010. I even took 3rd at US Enduro Nationals on the Warden C. Long live Knolly!!
Thanks for the great bikes Noel. I’m sure I’ll be adding another Knolly to the stable soon.
I’m on my 7th Knolly and have worked as an ambassador of stoke for 15 years to help put them in riders hands throughout the Southwest. I firmly believe these bikes are built with the highest standards; they excel in the harsh technical terrain thanks to excellent engineering. I look forward to Knolly continuing on in whatever form you see most appropriate, Noel. Thank you for all the great times on 2 wheels, and I know those won’t stop anytime soon.
Stay strong! Knolly makes great bikes and it sounds like you are seeing a path forward through all this. I couldnt be happier with my new ti Tyaughton – thanks Noel ;)
Hang in there Noel and Knolly crew! It saddens me to read this but I know you will sort this out and come out stronger on the other side. These past 5+ years have been brutal in the industry. Currently on my 6th Knolly and our family is on our 8th despite working in the industry for a company that produces bikes with the same intended usage. Great people and bikes have been what has kept us around and will keep us coming back.
My Tyaughton is hands-down the best bike I’ve ever owned. Bulletproof and beautiful, that’s just how Noel and the gang at Knolly build their bikes. I’m staying optimistic that you guys can chart a path forward. All the best!
Hello,
We have been promoting Knolly Bikes in our area since 2017 and sold many to happy customers. We love your bikes and they are really appreciated. I have ridden seasons after seasons all the models and we still continue.
All the best! You have the Knation behind you!