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
All the way from Mexico, all our support to the brand. Had a Chilcotin then a Warden, which I still ride, both awosome bikes, hope you remain in business.
Knolly was a good company, but they’re mailed on Taiwan frames always led me to question their build quality. And now I have proof of their Chinese quality.. I bought my warden in 2021 and built it myself with excitement. It was a solid bike that ate everything I threw at it. I enjoyed it so much that I bought a Cache gravel bike and a steel tyaughton hard tail to add to my quiver a couple years later. But the warden eventually developed a crack on the weld between the top tube and the seat tube. Conveniently amidst restructuring, I was met with no responses from the company among several attempts to contact using a variety of methods. I had read theyat they were still taking care of outstanding customers orders so I was hopeful they might be able to help me locate a crash replacement frame at the very least, but all I got was complete radio silence. The sales rep I bought all 3 bikes from was let go and none of his colleagues would respond to emails. No responses to warranty claims not customer service pleas. So I took it to a local welder to get her going once again. It worked for a few rides but eventually the top tube also developed several stress fractures at the bend. I retired the bike completely and am just a sad maintain man without my main steed. Fortunately for me, the lesser ridden tyaughton is still ridable (for now) but I don’t have too much hope for longevity. I will ride them til they die, but then I will move on to a superior manufacturer. One who does not outsource their welding. Knollys are great on paper but I now see why the restructuring became necessary. As much as I hate to say it, I recommend staying away from knolly.l for poor customer service.
Knolly was a good company, but they’re mailed on Taiwan frames always led me to question their build quality. And now I have proof of their Chinese quality.. I bought my warden in 2021 and built it myself with excitement. It was a solid bike that ate everything I threw at it. I enjoyed it so much that I bought a Cache gravel bike and a steel tyaughton hard tail to add to my quiver a couple years later. But the warden eventually developed a crack on the weld between the top tube and the seat tube. Conveniently amidst restructuring, I was met with no responses from the company among several attempts to contact using a variety of methods. I had read theyat they were still taking care of outstanding customers orders so I was hopeful they might be able to help me locate a crash replacement frame at the very least, but all I got was complete radio silence. The sales rep I bought all 3 bikes from was let go and none of his colleagues would respond to emails. No responses to warranty claims not customer service pleas. So I took it to a local welder to get her going once again. It worked for a few rides but eventually the top tube also developed several stress fractures at the bend. I retired the bike completely and am just a sad maintain man without my main steed. Fortunately for me, the lesser ridden tyaughton is still ridable (for now) but I don’t have too much hope for longevity. I will ride them til they die, but then I will move on to a superior manufacturer. One who does not outsource their welding. Knollys are great on paper but I now see why the restructuring became necessary. As much as I hate to say it, I recommend staying away from knolly.l for poor customer service.
Aloha Noel,
Checking in on you guys, any updates? Hope things are moving in the right direction.
Still riding my podium, which i bought used & abused. ..
I d buy another one if there was an option🤷♂️
Had the pleasure of running into Mr. Noel Buckley a few times at Whistler, and he always took the time to chat with his customers. On top of that, he sent me directly to the warehouse when I bent the rear triangle on my Podium. People never forget the way you treat them, and I’d buy another Knolly any day."
Bought a Warden 27.5 frame in 2020 and built it up. Such a great bike. When my 12 year old was ready for a real mountain bike I picked up an XS Endorphin. Both have been such great bikes. Beyond that I love working with a small business that really cares about customers. Truly hope the future holds great things for the brand and the people who work there.
I grew in to MTBs watching James going down the mustang and in the gobi. Knolly has been a dream since then for someone who was from so far away from Canada. Canada became home then the dream was still alive ride a Knolly. Came down to see if I can find a Knolly and this message hits hard. Also shows why building never ends. Worked in the industry in bike building level, man you have my respect. I couldn’t continue cause idiots on the chair but you man, you are a leader. Wish, had a chance!|
Sincerely hoping restructuring allows this fantastic brand to continue its tradition of bringing top tier bikes to market. I’ve never enjoyed the sport more than when throwing a leg over a Knolly.
Knolly Rocks!! I have a 2017 Carbon Warden 27.5 and have ridden it hard and it always rewards! most wonder how I am still on this bike after they know what it has been through. After 8 + years of riding I looked to Knolly for a 29 and saw they were out… ended up w a Transition Sentinel it rides well but its not a Knolly… love Noels story and his suspension hope they can find a way back. Thanks!