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
Other bikes will come and go, but my forever bike will always be my Tyaughton. Hang in there, please.
Sorry to hear this . Only recently got to experience the Knolly ride a couple of years ago . A Tyaughton made its way into the stable . Have several other rides , but keep reaching for Knolly . Was just asking if you were bringing it back into the line up in titanium . Hope you endure and keep up the good fight . Go easy
A bank that doesn’t care about small busines. No shocker there. I have my opinion about bankers. Not much of it flattering.
I take pride in my bikes, Noel. A gen 4 Warden and a gen 6 Chilcotin. The Warden frame recently hung up, I’ll be looking to build another 650b. And the Endo looks just about right. Until then, keep on keeping on.
Keep fighting the good fight.
We, you customers will be there to back you through the tough times, and will be there to celebrate your victories as if they were our own.
You established a cult like following , not for your flash, but for the engineering you’ve delivered to us.
Keep fighting the good fight.
We, you customers will be there to back you through the tough times, and will be there to celebrate your victories as if they were our own.
You established a cult like following , not for your flash, but for the engineering you’ve delivered to us.
Sorry to hear this.
I love my Chilcotin so much. It’s changed the way I ride and look at the trail. When thinking about eventually replacing my bike the only brand that comes to mind is Knolly!
Ah man, that sucks! So sorry to hear this Noel. I’ve had at least one Knolly in my garage since 2009 when I bought that Delirium T from you at Interbike. You know I love your bikes and your company. Really hope you’re able to work through this.
You might take the high road and choose to not litigate the banks, but we all certainly can — I can guarantee that RBC won’t be getting any business from me or my family any time soon. My first “real” bike (ie. one that didn’t put my health and well-being at risk when the trail pointed down) was a used 2016 Warden, bought on consignment from Black’s Cycles. That led to a Fugitive 138, and I’m sure it will lead to another down the road (long before I need a newer, or better bike, because both the Warden and Fugitive are more capable than I am). Best of luck to the Knolly family in getting past this, growing bigger and stronger!
Noel and team,
I have been riding Knolly for over a decade. Podium, OG Chilcotin, new Chilcotin, two Fugitives, and now a Tyaughton.
My son was in diapers playing with the pedals on my first Knolly sitting in our living room. Now he is racing Enduro on a large Fugitive.
Somewhere along the way these bikes stopped being just something I ride and became part of our cycling story. Race weekends, long trail days, progression, and time together.
I have seen a lot of bikes come and go. There is still nothing that rides like a Knolly. You can feel the intention, the durability, and the ride quality in a way that is hard to explain but easy to trust. Whatever the future holds, I wish you the very best, and hope you know the impact you’ve had throughout the community. Cheers, fam.
-Josh
Hi Noel,
Very sad to hear this….
I came to Knolly through Tomahawk Bikes in Oka, Canada and i was oh so glad to be a part of your company and ride the Fugitive. It was a perfect match at first ride. I heard a lot of good things about Knolly bikes and I’m so amazed to be riding one. It is tattooed on my chest now. You deserve to know this! Hold on whatever the future brings many of us will follow. I cringe saying this but what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger. Much respect to you and your crew!