Beloved Cult Canadian mountain bike brand Knolly Bikes has entered receivership and is evaluating restructuring options, after its lender Royal Bank of Canada (RBC) called in the company’s account.
The news, confirmed in a statement released on 19 March 2026 by founder and CEO Noel Buckley. Buckley was quick to stress that the brand is not finished…
“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.”
The decision by RBC to call in the account came at a time when the bank posted record annual profits of $20.4 billion. “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.”
Knolly’s website is currently not accepting new orders, with all models listed as sold out.
However, Buckley was keen to reassure existing customers and dealers. “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.”
For riders worried about their existing bikes, Buckley offered a characteristically direct message: “Your bikes are not going anywhere. Knolly frames are built to outlast trends – that was always the point.”
The brand had reportedly been on the cusp of launching several new models, and had been planning to add a titanium gravel bike – the Tantalus – to its lineup.
Buckley remains defiant about the brand’s future. “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. I will keep you informed, honestly and without spin. That’s the only way I know how to do this.”
Further updates from Buckley are expected in the coming weeks.
The last significant distributor in the UK was Shorelines but the partnership came to end around 10 years ago. Since then talks and rumours hinted at a Knolly return to the UK.
Noel’s full statement is available here.
Loved my Warden, the suspension was amazing, often think about trying another.
I guess they’re not that beloved then? Moreso when you need to use an 8/9/10 year old pic of one of their bikes as thats the last time anyone saw one?
I liked the irony here….
‘ Knolly frames are built to outlast trends – that was always the point.”
The brand had reportedly been on the cusp of launching several new models, and had been planning to add a titanium gravel bike’
Not sure gravel is a trend at this stage…
Having said I can’t recall seeing a knolly on the flesh
Never could see why anyone would buy one – very niche with a daft suspension design and, as proven by the pic, challenging looks. Surprised they lasted this long.