Richie Schley Joins Fezzari Factory Team

Feb 11, 2020
by Daniel Sapp  

bigquotesWe are proud to announce @richieschley as our newest Fezzari Factory Athlete. Richie is a legend in the industry and is known for always pushing the envelope in mountain biking year after year. He is credited as the pioneer of freeride mountain biking and slope-style, and is inducted into the Mountain Bike Hall of Fame. Welcome to the Fezzari Family, Richie!

photo
From Richie's Instagram story, it also appears that he'll be on Crankbrothers wheels, Continental Tires, DVO suspension, and using the Sprindex adjustable springs.


Posted In:
Industry News eMTB Racing Rumours Fezzari Richie Schley


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141 Comments
  • 203 9
 Ah, so there is an ebike uglier than the new santa Cruz, phew...
  • 15 3
 I'm so happy this is First Comment
  • 15 2
 When does Ellsworth créate à e bike ?
  • 1 3
 I am waiting until Ventana builds one. My first MTB, my last eMTB, maybe in 20yrs Wink ...
  • 8 1
 This HAS to bring a new Team Robot post. Richie, Crankbrothers, e-bike. it has ALL the ingredients.
  • 1 1
 @RedBurn: don't you "Dare" wish that evil on us
  • 59 33
 Why are mountain bikers riding ebikes? Seriously? Why is pinkbike promoting them? Why are old pros jumping on the bandwagon (even weir!) I know bike companies own bike publications in a way via ad dollars and have to create new revenue cycles (no pun intended) but man that's another sport altogether! Like riding a moped with fancy suspension and components..sucks if you ask me..
  • 33 1
 To pay the bills.
  • 25 2
 E-bikes are the only growth segment of the cycling industry in dollars and in units. Every single other section is going down. So its not surprising brands are making them
  • 4 13
flag jjvander (Feb 11, 2020 at 19:13) (Below Threshold)
 Kinda like riding bikes in Carolina beach. Bwaa had! Ever been to Canada? Humble yourself nc brother. Ritchie is was ans is the real deal. Bet you barely scratched the surface in the pisgah.
  • 12 8
 Have you ever rode one?
  • 3 0
 @JacksonTM:

.....Gravel?
  • 19 8
 Cause they’re really fun
  • 36 15
 They don’t ride like a “moped”. They ride like a mountain bike. They handle like a mountain bike. They are mountain bikes. It’s really not hard to understand. People like going downhill but not uphill. Why not make it easier to go uphill so you can do more downhill? Go ride one and then you can trash them if you want
  • 5 7
 @ccbush8: mopeds are way cooler though
  • 2 0
 @5afety3rd: you got me there
  • 18 7
 @JacksonTM: enabling laziness is always more profitable than the alternative.
  • 8 2
 You must be the type that pedals up the mountain and shuttles back down.
  • 6 11
flag EnduroriderPL (Feb 11, 2020 at 22:00) (Below Threshold)
 @ccbush8: so we're back to the time when average "bike" was like 25kg? And it handle like a mountain bike right?

When it has "e" in the name that is NOT a bike.
  • 5 3
 @ccbush8: you got it...all the comments support my notion that 95% of mountain bikers are punters who need to let loose......ride fast ride hard.....ebikes are great
  • 5 4
 @EnduroriderPL: well technically it is a bike. Coming from it’s long lost root word of bicycle, bi meaning two and cycles meaning circular rotations caused by wheels it is factually still a bike. You see because it has two wheels.
  • 8 2
 @ACree: If you want more sick mountain bikes brands like spesh and santa cruz need to turn a profit. Alls im saying. And also ebike riders have been proven to get the same workout as regular mountain bikes. They just get more miles logged.
  • 2 5
 @ccbush8: technically bike doesn't have ANY kind of motor no matter gas or electric.
  • 2 0
 @enis: I own a gravel, don't know what happened, I blinked and it was there, next to my evo: a steel italian road frame.
  • 27 7
 The first wave of freeriders took trucks to the top, rode however they wanted, and didn’t give a f*ck what the established mountain bike community thought of them. Yes some of them are being strategic about their careers, but nobody should be surprised that they enjoy eMTBs.
  • 1 13
flag EnduroriderPL (Feb 12, 2020 at 2:15) (Below Threshold)
 @brianpark: it nice to read a comment from someone from PB crew, and also it explains why we read about motocross on a mtb site. And it' turns out to be very easy reason: you just simply don't give a f*ck and want to enjoy "biking" without need to break a sweat so here's my proposal: put your emtb on your mx motorbike to go uphill even faster and save some battery for later.
  • 1 0
 @JacksonTM: I read somewhere that gravel bikes boomed last year too, but that could be short-lived.
  • 5 1
 @SurfNC why does it bother you? Are you forced to ride an ebike?
  • 7 0
 Possible they have no preconceived negativity about them and realize it is fun just like riding a pedal bike is fun?
  • 5 0
 @EnduroriderPL: out of curiousity do you consider mx to be easy as well because there is a motor?
  • 2 6
flag EnduroriderPL (Feb 12, 2020 at 6:41) (Below Threshold)
 @JacksonTM: easier than moving by only your own strength (or lack of it)
  • 1 0
 You answered your own question. It money. The bike companies will make the bikes because they think people will buy them. Pinkbike will promote them because Pinkbike is a website and they need advertising dollars from these companies to stay operate. And riders will ride the bikes because the companies will pay them to do so. Do all these guys love ebikes? I would have to assume that at least some really don't like it, but are willing to promote is as it may be the only way they can get the same level of sponsorship. And if that what they have to do in order for them to continue to do the other things they enjoy in life (like riding regular bikes) then I can't blame them.
  • 4 2
 Because they are fun. Simple enough?
  • 2 1
 @Cro-Mag: so true, all the city slickers in their pastel colors and Subaru's thinking they are raddest people out there. How dare anyone do anything different.
  • 4 2
 Because they are awesome. If Weir is on the bandwagon there is a reason. He has family money so it is not about marketing with him, it is because he enjoys them. If you read the interview with Rob from SC, he expects 50% of their bikes sold to be eBikes in the next 4 years.

FYI I don't have one right now and ride 100% analog with a bunch of ebikers. Everyone should stop complaining and just go pedal their bikes digital or analog.
  • 2 0
 @salespunk: didn't weir almost die from a heart condition? Pretty sure it is a safeguard of survival to do what he enjoys (nothing wrong with that).
  • 4 0
 @JacksonTM: I'm sure I'll regret jumping in on this but I have to point out this statement is not true.

Mountain bike sales are growing and now represent the lion's share of bike sales. This is per actual data: www.npd.com/wps/portal/npd/us/news/press-releases/2018/the-us-bike-specialty-market-pedals-ahead-with-mountain-and-electric-bicycles-leading-the-pack

In addition, watching Bicycle Retailer and reading the articles, conglomerates that are publicly traded and own a number of brands have been reporting huge profits in their mountain bike segments.

It is true that ebike sales are growing but they are barely cracking the double digits right now. They do show promise but as of this year, specialty mountain bikes are carrying the cycling industry.
  • 1 1
 @bhowl: mountain bikes are the biggest percent right now. But ebike is the fastest growing. Also per BRAIN. Ill find the article here. Also for my shop's experience we increased our ebike sales in 2019 almost 4x what they were in 2018. They are now 25% of the whole shop revenue. We are primarily a mtb store we dont stock road bikes.
  • 1 0
 @bhowl: Not from brain but fortune quotes ebike sales increasing 78% last year (201Cool and total traditional bike sales dropping 3% this is by units, $ amount is going up everywhere.
www.google.com/amp/s/fortune.com/longform/ebike-sales-on-the-rise/amp My point was that manufacturuers need to capitalize on this massively growing section of the market if they want to grow, which all businesses do. But i concede mtb is the biggest by volume and dollars right now for sure. Cheers
  • 2 0
 @JacksonTM: Thanks for sharing! I think where we get tripped up is that growth vs. actual percent of the total pie are not the same. No doubt the percentile growth has been mega but (hyperbolizing here) selling 10 bikes this year over 2 bikes last year is a huge percentile but a small number. Glad to hear your shop is seeing such a bump.

It's been two years now but I sat in a Trek press meeting and they reported a huge "growth" in e-bike sales which were (then) up to 9% of their total sales. Not that impressive.

The numbers I'd like to see is to have eMTB parsed out from all e-bikes. Commuters and other forms of e-bikes are surly moving more units (but I could be way wrong here.) It's cool that your shop is able to capitalize on that but I wonder if your story is the same as the IBD network at large?
  • 2 0
 @bhowl: I think you're right, the actual shops aren't the ones selling the majority of these Ebikes it's online markets and such. Where we are we sell more E-MTB. But we are fairly small town with good riding nearby. Most cities I'd expect the commuters to be doing better and in the market overall. (could this be the first respectful debate between actually semi informed individuals on pinkbike??? Who knows.)
  • 2 0
 @JacksonTM: Haha! Thanks for sharing your input, time will tell where all this stuff ends up.
  • 30 2
 That thing got hit by every ugly branch on the way down.
  • 31 14
 “Richie is a legend in the industry and is known for always switching bike sponsors in mountain biking year after year”
  • 11 9
 Could you please list off the 20 -25 years worth of bike manufactures he has been on?
  • 26 4
 4 brands I can recall in over 20 years is far from every year.

Rocky
Rothwild
YT
Fezzari

I would say that’s less than Gwin in 10 years
  • 17 4
 Just a joke, seemed to me like he moved around a lot. I don’t know? Let’s carry on with the e-bike debate.
  • 2 1
 @dtroyan123: it's an interesting point though - guys in mtb switch brands so much, I think it devalues the brands slightly. How many brands has Danny Hart ridden for? I love Danny, but I couldn't care less about any of the brands he's been on - his results have been roughly the same across the board. Maybe all they're paying for is some visibility?
  • 3 0
 Sometimes its not the athletes decision due to bike manufactures contract running out and not being renewed due to xyz
  • 4 14
flag sanchofula (Feb 11, 2020 at 20:13) (Below Threshold)
 @dtroyan123: so you got caught dissing Ritchie and it’s like “that’s cool, just move along”

You’re a douchebag, that comment was out of line, say your sorry.
  • 14 2
 @nurseben: please forgive me internet-mountain-bike-policeman
  • 17 0
 I'm just gonna leave this here...

www.pinterest.com.au/pin/453385887469294819
  • 1 0
 Huge lol. I needed that.
  • 20 4
 Good for Richie. Hopefully he gets a few bucks for doing this. The bike however is ugly as sin, and is an eMTB so lamer than dealcholized beer.
  • 2 1
 Hey. As someone who enjoys de-alcoholized beer I resent that.
  • 2 1
 Hey. As someone who enjoys de-alcoholized beer I resent that.
  • 23 0
 @ldhbaker: double post? better lay off the o'doul's, amigo. Wink
  • 3 2
 I have to admit I kind of wanted to say something similar it just turned out " dickish " .... but yeah this is what I wanted to say ... or close ... f*ck Im bipolar ....good for R and making extra bucks but i would have declined it and got myself a Santa Cruz....
  • 2 0
 Ill take the ebike over the zero gravity beer. At least id get a buzz
  • 3 1
 the bike is made in the land of no-alcohol. it makes sense
  • 3 0
 @savagelake: at 0.5%, just have to drink enough of it...
  • 1 0
 @downhillbrill: I know they serve up a nice brew in Moab! #moabbrewing
  • 12 2
 If you’re going to make an ebike at least make it halfway attractive. That thing is hideous.
  • 9 0
 wtf more ebikes? i thought they had a filter for that shit
  • 8 1
 I own his helmet, tried on like 15 helmets, and his was the one that fit! Thank goodness for his wonderful head.
  • 2 0
 You also have iXS to thank for that.....their stuff is legit.
  • 8 0
 that moment when you hit rock bottom
  • 5 0
 Damn, I don't want to hurt anyone but this bike looks like a wallmart bike!
  • 3 1
 I don’t own a Fezzari or an ebike, but their build spec is close to all the other direct brands. Which includes top level components and design. The other pics I’ve seen of this model look much more appealing. A quick glance at the YT decoy and Fezzari are fairly close in price and specs.
  • 4 0
 I’m working on a sad, lonesome country song called “All My Heroes Ride Ebikes Now”
  • 9 4
 Richie, awesome. E-bike, who cares? Aren't there sites for motorcycles?
  • 5 0
 And I thought they only made pizza
  • 4 0
 Chris (owner) and Tyler (son) have been doing a great job for a while now. Utah - some of the best riding not in the PacNW.
  • 1 0
 I didn’t know the brand was from Utah! Great riding there for sure.
  • 2 0
 Yeah the name...
Owned a few of the road bikes and dealt with the wtf name is that?
Had a CR4 looked like Cry, total all a rounder though. Saving up for an Empire. 850 grams and passes mnt bike testing.
I’m old school and was 90’s free ride AF. Great to see riders still earned ng a paycheck.
  • 1 0
 Tyler Coward is not Chris Washburn's son but Jordan is. You may have sampled some of Tyler's family's work though throughout the world. www.clowardh2o.com
  • 5 0
 My other eBike is a Fezzari
  • 1 0
 @takeiteasyridehard: individually sure they are fine I'm even more or less freinds with a couple, but as a voting populous they are f*cked. If you know of a city within 20 minutes of epic skiing and 7/10 mountain biking that's hiring engineers that isnt controlled by a borderline cult you let me know and I'll move there
  • 3 0
 I thought: oh, that’s weird, it’s a regular bike that looks electric, but then I realized!
  • 13 13
 I dont get old legends that still strive to get sponsored...like fine Hall of Fame and all and I respect them and I remember those ancient movies timez I loved the shape of an Elseworth but when you get to be an old fart you should just accept it take it with honor and buy your own Santa Cruz bicycles. At least you get to have a good ride,look good and you re happy.
  • 21 0
 As long as they provide value, they'll find sponsors. What's selling more bikes - a living legend interacting with riders at demos, festivals, etc., perhaps teaching clinics, getting travel articles/photo epics published, dropping videos, etc - or your generic dude bro second tier racer?
  • 2 0
 Moto is the other way around for some reason. I think it will be that way until everyone who rides mtb becomes a racing fan. Time trial racing will never be that exciting to watch unfortunately. I think its better for everyone if racers and relevant freeriders are getting all the money.
  • 3 1
 I'd sponsor Tippie if he came free...
  • 7 8
 Maybe cuz you’re not a legend?

Jealous much?

The guy has history, Fezzari is a business.

He’s trading on his history, seems fair if it’s his history and he earned it.

Don’t be a dick just cuz your history ain’t worth nothing.
  • 6 12
flag barbarosza (Feb 11, 2020 at 20:24) (Below Threshold)
 @nurseben: what Smile ))) jezzz-ehs I said I gave him all the credit .... that was my take on it. and how I see it .... so you perceived me being a dick and then you threw your dick comment on how f*ckin smart are you ? okay so you re the shop having Richie s back as I see you re 54 and selling one of these " ferrari " s bikes .... like I said he has the money to get himself a Santa Cruz he should just do that and f*ck all this mumbo jumbo pro rider shit at + 50 ....god damn ancient sapiens
  • 4 2
 So you should get out to pasture from your job when you are 45 too then?
  • 11 0
 @shredddr: Well, there's a deal I can refuse!
  • 6 1
 MTB is a career & business, not just a hobby, like for you. These guys are valuable because they have decades of experience, with research & development, product feedback, marketing, public relations, progressing the sport, And pushing the gnar factor along the way. How do you like the bike you own now? Thanks in part to these guys. They sit in on meetings, have to hit goals, just like every other job. Experience is invaluable in every industry.
  • 3 1
 @bretttippie: darn it! you're still locked up with YT then?

As for Richie - there aren't many guys getting rich in the bike industry. Hard to begrudge Richie helping out a growing brand and cashing a few more paychecks while he can. He's earned it.
  • 6 1
 What an ugly bike Eek
  • 4 4
 what a good comment! I upvoted you twice but the system said I already did once
  • 2 0
 I've got a soft spot for budget brands with decent products, especially if they operate on a direct-to-consumer scheme. But this... No. Just no.
  • 4 0
 Dude that bike looks gross! ha
  • 1 0
 Schley, first point of business. Change the brand name to something more awesomer. I keep thinking it’s the Ferrari of fez’s.

Utah has a park named Dead Horse... you get where I’m going?
  • 2 1
 If Pinkbike offers the opt-in or out of e-bike news, can we also find a way to opt out all the comments from the likes of those who don’t have anything good to say?
  • 8 5
 so these Ferrari s of bikes,you get them at Walmart ?
  • 6 3
 Fairclough, Schley + ebikes....... eventually your heroes will fail you.
  • 2 0
 He works in the factory now? Better wear a hairnet so you don’t get those curly locks caught in a machine
  • 4 1
 When Walmart makes an xtreme e-bike, it will look like this
  • 3 1
 I don't mind that people change their sponsors but I just can't stand that title photo is on electric vehicle.
  • 3 0
 ebikes are like fat birds, I just don’t want to ride them
  • 2 0
 The brand is spelled wrong in all accounts on this post. It is spelled Fezzar-E
  • 1 0
 Cool, more videos of bikes with motors, where they're not currently allowed. Can't wait!
  • 2 0
 More Schleyble-tops coming your way soon on the Insta.
  • 4 2
 I have a Fezzari La Sal Peak and it's been an amazing bike.
  • 3 2
 This Richie guy could potentially Schley the competition.
  • 4 0
 Would Rocky Mountain be upset if Fezzari made a model called the Schleyer?
  • 4 1
 @mikeyrides: only if it looks as bad as that fezzari motorbike with pedals
  • 2 0
 What ???
  • 2 1
 They should make an ebike of blue steel...
  • 2 2
 This comment wins - fricking youngsters with no bent cultural touchstones....
The look is Blue Steel, it’s gorgeous!
  • 4 3
 Richies been killing it for years. So much style. Legend!
  • 3 2
 Richie is a stallion! Fezzari are lucky to have him!
  • 1 0
 Get in that mine and dig out my bike materials please
  • 4 2
 These bikes are dogshit.
  • 1 0
 maybe riding on top it looks better
  • 2 0
 Schley is a legend
  • 1 0
 The pioneer?
  • 1 1
 FRIDGE FULL OF HÄÅGEN DĀZS
  • 4 6
 Ritchie Schley, the master of remaining valuable and getting paid by European brands.
  • 6 0
 Fezzari was born and bred in Utah...
  • 2 5
 @ccbush8: thats what makes it stoopider than I thought it was
  • 2 0
 @ccbush8: Yup. It's about as European as Novara.
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