Rocky Mountain's Parent Company Changes Name To... Rocky Mountain?
Today Procycle, the parent company of Rocky Mountain Bicycles, announced they would be taking on the Rocky Mountain brand name and dropping their Miele and eVox lines of urban and electric bikes. We caught up with Raymond Dutil, the owner and CEO of Procycle to dig into the future of the North Vancouver brand. Their full press release is included below.
It's not often that a parent company takes on the identity of a subsidiary brand. Why are you rebranding?
It was a two-part process. First, we decided to focus on one brand only: Rocky Mountain. Internationally that’s what most people know us for, but in Canada we had the Miele and eVox brands for urban, electric, and kids bike markets. Moving away from those offerings allows us to put all our resources into product development and marketing for Rocky Mountain, and to focus exclusively on our mountain bike business.
Once we decided to focus only on Rocky Mountain, the decision to adopt the name across our entire company made sense. It’s just simpler. One brand , one vision, one team.
Will Rocky Mountain stay in North Vancouver? Will the geographical base of the company shift to Quebec now?
Of course Rocky Mountain will keep a foot firmly in North Vancouver. The spirit of the company will span the country now, with our R&D and marketing development centre in BC, and our head office in Quebec.
We’re not cutting jobs or making major structural changes, we’re just putting all our resources into high end mountain bikes. Our goal is to be the best mountain bike brand within 5 years—not the biggest, but with no doubt in riders’ minds that we are top of the heap. We already think that today, but we want to push further and we need to be focused to do it.
Are global mountain bike sales strong enough that you'll make up for the lost revenue from your non-MTB brands?
First of all, we’re going to keep our “Solo” gravel bike. It was designed with a mountain bike spirit and we love it.
But to answer your question, yes. There’s no doubt that with no urban and no road bikes we’ll be leaving money on the table in the short term, but we think we’ll make that up quickly with our new focus.
The MTB market is growing, but we’re also a small fish in a big sea so we’ve got lots of room to grow before we run up against the limits of any market. With a global market we need to be deeper, less spread out, and more focused. Competition is fierce, and we want to make some waves.
Will Rocky Mountain now produce cheaper "urban" and kids' bikes to fill the void for your dealers?
No, it’s a different focus for the company. We’ll be working on new kids mountain bikes, but no urban or road bikes.
We've heard persistent rumours of people being in talks to purchase Rocky Mountain—or perhaps that it has already been purchased by a silent partner. Is there any truth to those rumours? Who owns the company?
I’ve heard those rumours too, but they’re not true. I own 100% of the company, and haven’t entered any talks to sell it. I strongly believe in the strength and sustainability of Rocky Mountain, especially with us putting the entire company behind the brand.
I’m better at buying companies than selling them anyway.
Will you continue working with independent bike shops? Will you go direct?
The IBD model is there to stay, but it will need to adapt. How we do business with shops will change over time. Everyone knows the internet exists, but our premium product does need premium service. That’s where we want to be represented.
Was it hard to give up what you’ve built as a brand over the years?
Business-wise it was an easy decision to make, but locally it was a bit emotional. Everyone here in Saint-Georges de Beauce knows us as Procycle, and we’ve been involved in the community for so many years.
I started Procycle 41 years ago, with a very different focus. It’s changed and grown over the years, but it was never a consumer-facing brand. Charles Darwin said it’s not the most intelligent that survives, it’s the one most adaptable to change. We’ve changed, I think for the better.
Thanks for your time.
PRESS RELEASE: Rocky Mountain
Beginning on June 19, 2018, Procycle will become Rocky Mountain, streamlining from three brands to one in a move that builds on strong momentum and targets continued growth. The name Procycle, and its brands Miele and eVox will be retired.
“This decision allows us to focus all of our energy on the brand with the most opportunity to grow,” said Raymond Dutil, CEO of Rocky Mountain. “You can imagine how difficult a decision it was to say goodbye to the name Procycle, which has been in the family for nearly half a century. But the choice was clear: this exciting growth for Rocky Mountain demands we put all of our combined strength behind its name and aspirations. One brand, one vision, one team.”
Globally, mountain biking—and in particular e-mountain biking—is the segment of the cycling industry with the strongest growth. That’s why Rocky Mountain has also made the strategic decision to be true to its North Vancouver roots and focus solely on mountain bikes, transitioning hybrid bikes out of the lineup, beginning with model year 2019. Rocky Mountain will benefit from resources previously allocated to Miele and eVox, as well as increased R&D investment.
“We understand this decision will have a significant impact for our dealers in Canada, especially those who have stood loyally by our side carrying Miele and eVox since day one,” said Raymond Dutil. “Those brands grew year after year thanks to their continued efforts. Because of their support, and our shared success, this decision was not an easy one, but it was the right one. From the bottom of my heart, thank you.”
The announcement includes the following key points:
* Miele and eVox brands will be transitioned out of the Canadian market (where they are sold exclusively)
* Affected staff’s roles will be retained and re-scoped for the transition towards Rocky Mountain
* Remaining eVox and Miele stock will be offered to dealers on a first-come, first-serve basis
* All warranties for Miele and eVox will be valid until the end of their term
“It is important to note that Procycle—now Rocky Mountain—is a family business with deep roots in Beauce, Quebec and beyond,” said Juli Dutil, director of strategic development & creativity. “We will now work and play as a unified team—the Rocky Mountain team. We are not downsizing, we are not restructuring; rather, we are regrouping and refocusing our strengths and talents as an organization into a single goal: to grow a premium, heritage Canadian brand and better nurture it towards its potential.”
The company name has been changed to reflect the focus and direction of the organization, and to gather the entire staff behind the brand. They will be able to improve development processes, carry out reinvigorated R&D, and work as a team to create the best experience possible for Rocky Mountain customers and community. The legal entity will remain Industries RAD Inc., Raymond Dutil continues as the sole proprietor of Rocky Mountain, and there are no major changes to the organizational structure. The head office and electric R&D department for Rocky Mountain is in Saint-Georges, Beauce, QC, and the development centre with its R&D facilities, marketing and customer service teams is in North Vancouver.
“It has been an exciting period for us, with our strategic planning process now completely revamped,” said Raymond Dutil. “We are now positioned to deliver both bikes and a customer experience that live up to our own high expectations. While it’s difficult to put years of work and relationships to the side, we have full confidence that the end result will be a more streamlined company, a focused and engaged staff, with brand and sales growth for years to come. I am very proud of the direction the company is taking, and how our entire organization has embraced these changes.”
Key Facts
* Procycle (Rocky Mountain) will transition out of the brands Miele and eVox by fall 2018
* Rocky Mountain will focus on a lineup consisting of mountain bikes, electric mountain bikes, and kids’ mountain bikes
* Procycle will become Rocky Mountain in name
* No positions were eliminated as part of these structural changes
* The company’s legal entity remains Industries RAD Inc
* Raymond Dutil remains the sole owner of Rocky Mountain
* Rocky Mountain has an expanding electric R&D department in Saint-Georges, Beauce, QC
* Rocky Mountain’s head office remains in Saint-Georges, Beauce, QC, and the Development Centre and R&D facilities remain in North Vancouver.
* For more information on the history of Rocky Mountain, visit http://www.bikes.com/en/our-story
PROCYCLE
Procycle was founded in 1977. Over the past 41 years, its employees have manufactured and assembled over 8,000,000 bicycles in Saint-Georges, Beauce, Quebec. Procycle purchased North Vancouver-based Rocky Mountain in 1997.
Most recently, the Procycle portfolio has managed three owned brands: Rocky Mountain, Miele and eVox. Procycle has seen consistent growth in sales revenue over the past five years, and has expanded distribution of Rocky Mountain bicycles to more than 45 countries. On June 19, Procycle becomes Rocky Mountain.
ROCKY MOUNTAIN
Rocky Mountain Bicycles has been designing, developing, and perfecting mountain bikes in and around North Vancouver, BC since 1981. The diverse playground of the North Shore has offered us the ideal proving grounds for all kinds of riding.
As riders ourselves, we obsess over material quality, frame geometry, and suspension optimization to live up to the legendary ride quality we’re famous for. We strive to create bikes with the perfect balance of all the variables.
Our engineers work closely with our athletes in a rapid, agile feedback loop. If you ride the legendary trails near our North Vancouver development centre, it’s not uncommon to run into pros like Thomas Vanderham and Jesse Melamed out for a rip with our designers—data acquisition sensors strapped to their bikes and notepads stuffed into their packs. From the moment you throw a leg over one of our bikes it's clear that they’re made for people who Love the Ride.
Beginning on June 19, 2018, Procycle will become Rocky Mountain, streamlining from three brands to one in a move that builds on strong momentum and targets continued growth. The name Procycle, and its brands Miele and eVox will be retired.
“This decision allows us to focus all of our energy on the brand with the most opportunity to grow,” said Raymond Dutil, CEO of Rocky Mountain. “You can imagine how difficult a decision it was to say goodbye to the name Procycle, which has been in the family for nearly half a century. But the choice was clear: this exciting growth for Rocky Mountain demands we put all of our combined strength behind its name and aspirations. One brand, one vision, one team.”
Globally, mountain biking—and in particular e-mountain biking—is the segment of the cycling industry with the strongest growth. That’s why Rocky Mountain has also made the strategic decision to be true to its North Vancouver roots and focus solely on mountain bikes, transitioning hybrid bikes out of the lineup, beginning with model year 2019. Rocky Mountain will benefit from resources previously allocated to Miele and eVox, as well as increased R&D investment.
“We understand this decision will have a significant impact for our dealers in Canada, especially those who have stood loyally by our side carrying Miele and eVox since day one,” said Raymond Dutil. “Those brands grew year after year thanks to their continued efforts. Because of their support, and our shared success, this decision was not an easy one, but it was the right one. From the bottom of my heart, thank you.”
The announcement includes the following key points:
* Miele and eVox brands will be transitioned out of the Canadian market (where they are sold exclusively)
* Affected staff’s roles will be retained and re-scoped for the transition towards Rocky Mountain
* Remaining eVox and Miele stock will be offered to dealers on a first-come, first-serve basis
* All warranties for Miele and eVox will be valid until the end of their term
“It is important to note that Procycle—now Rocky Mountain—is a family business with deep roots in Beauce, Quebec and beyond,” said Juli Dutil, director of strategic development & creativity. “We will now work and play as a unified team—the Rocky Mountain team. We are not downsizing, we are not restructuring; rather, we are regrouping and refocusing our strengths and talents as an organization into a single goal: to grow a premium, heritage Canadian brand and better nurture it towards its potential.”
The company name has been changed to reflect the focus and direction of the organization, and to gather the entire staff behind the brand. They will be able to improve development processes, carry out reinvigorated R&D, and work as a team to create the best experience possible for Rocky Mountain customers and community. The legal entity will remain Industries RAD Inc., Raymond Dutil continues as the sole proprietor of Rocky Mountain, and there are no major changes to the organizational structure. The head office and electric R&D department for Rocky Mountain is in Saint-Georges, Beauce, QC, and the development centre with its R&D facilities, marketing and customer service teams is in North Vancouver.
“It has been an exciting period for us, with our strategic planning process now completely revamped,” said Raymond Dutil. “We are now positioned to deliver both bikes and a customer experience that live up to our own high expectations. While it’s difficult to put years of work and relationships to the side, we have full confidence that the end result will be a more streamlined company, a focused and engaged staff, with brand and sales growth for years to come. I am very proud of the direction the company is taking, and how our entire organization has embraced these changes.”
Key Facts
* Procycle (Rocky Mountain) will transition out of the brands Miele and eVox by fall 2018
* Rocky Mountain will focus on a lineup consisting of mountain bikes, electric mountain bikes, and kids’ mountain bikes
* Procycle will become Rocky Mountain in name
* No positions were eliminated as part of these structural changes
* The company’s legal entity remains Industries RAD Inc
* Raymond Dutil remains the sole owner of Rocky Mountain
* Rocky Mountain has an expanding electric R&D department in Saint-Georges, Beauce, QC
* Rocky Mountain’s head office remains in Saint-Georges, Beauce, QC, and the Development Centre and R&D facilities remain in North Vancouver.
* For more information on the history of Rocky Mountain, visit http://www.bikes.com/en/our-story
PROCYCLE
Procycle was founded in 1977. Over the past 41 years, its employees have manufactured and assembled over 8,000,000 bicycles in Saint-Georges, Beauce, Quebec. Procycle purchased North Vancouver-based Rocky Mountain in 1997.
Most recently, the Procycle portfolio has managed three owned brands: Rocky Mountain, Miele and eVox. Procycle has seen consistent growth in sales revenue over the past five years, and has expanded distribution of Rocky Mountain bicycles to more than 45 countries. On June 19, Procycle becomes Rocky Mountain.
ROCKY MOUNTAIN
Rocky Mountain Bicycles has been designing, developing, and perfecting mountain bikes in and around North Vancouver, BC since 1981. The diverse playground of the North Shore has offered us the ideal proving grounds for all kinds of riding.
As riders ourselves, we obsess over material quality, frame geometry, and suspension optimization to live up to the legendary ride quality we’re famous for. We strive to create bikes with the perfect balance of all the variables.
Our engineers work closely with our athletes in a rapid, agile feedback loop. If you ride the legendary trails near our North Vancouver development centre, it’s not uncommon to run into pros like Thomas Vanderham and Jesse Melamed out for a rip with our designers—data acquisition sensors strapped to their bikes and notepads stuffed into their packs. From the moment you throw a leg over one of our bikes it's clear that they’re made for people who Love the Ride.
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However, the only time I actually called the RM Customer Service for some advice on my RM front derailleur chain line:
The tech's first response was to tear a strip off me for even calling, and then begrudgingly offered some help.
Did not get a great vibe from that experience !
We hear you regarding your unfortunate experience and understand your frustrations with time spent off the bike. We also recognize that the Altitude A70 is a major purchase, one that should instill confidence and leave you with memories of great rides. We are committed riders ourselves, and will always strive to get our customer’s bikes back on trail in the shortest timespan possible.
The small crack that was found in your seatstay was taken care of under warranty, as well as the issues with your front triangle and bolt. However, the issue with your chainstay was analyzed by our R&D staff, and it was determined that it was not a manufacturers defect. The warranty against manufacturer’s defects on your bike still stands, and we’ll happily replace anything that presents an issue! Should there be another instance of non-defective parts suffering damage, we’ll sell you replacements at the lowest cost possible.
Following the decision on your chainstay, and offering you discounted pricing on a new one, you were invited to contact us at our North Vancouver R&D Centre if you had further questions. That invitation is still open if you’d like to take advantage of it!
If you have any further questions, please feel free to reach out to us directly 1.800.663.2512, or at info@bikes.com.
I weigh 60kg and there's no drops taller than 1m/3feet on the trails i ride. It shouldn't be possible for me to crack a frame even if I tried. Not exactly confidence inspiring quality.
Waiting for this one to crack so I can get something I can trust
My 2018 Instinct has been the most expensive bike that I have ever purchased. It was also the first complete bike that I have ever purchased, and I could not be happier with the quality and the ride characteristics.
Obviously s*** happens, but when comparing the customer service of RM to many other brands (especially dtc offerings) they are some of the best.
Denials of warranty coverage usually only happen when something external acts on the frame - yes, this does sometimes include "normal" bike events like crashing into rocks, trees, or your friends, but it's not hard to see why a policy that included free bikes every time you ghost ride yours off of a cliff would wind up bankrupting a bike brand pretty quickly.
The second ride out, a pivot came loose and I lost a nut for one of the pivots. I again told my shop and Giant overnighted me a COMPLETE pivot rebuild kit with all of the axels, nuts, bolts and bearings.
After that I'm a giant for life kind of guy. I believe that's how it should be. you pay an arm and a leg for something. it sucks enough to have your ride ruined when you literally didn't do anything wrong. It's even worse when you get shit on for it. Whats a couple of aluminum parts for free compared to a bike that costs THOUSANDS of dollars?
i'm not taking sides but the easier route and the best route for a company to save face is just ship the parts.
Look at swagman for example. You own a rack, even 20 years later, they'll send replacement parts without asking what happened to them. As much as i'm not a fan of their products. That's a very sound ethic for retaining and building on your customer base.
Any company will challenge warranty claims and make sure they are real warranty and not abuse/or misuse. I’ve never seen a customer get denied replacement parts as long as we documented what happened and provided pictures to Rocky.
As for the bent shock mount, seems like your LBS missed that when inspecting the bike before starting the warranty process. What’s Rocky supposed to do other than replace what they were told was broken?
I took a trip out to Hinton Alberta just out dose of jasper and visited the local bike shop. 70% of their high end bikes were e-bikes. I asked them if they sell many. They said that s
Due to the spread out nature of their trail they sell quite a few. I imagine it would work well for other disciplines as well such as farmers and rancher that don’t want to take out a big truck to check on things and hunters and sports man that just need to get where they need to go but don’t want a loud quad or dirt bike to scare everything away from them.
There is a time and a place for everything. And as long as ther is a need for e-bikes, whether we understand the need or not, it will need to be filled and there will be company’s taking advantage of that need.
"I’m not saying we will ever see an intense e-bike"
...you might want to check Jeff Steber's Instagram.
Did the bike shop I visited in Alberta sell a significant amount? Yes.
So obviously some riders find that they are fitting their needs and dropping the cash on them
On warranty issue, my DT Swiss 370 hub had a broken pawl and through the LBS it went off for warranty in mid-May and due to parts availability I still don't have it. But the LBS stepped in and set me up with a temporary replacement wheel. Sure, I want my wheel back ASAP, but even high end parts break and I am glad the LBS and parts vendors are there to help.
If I had unlimited cash, I'd be in for a Solo for the roads less traveled and the Instinct (non-BC edition) with 2.35s to ride as a burly XC.
Also RMC supports many MTB events, including the BCBR, so glad there are Canadian companies and passionate folks out there representing such an awesome sport.
From what I got from the article they are dropping hybrid and comfort bikes because that’s not where the market is going, and they are rolling Procycle, eVox, and Miele Rocky Mountain name. Also he said Rocky Mountain will have more kids bike models (to make up for Miele) and I can only assume the same would go for the eVox e-bike range as well, as long as there is profit there in the growing e-bike market
I wonder how much R&D money it takes to get a Emtb up and running, how many do you have to sell for a return on investment?
Ibis and Yeti might not have enough capital to take the risk.
Procycle bought Rocky Mountain in 1997.
Also Montanna (i think idaho aswell a bit), wyoming, colorado and new mexico. . . John denver wasnt full of $h!t
www.pinkbike.com/news/FRO-riders.html
Or is that just my meandering brain
Curious as to why?
Doesn’t look like a mountain biker.