Richie Schley and Rocky part company

[cam@nsmb.com]

It's true.

And you heard it hear first.

Click here. (http://www.nsmb.com/shore_news/schley_11_06.php)

[drummer_dil]

omg what will he ride now

[cam@nsmb.com]

omg what will he ride now

Have another read through dil.

[Jerry-Rig]

he actually hasn't ridden for Rocky and Shimano for awhile now but I do hope everything works out well for him.

[tFly]

I was browsing the rotwild site and couldn't even find any dh/fr bikes... Did I not look hard enough?

[Lady Gravity]

that's such a wicked shot :|

change can be good, more power to him.

[bigredpig]

good job on the scoop Cam...

One cannot argue Richie's contribution to the sport and he has done a great job raising the profile of Rocky Mtn.

He is one guy that always consistently threw down for film segments etc.

I'm not suckin up, just stating my opinion... I also heard a funny story of Richie and Wade riding in Montana, end result, they were calling him Princess Schleya...

My only question the last couple of years when I look around at bikes is, who rides a Rocky? I have seen very few FR and DH bikes rolling around the Island... what's it like on the Shore?

[Freestyler]

i'll toss this into the fray:

after meeting him a few times and seeing his recent blurb on NSX, i'm really not too keen about him. i cant help but wonder if his 'princess-Schleya' attitude contributed to part of this.

*disclaimer: he gets all the credit for pushing the sport the way he does. but, with what little i actually know, it doesnt mean i have to like him as a person

[gary j]

schley did give some poor interviews last year, (IMHO) bike, decline. for me, his attitude about haters and younger riders calling him out was just a bit much. every veteran has the same problem. he should have taken a cue from shandrow and slid out of the spotlight while still at the top of his game.

as for leaving rocky; how many aging superstars can one team have? last year team rocky's average age was probably 10 years older than the industry's. i think it's a great move to make room in the budget for the young rippers like micayla and alex.

the bottom line: do you want to leave the sport like gretzky? or messier?

[drezy]

This guy definately has some good riding left in him. A fresh start with a new company might just get him going. I wonder how many of the guys that shit all over him on this site have actually met him.


the bottom line: do you want to leave the sport like gretzky? or messier?I think either way, just not like Mike Danton.:nono:

[Jaysin]

This guy definately has some good riding left in him. A fresh start with a new company might just get him going. I wonder how many of the guys that shit all over him on this site have actually met him.

I think either way, just not like Mike Danton.:nono:


a real ass pounding:lol:

Grat's ricky shelley!:P

[1994canucks]

Am I the only one wondering why there aren’t more Rocky’s on the shore? They have Wade, Thomas and had Ritchie all riding their bikes and making the media yet as far as I can tell very little in the amount of “local” return and support.

It was only a matter of time Rocky reduced its team. I’m actually thinking they need to do more changes to increase local sales. Perhaps get the riders visiting the shops and meeting the customers.

[the Master Plan Dan]

All the power to him! I would love to be in his position... (as I sit here at the same computer everyday...facing the lovely Fraser River!)

But like 1994canucks... I question Rocky Mountain...

Even when I was living back in Ontario... they seemed to disappear. They were everywhere, esp. in the XC end of things.

I wonder what has happened to them... or are the focusing more overseas than they are here?

Anyone have any insight into this?

Cheers!

[enduramil]

From what I have heard out here from the riders. It was when Rocky went with whole new rear suspension, RM6 for example. Alot of riders had problems over the next couple of years and then finally walked away. Went looking for something else that was simple and worked.

[roasterthetoaster]

The Article said it may have been about wheels. Now are they talking about hubs or whole wheelsets? I went to Shimano's website and looked at their complete wheels and there are no wheelsets which are freerideable in my opinion, so if it is over wheels was it a case of hubs? I wonder. Either way it will be weird not seeing Richie on a Rocky in videos.

[charlie12345]

man you cant hate on him....nice guy...great rider....time for a change...to bad for rocky...good for Rotwild......
death-to-freeride-entertainment...

[Sethimus]

I was browsing the rotwild site and couldn't even find any dh/fr bikes... Did I not look hard enough?

it's a bit hidden, but you can see it here:

http://www.rotwild.de/index.php?id=613&L=1

[thedude]

I think it is a good move for both Richie and Rocky. There is no denying he's a solid rider but I guess at some point people must move on.

(Slight thread derailment)
As far as peoples comments on the lack of Rocky bikes on the local hills. I have to agree that in the 4 years or so that I have been riding I have not seen many Rockys at all.

They are too expensive compared to many other bikes on the market but most of all they crack. I know 3 guys who all had Rockys that cracked. Warranty was good to them, but bikes that crack are avoided for more reliable bikes. The new frames (RMX and Slayer) seem to be okay/good, but with their previous track record of having cracking frames, people are very hesitant to lay out a big wad of cash for a gamble in reliability.

To sell more bikes Rocky needs to:
1: LOWER their prices across the board
2: Produce a more reliable product
3: Inject some new school marketing into the mix

[cam@nsmb.com]

To sell more bikes Rocky needs to:
1: LOWER their prices across the board
2: Produce a more reliable product
3: Inject some new school marketing into the mix

I don't entirely agree with you. It's important to realize that Rocky is relatively price competitive with bike companies who are building - and often having their bikes designed - in factories in Taiwan, China and Vietnam. Despite doing all the mitreing, tacking, welding, painting and building here in North America.

While you may have not had the benefit of seeing their manufacturing process like I have , let me assure you that it's not run of the mill. Rocky has a patented process that ensures their frames are unbelievably straight and true and their paint, masking and powder coating capabilities are second to none.

I would also say that your reliability concerns are a thing of the past as well. Certainly some of the early RM models could have been more reliable but current models are very reliable and aren't more prone to failure than any of their competitors.

While we may not be seeing as many big Rockys on the hills I don't think we're seeing as many of any company's big bikes. I have noticed that the new Slayer has caught on like wildfire. It's easy to know why once you've ridden one as well - it's a very fine bike.

Like a Dekerf or brodie back in the day, Rocky Mountain Bikes aren't for everyone. For those who appreciate the next level of quality, finish and build they are worth every penny.

[Bryce]

Schley's on the cover of Bike magazine riding a Specialized

[enduramil]

Schley's on the cover of Bike magazine riding a Specialized

The new one or the old hard tail one?

[TylerDurden]

I don't entirely agree with you. It's important to realize that Rocky is relatively price competitive with bike companies who are building - and often having their bikes designed - in factories in Taiwan, China and Vietnam. Despite doing all the mitreing, tacking, welding, painting and building here in North America.

While you may have not had the benefit of seeing their manufacturing process like I have , let me assure you that it's not run of the mill. Rocky has a patented process that ensures their frames are unbelievably straight and true and their paint, masking and powder coating capabilities are second to none.

I would also say that your reliability concerns are a thing of the past as well. Certainly some of the early RM models could have been more reliable but current models are very reliable and aren't more prone to failure than any of their competitors.

While we may not be seeing as many big Rockys on the hills I don't think we're seeing as many of any company's big bikes. I have noticed that the new Slayer has caught on like wildfire. It's easy to know why once you've ridden one as well - it's a very fine bike.

Like a Dekerf or brodie back in the day, Rocky Mountain Bikes aren't for everyone. For those who appreciate the next level of quality, finish and build they are worth every penny.

Well said. +1 here.

I say to remember that the cheapest bike isn't always the best deal....

[Freestyler]

I don't entirely agree with you. It's important to realize that Rocky is relatively price competitive with bike companies who are building - and often having their bikes designed - in factories in Taiwan, China and Vietnam. Despite doing all the mitreing, tacking, welding, painting and building here in North America.

While you may have not had the benefit of seeing their manufacturing process like I have , let me assure you that it's not run of the mill. Rocky has a patented process that ensures their frames are unbelievably straight and true and their paint, masking and powder coating capabilities are second to none.

I would also say that your reliability concerns are a thing of the past as well. Certainly some of the early RM models could have been more reliable but current models are very reliable and aren't more prone to failure than any of their competitors.

While we may not be seeing as many big Rockys on the hills I don't think we're seeing as many of any company's big bikes. I have noticed that the new Slayer has caught on like wildfire. It's easy to know why once you've ridden one as well - it's a very fine bike.

Like a Dekerf or brodie back in the day, Rocky Mountain Bikes aren't for everyone. For those who appreciate the next level of quality, finish and build they are worth every penny.

After working with them on a project, i couldnt agree more. a solid, well thought out company from the top down. It's a real shame that they're initial trouble with reliability has carried this far with the biking world. It's definiately unwarrented.

[thedude]

I don't entirely agree with you. It's important to realize that Rocky is relatively price competitive with bike companies who are building - and often having their bikes designed - in factories in Taiwan, China and Vietnam. Despite doing all the mitreing, tacking, welding, painting and building here in North America.

While you may have not had the benefit of seeing their manufacturing process like I have , let me assure you that it's not run of the mill. Rocky has a patented process that ensures their frames are unbelievably straight and true and their paint, masking and powder coating capabilities are second to none.

I would also say that your reliability concerns are a thing of the past as well. Certainly some of the early RM models could have been more reliable but current models are very reliable and aren't more prone to failure than any of their competitors.

While we may not be seeing as many big Rockys on the hills I don't think we're seeing as many of any company's big bikes. I have noticed that the new Slayer has caught on like wildfire. It's easy to know why once you've ridden one as well - it's a very fine bike.

Like a Dekerf or brodie back in the day, Rocky Mountain Bikes aren't for everyone. For those who appreciate the next level of quality, finish and build they are worth every penny.

I completely agree that manufacturing costs are much lower overseas and that when you buy some Rocky frames they are completely :canada: Made in Canada :canada: , but they are slightly pricing themselves out of the market especially given the quality of frames coming out of Asia (Taiwan). I have seen pictures of their facility and it is impressive, but it still doesn't mean that they are making a cost effective product that sells competitively against Asian made bikes. All I am suggesting is that if they want to sell more bikes, they need to lower their prices.

I agree that the reliability has been with older models, but these failures in the past are haunting them right now. I considered a Rocky this year, but shied away thinking of their past bikes. They need to build back trust with the consumer and for that I do not have an answer.

As far as the BIG bikes kind of taking a back seat to the 6x6 bikes, I totally agree. My big bike actually has dust on in right now. I have not ridden it in months but rather I have been on my Heckler. The 6" bike seems to be the bike to ride nowadays for many people and the Slayer is a very attractive bike. Now if it weren't so damn pricey I might consider it over the cheaper and just as capable Norco Six/ReignX/Heckler/Stinky/Specialized SX/Iron Horse 6point.

[enduramil]

I don't entirely agree with you. It's important to realize that Rocky is relatively price competitive with bike companies who are building - and often having their bikes designed - in factories in Taiwan, China and Vietnam. Despite doing all the mitreing, tacking, welding, painting and building here in North America.

While you may have not had the benefit of seeing their manufacturing process like I have , let me assure you that it's not run of the mill. Rocky has a patented process that ensures their frames are unbelievably straight and true and their paint, masking and powder coating capabilities are second to none.

I would also say that your reliability concerns are a thing of the past as well. Certainly some of the early RM models could have been more reliable but current models are very reliable and aren't more prone to failure than any of their competitors.

While we may not be seeing as many big Rockys on the hills I don't think we're seeing as many of any company's big bikes. I have noticed that the new Slayer has caught on like wildfire. It's easy to know why once you've ridden one as well - it's a very fine bike.

Like a Dekerf or brodie back in the day, Rocky Mountain Bikes aren't for everyone. For those who appreciate the next level of quality, finish and build they are worth every penny.

I wasn't clear enough, my mistake.

Like anything manufactured there are problems with anything new and so on. The guy's I have talked to where riding Pipeline's and the DH Race frames. They went out and got the new one the RM6. They had alot of breakage with that new design. One guy went through 5 rear's in less than 12 months and he is an old guy now.

There is at least 3-5 guy's who stopped riding anything Rocky due to that.

Now like most thing's the quality has improved but the damage has been done.

[Freeider09]

Dude,
Rotwild bikes suck, Richey is so awesome, and he's making a bad descision

[redsdisease]

Richie Schley, great rider, but I haven't heard a lot of positive reports about his personality. There' no denying his contribution to our sport, however. His section in New World Disorder III is still one of my favorite bike movie segments of all time. His video parts always kinda' reminded me of ski movies.

[big ben]

I don't think their bikes are too expensive, are they? especially considering their domestic fabrication. the new switch will sell at a pretty decent price this year I've heard...

[fattirerider]

I met and rode with Schley. Nice guy and great rider. It will be really weird seeing him on anything besides a rocky.

[Jah]

I too have had reservations about Rocky because of the RM 6 and 7's...we used to call them "spawning salmon" cuz the rear end would move around like a salmon making it's way up stream. Everyone I know who rode Rocky switched. It's funny that this came up because I was wondering about Rocky's product these days.

As for Richie, I'm sure his ego is a little big but I've always like his riding segments and it sure looks like his life is a lot of fun. He's lived the dream for those of us who can't. Ride on.

[*Pepe*]

The Article said it may have been about wheels. Now are they talking about hubs or whole wheelsets? I went to Shimano's website and looked at their complete wheels and there are no wheelsets which are freerideable in my opinion, so if it is over wheels was it a case of hubs? I wonder. Either way it will be weird not seeing Richie on a Rocky in videos.

over hubs probably. generally speaking, companies simply can't have a sponsored rider help a competitor develop a competitive product. in other words, even though shimano allows a sponsored rider to roll mavic wheels, you can't infer that the rider is permitted to develop competing hubs to Saint. it's all in the fine print.

just my 2 cents...

[stacy kohut]

than richie..........

yes i have bagged on him for those 'pizza delivery one handers' over the years(i have said this to his face), but bottom line is that richie is a full on pro.

when he did ride in contests over the last couple years, he stayed very true to himself, and actually impressed me with his no bs approach(ie no lame attempts at new school tricks ala wade)

rocky will miss him huge.


then again, with richie being so intune and shrewd when it comes to biz, i think he is leaving rocky at a perfect time.....


is richie leaving a sign that rocky is gonna go in the shitter?

richie is no dummy, and if there was a future at or with rocky he would still be there.......


go richie go!


if rocky were to go belly up in the next 24 months, it wouldn't suprise me....




cheers richie!!!!

[Jah]

if rocky were to go belly up in the next 24 months, it wouldn't suprise me....



Wow, how things change.

[patrolskid]

richard is a fine young man , and i hope things go well for him in the future . . . .

as for rocky mountain , they have a good solid reputation world wide . around these parts , where we have an over abundance of all things good , i think we just take for granted the fact that one of the best builders / designers / manufacturers / companies is right here in our backyard .








rotwild ? . . . . sorry , but never heard of them . don't know if they make good bikes or not , but perhaps someone with the skillz of richard can help them develop their product , and if they are prepared to pay him well for that help , that may be an enticing prospect for him as well as an interesting project to ease his way into a different phase of his career .

[big ben]

stacy- just wondering, what half-ass tricks has wade done? all I've seen is a simple x-up here and there, which is hard to mess up...

[stacy kohut]

lame attempts at new school tricks.....


couple years back acouple 3's were thrown in wades crankworx run.

there was no way in hell he was gonna land it, but he thru it twice......

whatever.
in the same contest richie threw down stuff that was in his current sack o tricks, and came out much better for sticking with HIS program.......

i really had a 'richie' moment at that contest........swear to dog.



just to clarifiy..........i am not baggin on wade, for his steez, no one comes close.a true all around ripper.

[HeadOverWheels]

who would put money on him designing the Saalbach slopestyle? The adidas-rotwild-saalbach connection is always there.

As for the Rotwild bikes, you'd never catch me on one, Fugly and over engineered where it doesnt matter. Ok, if it was free and i was paid, hmmm, maybe try it out for bit.

Not sure if this is true or not but I have a feeling that Freeriders from some companies sell more XC bikes than the ones they ride? Anyone else think this? If this is true, i see why Rocky and Rotwild keep the freeriders but dont go overboard.

I have to say i see more Rocky Mountains in Europe that I do when i go back to BC. More people, something special, and rich Europeans wanting something Canadian?

[gary j]

lame attempts at new school tricks.....


couple years back acouple 3's were thrown in wades crankworx run.

there was no way in hell he was gonna land it, but he thru it twice......



stacey;:nono: the man who never misses with biking history. you need to watch NSX2 before you say wade could never land a 360. he was sticking them 8 years before they were even considered a MTB trick

[parksvilleguy]

he's done a lot for rocky and the sport as well as expansion and progression into euro and even local markets. and to see his influence around whistler even is great, hes a super nice guy and hopefully his new ride wont keep him from staying local

[Danger Dan]

that kinda sucks that hes not riiding for them ne more ohh well
he was there for a lot of years.plus the guy helped mtnbike freeride start hes like a mtn bike god..wut ever he does will probbly be a good choice

[cam@nsmb.com]

stacey;:nono: the man who never misses with biking history. you need to watch NSX2 before you say wade could never land a 360. he was sticking them 8 years before they were even considered a MTB trick

Nice Gary. I was thinking the same thing.

[stacy kohut]

EVERYONE knows wade USED to throw 360's.

i used to walk.

i raced you in the summer of 82 was it?
i ain't callin you to go do a session at indoor these days am i?





but if you were there that day, you saw the 3 attempt during his run.....


and right from the take off, anyone who has ever done a 3 will tell ya.....
there was not a chance of him landing it.

whatever, not baggin anyone/anything, just saying, ya wade used to do 3's...

but it wasn't in his bag of tricks in 2004/2005.

thats all......

[Bonecracker]

A joke I herd a while back went like this,
Every year manufacturers upgrade there faults and fix their defects, Rocky Mountain upgrades their paintjobs.

[0_o]

I just wish he'd stop blocking the trails in the Whistler Bike Park while yapping on his phone. He literally blocks it with his bike perpendicular to the trail.

[Mountain Dewd]

A joke I herd a while back went like this,
Every year manufacturers upgrade there faults and fix their defects, Rocky Mountain upgrades their paintjobs.

i agree in the past, but the 07 rmx is looking sick. 1.5 headtube, lower bb, 150mm rear end 83mm bb. looks like a nice ride, and thats the first time ive said that about a rocky in a really long time.

[btippie@hotmail.com]

Hey Rich, just go with the fro buddy. It's kinda exciting ridin' a new bike...almost as much as having a new girlfriend.
Back when I was yer age, I only had to LOOK at a girl or a bike to get excited...now...I don't see so good. ha ha
Anyways, it's a new chapter for ya, and I wish you luck buddy! Tip

[big ben]

I just wish he'd stop blocking the trails in the Whistler Bike Park while yapping on his phone. He literally blocks it with his bike perpendicular to the trail.
:lol:

[syngltrkmnd]

Hey Rich, just go with the fro buddy. It's kinda exciting ridin' a new bike...almost as much as having a new girlfriend.
Back when I was yer age, I only had to LOOK at a girl or a bike to get excited...now...I don't see so good. ha ha
Anyways, it's a new chapter for ya, and I wish you luck buddy! Tip


Funny, I was reading this thread all the way through to see if anyone would mention *your* name, as you were the last FroRider to depart the Rocky roster.

-dm

[syngltrkmnd]

Schley's on the cover of Bike magazine riding a Specialized
Do you mean the new December issue? That's Berrecloth without a doubt. His move from ROAM, his helmet, Adidas gear, and photo credit on the contents page.

[parts]

I have to say i see more Rocky Mountains in Europe that I do when i go back to BC. More people, something special, and rich Europeans wanting something Canadian?

Bingo! Hasn't the European market been RM's focus over the past few years. A new market in which to sell well-made, preium-priced XC & touring bikes prolly makes 'em more $$$ than a saturated freeride market over here. Makes good business sense & not skipping out on their hometown crowd bread & butter is pretty smart too.

[gary j]

rocky's bread and butter sponsor (business objects) is, IMHO, more interested in supporting world cup medalists and olympians than freeriders.

look at the line up
marie-helene consitant top 5 WC
alision, arguably the most cosistant XC racer ever
dre, world class endurance racer
wade, godfather of freeride
thomas, still in his prime
micayla, two world championship medals
and a WC downhiller who's name escapes me

compare that line-up to any other team and you will see why they had to trim some fat. and really, who would drop if it was your pick.

best of luck RS

[gary j]

EVERYONE knows wade USED to throw 360's.

i used to walk.

i raced you in the summer of 82 was it?
i ain't callin you to go do a session at indoor these days am i?





but if you were there that day, you saw the 3 attempt during his run.....


and right from the take off, anyone who has ever done a 3 will tell ya.....
there was not a chance of him landing it.

whatever, not baggin anyone/anything, just saying, ya wade used to do 3's...

but it wasn't in his bag of tricks in 2004/2005.

thats all......

worst counterpoint EVER!

he stacey, i watched you take a digger on a-line last summer. does that mean you can't clear 5' tables anymore?

oh ya, and i beat you at indoor!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[stacy kohut]

mapleridge track or poco, summer of 1982..........
yes you beat me.

as far as the wade thing, whatever.............

[Wayne P]

Gary you shit kicker you. :love:

[Dude]

I've been on a Rocky ever since I've been riding big bikes. Yes, issues w/ the RM6 and a couple w/ the DU on the 7s, but no company was better at standing behind their product and addressing the issue. I went through a few RM7 frames early on. They always came through quickly w/ a warrantee, and often that new frame included some tweaking in the area of concern. Same w/ my '05 Slayer. Since the introduction of the RMX, nothing. Anyone who has ridden w/ me will attest that the word "smooth" does not creep in very often when describing my style. "Bull in China Shop" is likely more apt a description. I'm looking forward to breaking in my '07 sometime over X-mass. This will be my third, after riding the '04 for 2 seasons, then the '06 last year.

The RMX is the result of giving TV free reign to go out and shit kick bikes...if it can hold up for him, it will hold up for most. Most companies would not have had the staying power, resources, or vision to stick w/ a design.

Besides, look at the bikes in the Whistler PB lift lines. On the high end scale, maybe only Giant w/ the Glory is more prominent. There will always be a local following, but as somebody pointed out, the brand is better suited and more marketable in Europe. Out here, it's a pants dropping competition to get rides under local riders. We are saturated out here...just try selling a bike locally...once you see the offers that come in, you'll understand. Out there, they and their dealers can actually make a profit.

As far as Schley departure, as somebody stated, it was inevitable that the fat needed to be trimmed off the roster. His value is likely also at an all time high, because he offers a brand in himself to whomever he ends up with. Look at what Shandro is doing for Trek. There is definitely a place for these "over the hill" freeriders in the marketplace.

[Geologyboy]

I read Richies interview in Decline last month, and I must say it took me off guard. Here are the 'fore-fathers' of the sport, and three of the four are totally positive upbeat guys. They are full or praise and passion for biking. Then I read Richie's, and it really read like someone who was sick of riding a bike, and the whole business in general. Maybe it was a bad day, but it was not a flattering interview. I would not have been pleased if I was his sponsor. I guess I was just really surprised by it.

[stacy kohut]

i thought richie had the best interview of em all...................

[gary j]

i thought richie had the best interview of em all...................

huh?!?!?!?!

best cause, "he told it like it was" or what?

while i don't know richie very well, i do know the others. they weren't just saying the right things, it's actually how they think. happy to be blessed with such great lifes and greatful to an industry that has given them so much.

what about the schley interview did you like?

opinions are great, but please back it up.

[stacy kohut]

i ain't gonna have a list of shit.......

they all had great interviews.


i did not seeing anything in the interview that was negative.

[gary j]

far enough

great article as a whole.

loved the old photos

[SIDESHOW]

gary you sound old and out of touch.........oh wait.

[SIDESHOW]

ahhahahaahhahhahha

[juan]

props to schley for recognizing an opportunity to set himself up doing what he loves to do. I read the interview with the forefathers of freeride. They have all grown up they are not banging nails on the side, they are making a living doing what we all do in our spare time. Schley just had better foresight at an earlier stage of his career.
I dont think he came across as arrogant at all.
as far as him not wanting to ride anymore or just take from the industry.
F*** that!!!!! He has been super chill the couple of times I have seen him at whistler and furthermore I dont think he is waking up in the morning saying, "ah... I gotta ride my bike today, crap, another day at work" The guy obviously loves what he does.

The stones just blew through town. Do they need the money? no What the hell else are they going to do!!!
point

[dudski]

hey ray, quit stealing my pepperoni and get your piss jugs out of here....andd if i do remember while standing about 20 feet away, swade was spinning on a rmx with no seat....yeaaahh that old bastard should be put in a home for throwin down like that, the nerve of that senior citizen.it sickens me.

[thedude]

ROTWILD RFC 0.4

http://www.radkom.de/pixel/artikel/1135790424.RFC%2004%20KIT%20RIDE.jpg