Kootenay Approved & Inspired:
Meet Jack of Jackalope Bikes
Started by Jack Sutter in 2021, Jackalope Bikes has earned a reputation of making some of the best chromoly steel gravel and mountain bikes in the Kootenays.
Jack says he specializes in semi-custom builds that fit an individual’s body shape and cycling goals. “From idea to production, Jackalope Bikes are ‘Bred to Shred’ in Revelstoke,” he says.
As a child growing up in Reno, Nevada, Jack was always into designing and building things and he took that passion to college where he studied Architectural Design while also taking machine shop and welding classes. Since then he’s worked at Moment Skis and then moved to Whistler to work at Joyride Bike Parks before settling in Revelstoke to start his company.
Below is our conversation with Jack about what inspires him and why Jackalope Bikes is Kootenay Approved.
Hey Jack, thanks for chatting with us. First question: what makes your business unique?
Our business is unique because of our diverse skill sets, adaptability in design and manufacturing, industry knowledge, and geographical context.
What are some awards, accolades, or milestones you’ve achieved since starting your business?
We won a 50-kilometre team enduro race last September on our first full suspension prototype. We’ve also acquired IRAP support for development of our new 3VO suspension KangaRabbit 150 mountain bike and we’re now offering titanium frames. Plus, our team increased to three incredibly capable employees this winter.
How do the Kootenays help shape the work you do?
The Kootenays drive the design decisions we put into our frames. Our bikes are designed to perform in this beautiful and rugged part of the world.
What’s the best part about living in the Kootenays?
The community is absolutely the best part of the Koots. The culture and networks of amazing humans have inspired us to take on this entrepreneurial endeavour.
What are your favourite outdoor pursuits to do in the Kootenays? Where do you do them?
Definitely anything mountain bike and bike-packing related. Mostly in Revelstoke as we are located here and the trails are amazing. But we love to road trip to test bikes on new trail networks all over BC and the US.
What’s next for your company?
We have a huge year ahead with the release of the KR150 V2 and some custom titanium frames using cutting edge componentry. It’s a make-or-break year and we are working our tails off to ensure it is in fact a make!
For more about Jack’s company Jackalope Bikes, visit his maker page: koreoutdoors.org/makers/jackalope-bikes.
