Rodeo Labs Sponsorship & Collaboration
Rodeo Labs is a community-driven brand. We are small, independent, and deeply invested in the people who ride our bikes. Because we receive a high volume of support requests, we have established this policy to ensure that our partnerships are transparent, sustainable, and mutually beneficial.
1. Our Core Value: Authenticity & Storytelling
We value authenticity and storytelling more than any other factor. While we appreciate athletic excellence, a podium finish is secondary to a rider’s ability to tell a human story. We are looking for partners who are passionate about their style of riding—whether it is ultra-endurance racing, backcountry exploration, or community building—and can share that passion effectively.
Ways to Share Your Story
We encourage our partners to find the medium that best fits their skills. Below are the primary ways we look for riders to engage with our community:
| Method | Description |
|---|---|
| Rodeo Journal | Long-form written entries for our website detailing specific projects, trips, or reflections. |
| Photography | High-quality visual storytelling that captures the grit and beauty of the ride. |
| Social Media | Consistent, organic communication that avoids “shilling” and focuses on genuine experience. |
| Ride Organizing | Leading local group rides or community events that bring people together. |
| Event Participation | Representing the brand at races and festivals with a focus on being approachable and helpful. |
| Creative Proposals | We welcome fresh ideas, such as film projects, podcasts, or technical collaborations. |
2. Accountability & The Track Record
In the bike industry, it is common for riders to promise a lot up front, but follow-through often fades once the gear has been delivered. We prioritize riders with a proven track record of finishing what they start.
- Proof of Concept: We look for past projects, blogs, or social feeds that demonstrate you can maintain a narrative over a long period.
- Written Agreements: For every partnership, we create a formal agreement that outlines the specific relationship we are building together. This ensures both parties understand their commitments.
- Evaluation: We expect accountability. We review our partnerships annually to ensure that the energy we put into a rider is being matched by their output and community engagement.
3. What We Prioritize (and What We Don’t)
- Long-Term over One-Offs: We rarely sponsor individual races or trips. We prefer relationships that span a year or more.
- Natural Fit: We don’t “buy” presence. We support people who are already a natural fit for the Rodeo ethos.
- No Headline Sponsorships: We do not pay for headline event placements. Our budget is reserved for riders and expedition projects.
- Product Focus: We are currently focused on gravel, all-road, and expedition cycling. We do not currently have a presence in the pure MTB-centric space, but do sometimes support ultra riders who need a MTB platform to compete with.
4. How to Apply
If you believe you are a natural fit for Rodeo Labs, please submit a Written Pitch. Informal DMs or short “check out my Instagram” emails will not be considered. Your pitch must include:
- Your Commitment: What exactly will you do for Rodeo over the next 12 months? (e.g., 4 Journal entries, organized rides, etc.)
- Your Needs: What specific equipment or support do you need to achieve your goals?
- Your Goals: What does success look like for you by the end of next year?
- The “Why”: Why Rodeo? Why now?
Please send your proposal to the team via our contact page. We review proposals on a rolling basis.
