Are Santa Cruz Skateboards & Bikes the Same Company? 🛹🚲 (2025)


Video: The World’s Oldest Skateboard Company.







Ever wondered if the legendary Santa Cruz skateboards and those high-performance Santa Cruz bikes come from the same crew? Spoiler alert: they don’t! But the story behind these two iconic brands is as twisted and fascinating as a gnarly skate trick or a wild downhill ride. From shared founders to wildly different products and ownerships, this deep dive uncovers everything you need to know — including why the name “Santa Cruz” means so much in both worlds but stands for very different things.

Stick around to discover how a pro skateboarder helped launch a mountain bike empire, why the companies split paths, and which Santa Cruz gear might be your perfect match. Whether you’re a boarder or a biker, this article will clear up the confusion and help you ride smarter.

Key Takeaways

  • Santa Cruz Skateboards and Santa Cruz Bicycles are separate companies with different owners, despite sharing a founder and hometown.
  • Santa Cruz Skateboards is owned by NHS, Inc., focusing on iconic decks and skate culture since 1973.
  • Santa Cruz Bicycles was founded in 1994 and is now part of Pon Holdings, specializing in cutting-edge mountain bikes.
  • The brands share a rich heritage but operate independently with distinct design philosophies and communities.
  • Looking to buy? Check out authentic Santa Cruz skateboards on Amazon and Santa Cruz bikes on their official website.

Ready to shred or ride? Let’s dive in!

Table of Contents

Here is the main body of the article, crafted by the expert team at Skateboard Brands™.

⚡️ Quick Tips and Facts About Santa Cruz Skateboards and Bikes

Pressed for time and just need the lowdown? We get it. You’d rather be shredding than reading. Here are the essential facts to get you up to speed faster than a downhill bomb.

  • The Big Answer: ❌ No, Santa Cruz Skateboards and Santa Cruz Bicycles are not the same company. They are separate entities with different owners, teams, and factories.
  • Shared DNA: 🧬 They do share a common ancestor! Rich Novak was a co-founder of both companies. Think of them as cousins, not siblings.
  • Skateboard Origins: Santa Cruz Skateboards was born in 1973 in, you guessed it, Santa Cruz, California. It’s one of the OG brands in the game and operates under the legendary NHS, Inc. distribution umbrella.
  • Bicycle Origins: Santa Cruz Bicycles hit the scene much later, in 1994. It was co-founded by Rich Novak and pro-skater-turned-bike-visionary Rob Roskopp.
  • Who Owns Them Now? NHS, Inc. still owns and distributes Santa Cruz Skateboards. Santa Cruz Bicycles, however, was acquired by a Dutch company called Pon Holdings in 2015, which also owns other bike brands like Cervélo and Gazelle.
  • Different Worlds: 🛹 The skateboard brand is all about decks, iconic graphics like the “Screaming Hand,” and deep roots in Skateboard Culture. 🚲 The bike brand is a titan in the high-performance mountain bike world, known for cutting-edge carbon frames and VPP suspension technology.

So, while they share a name and a hometown, they’re playing in completely different parks. Now, if you want the full, juicy story behind this legendary mix-up, grab a drink and keep reading.

🛹 The Legendary Origins: Santa Cruz Skateboards & Bike Company History

photography of man playing skateboard during daytime

Every legendary brand has an origin story, and Santa Cruz’s is a tale of two very different, yet connected, revolutions in action sports. To truly understand the separation, you have to go back to the beginning.

H3: The Birth of a Skateboarding Icon (1973)

Picture it: Santa Cruz, California, 1973. The air is thick with salt and the spirit of rebellion. Three friends—Richard Novak, Doug Haut, and Jay Shuirman—were running a surfboard supply business. As a side hustle, they started fulfilling orders for skateboard wheels. Then, an order for 500 skateboard decks came in, and when the buyer flaked, they were left with a mountain of wood. Instead of seeing it as a loss, they slapped some graphics on them, branded them “Santa Cruz Skateboards,” and accidentally kickstarted one of the most enduring brands in skateboarding history.

From that moment, Santa Cruz became a pillar of the skate world. We’ve all ridden their decks, and if you want the full scoop on their impact, you should check out our deep dive into Santa Cruz Skateboards. They defined an era with their quality decks and, more importantly, the mind-bending artwork of Jim Phillips. The Screaming Hand isn’t just a logo; it’s a battle cry for generations of skaters. This brand is pure, uncut skateboarding heritage, managed and distributed by the powerhouse NHS, Inc.

H3: A New Revolution on Two Wheels (1994)

Fast forward two decades. Skateboarding had exploded, and another action sport was carving its own path through the Santa Cruz mountains: mountain biking. One of Santa Cruz Skateboards’ own pro riders, Rob Roskopp, had a vision. He was a legend on a board, but he felt mountain bikes at the time were… well, kinda lame. They were mostly hardtails, and full-suspension technology was clunky and inefficient.

As the official Santa Cruz Bicycles “Who We Are” page states, they were founded because “the bikes they wanted to ride didn’t exist.” Roskopp teamed up with bike engineer Mike Marquez and, crucially, his old skate boss Rich Novak. Together, in a space the size of a single-car garage, they launched Santa Cruz Bicycles in 1994. Their first bike, the Tazmon, was a single-pivot, dual-suspension bike that broke the mold. It was a middle finger to the status quo, much like the skate brand had been 20 years prior.

So, you see the connection? Rich Novak is the bridge. But did he merge the companies? Or create a mega-brand for all things “Santa Cruz”? The answer to that is where things get interesting.

🚲 Santa Cruz Skateboards vs. Santa Cruz Bicycles: Same Company or Different Worlds?


Video: Which Santa Cruz mountain bike is right for you? A Buyer’s Guide.








Let’s settle this once and for all. Despite the shared name, hometown, and one co-founder, they are completely separate companies. They operate in different industries, target different athletes, and have entirely different corporate structures.

Think of it like this: The actor Chris Evans and the radio host Chris Evans share a name and a profession (entertainment), but you wouldn’t hire one to do the other’s job. Same principle here.

To make it crystal clear, we’ve broken it down in a handy table.

Feature Santa Cruz Skateboards 🛹 Santa Cruz Bicycles 🚲
Founded 1973 1994
Founders Richard Novak, Doug Haut, Jay Shuirman Rob Roskopp, Mike Marquez, Rich Novak
Parent Company NHS, Inc. Pon Holdings (since 2015)
Primary Products Skate decks, completes, wheels, apparel High-performance mountain & e-bikes
Core Identity Art-driven, skate culture, heritage Engineering-driven, performance, innovation
Iconic Feature “Screaming Hand” by Jim Phillips VPP® (Virtual Pivot Point) suspension
Ownership Status Privately held under NHS, Inc. Subsidiary of a larger corporation

As the folks at Skatetilldeath correctly point out, “Both brands share a connection through Rich Novak, but they operate independently in their respective industries.” This separation is key. It allowed each brand to focus on being the absolute best in its field without compromise.

🔍 Deep Dive: Ownership, Branding, and Corporate Structure Explained


Video: That’s It For Pon Holdings Bikes? Cervélo, Cannondale, Santa Cruz, GT Bicycles.








Okay, so they’re separate. But how did that happen? It all comes down to business.

H3: NHS, Inc. – The Skateboard Powerhouse

Santa Cruz Skateboards has always been under the wing of NHS, Inc. This isn’t just a parent company; it’s a skater-run distribution empire. NHS (an acronym for Novak, Haut, Shuirman) also owns other legendary brands like Independent Trucks, Creature Skateboards, and Bronson Speed Co. They are a cornerstone of the skateboarding industry, handling everything from design and manufacturing to marketing and distribution. Their focus is 100% on skateboarding. They live it, they breathe it, and they’ve never strayed from that core mission.

H3: The Independent Path and Eventual Sale of Santa Cruz Bicycles

Santa Cruz Bicycles started as a scrappy, independent venture. While Rich Novak provided the initial business acumen and funding, Rob Roskopp was the driving force behind the product vision. They built the company from the ground up, focusing solely on making the best mountain bikes possible.

For over 20 years, they remained independent. But in 2015, the game changed. The company was acquired by Pon Holdings, a massive Dutch conglomerate. This move gave Santa Cruz Bicycles access to immense resources for R&D, manufacturing, and global distribution, allowing them to compete at the highest level. However, it also solidified their identity as a separate corporate entity, completely detached from the NHS, Inc. skate family. This is a common story in business: a passionate founder builds a great brand, and a larger company acquires it to take it to the next level.

🎨 Design Philosophy and Product Innovation: Skateboards and Bikes Compared


Video: How Skateboard Art Gets Made w/ Jake Wooten & Mark Dean Veca | Santa Cruz Skateboards.








You can tell the most about a brand by what it creates. And when you put a Santa Cruz skateboard next to a Santa Cruz bicycle, you’re looking at two radically different philosophies.

H3: The Art of Rebellion: Santa Cruz Skateboards

The soul of Santa Cruz Skateboards lives in its graphics. It’s a brand built on visual identity.

  • Iconic Art: The legendary artist Jim Phillips and his son, Jimbo, are responsible for the brand’s most famous graphics. The Screaming Hand, the Rob Roskopp target graphic, the Slasher—these aren’t just logos; they are masterpieces of the Skateboard Fashion and art world. The aesthetic is a wild mix of punk rock, surf culture, and comic book art.
  • Deck Technology: While art is king, they don’t skimp on tech. They’ve pioneered constructions like Everslick (for faster slides), VX Decks (thinner, stronger, more pop), and Powerply (chip-resistant). Their innovation is focused on making a piece of wood and glue perform better under the feet of a skater.

H3: The Science of Speed: Santa Cruz Bicycles

Santa Cruz Bicycles is a company of engineers. Their beauty is in the function, not just the form.

  • Engineering First: Their mission statement says it all: “Making the best off-road bikes is what we do.” They are obsessed with geometry, materials, and suspension kinematics.
  • VPP® Suspension: Their signature Virtual Pivot Point (VPP®) suspension is a masterclass in engineering. It’s designed to balance pedaling efficiency with bump absorption, a holy grail for mountain bikers.
  • Carbon Mastery: Santa Cruz Bicycles owns its own carbon fiber manufacturing facility. This is a huge deal. It gives them complete control over the quality and design of their frames, from the high-end CC carbon to the more robust C carbon. They are constantly refining their layup process to make frames that are lighter, stronger, and built to last a lifetime—a promise backed by their lifetime warranty.

🛠️ Manufacturing and Quality Control: How Santa Cruz Crafts Their Boards and Bikes


Video: Santa Cruz Bicycles Factory Tour Behind the Scenes – Behind the Brand.








Where and how things are made says a lot. The manufacturing processes for these two brands are worlds apart, highlighting their distinct operational independence.

H3: Crafting the Decks: The Skateboard Process

Santa Cruz skateboards are born from wood. While some high-end models are made in North America, the majority of their decks are pressed, shaped, and finished in trusted, high-quality woodshops overseas that specialize in skateboard manufacturing.

  • The Process: It involves laminating multiple plies of North American Maple, pressing them into concave molds, cutting the signature shapes, and then applying those iconic graphics through a heat transfer process.
  • Quality Control: NHS, Inc. maintains strict quality control standards to ensure every deck has the right pop, concave, and durability that skaters expect from a legendary Skateboard Brand Guide staple.

H3: Assembling the Machines: The Bicycle Process

Santa Cruz Bicycles takes a much more hands-on, vertically integrated approach, especially for a brand of its size.

  • In-House Assembly: As they proudly state on their website, “We have our hands on every stage of development and construction of a bicycle, because we do it right here in Santa Cruz, CA.” All of their bikes are assembled in their California factory.
  • Carbon Factory Ownership: This is their ace in the hole. By owning their own carbon factory (located in Asia), they control the entire production process of their most critical component: the frame. This allows for rapid prototyping and unparalleled quality control.
  • Lifetime Support: Their confidence in their manufacturing is reflected in their industry-leading lifetime warranty on frames and bearings. They build their bikes to be abused and stand behind them completely.

🌍 Community and Culture: The Santa Cruz Skate and Bike Lifestyle


Video: Is This The Coolest Bike Brand In The World? | Santa Cruz Bicycles Factory Tour.








A brand is more than its products; it’s the community that embraces it.

The Santa Cruz Skateboards community is raw, creative, and deeply rooted in the history of street and vert skating. It’s a culture of DIY spots, skate videos, zines, and a healthy dose of anti-authoritarianism. Their pro team features legends and modern rippers who embody this spirit. It’s about freedom, expression, and the sound of urethane on concrete.

The Santa Cruz Bicycles community is built around the trail. It’s a culture of endurance, exploration, and adrenaline. They foster this through high-level racing (the Santa Cruz Syndicate is one of the most dominant teams in downhill racing history) and grassroots trail advocacy. Their PayDirt initiative, which has committed over $1 million to trail building and maintenance, shows a deep commitment to the sustainability of their sport. It’s about pushing physical limits and respecting the mountains.

📦 Shipping, Packaging, and Customer Experience: What to Expect


Video: Mail Delivery by E Cargo Bikes, University of Washington Mailing Services.







When you click “buy,” the experience you get further proves these are two different operations.

Ordering a Santa Cruz Skateboard is a classic skate shop experience. Your deck or complete arrives in a sturdy cardboard box, often wrapped in plastic to protect that pristine graphic. And the best part? You almost always get free stickers. It’s a small touch, but it’s a core part of skate culture. Customer service is handled by the experts at NHS, who know everything there is to know about Skateboard Gear.

Ordering a Santa Cruz Bicycle is a high-ticket, premium experience. These are complex machines. Your bike will likely be shipped to a local authorized dealer for professional assembly, or if shipped direct, will arrive in a massive, custom-designed box with detailed instructions. The “unboxing” is an event. The customer experience is focused on long-term support, with robust warranty claims processes and direct access to technical experts. No free stickers here, but you get a lifetime of rider support, which is a pretty good trade-off.

🛍️ Where to Buy Authentic Santa Cruz Skateboards and Bikes


Video: I Unboxed 12 Santa Cruz Pokémon Skateboard Blind Bags! Gold Charizard Pull?








Ready to join the Santa Cruz family—the skate one or the bike one? It’s crucial to buy from reputable sources to avoid knock-offs and ensure you get the real deal with a valid warranty. Here’s where we at Skateboard Brands™ recommend you look.

Note: High-end mountain bikes like Santa Cruz are often sold through a network of authorized local dealers. We highly recommend visiting the official website to find a dealer near you for the best fitting and service experience!

💡 Quick Tips for Choosing Between Santa Cruz Skateboards and Bikes


Video: Watch This Before Buying a Santa Cruz or A Carbon MTB.








Okay, we know they’re different companies. But maybe you’re an adrenaline junkie looking to pick up a new sport and love the Santa Cruz vibe. Here’s a super-quick guide to help you decide which path to shred.

  • Choose Skateboarding if…

    • You’re drawn to urban environments and creative expression.
    • You want a lower barrier to entry in terms of cost and space.
    • You love the idea of mastering a technical skill that’s all about balance and finesse.
    • You want to be part of a rich, historic culture with deep artistic roots.
    • Our Pick for Beginners: A Santa Cruz Complete Skateboard. They come pre-assembled with quality components and are ready to roll right out of the box.

  • Choose Mountain Biking if…

    • You crave adventure in nature and love exploring trails.
    • You’re focused on fitness, endurance, and high-speed thrills.
    • You have a bigger budget and are ready to invest in high-performance equipment.
    • You enjoy the technical aspects of gear and maintenance.
    • A Legendary Choice: The Santa Cruz Hightower is often hailed as the quintessential “do-it-all” trail bike, perfect for tackling a huge variety of terrain.

🤔 Frequently Asked Questions About Santa Cruz Skateboards and Bikes


Video: What Are The Common Problems With Santa Cruz Skateboards? – Action Sports Arena.








Still got questions? We’ve got answers. Here are some of the most common things people ask about the two Santa Cruz brands.

H3: Who owns Santa Cruz Skateboards?

Santa Cruz Skateboards is owned and operated by NHS, Inc., a privately held distribution company founded by Richard Novak, Doug Haut, and Jay Shuirman. They are based in Santa Cruz, California.

H3: Who owns Santa Cruz Bicycles now?

Since 2015, Santa Cruz Bicycles has been owned by Pon Holdings, a Dutch mobility group. While the company headquarters and assembly remain in Santa Cruz, California, its parent company is a large European corporation.

H3: Was Rob Roskopp a pro skater for Santa Cruz?

✅ Yes! Before co-founding Santa Cruz Bicycles, Rob Roskopp was a famous professional skateboarder for Santa Cruz Skateboards in the 1980s. His pro model decks with the “Target” graphic are some of the most iconic and collectible boards of that era. His transition from pro skater to bike industry pioneer is a legendary story in action sports.

H3: Do the two companies ever collaborate?

While they are separate, they share a hometown and a certain NorCal spirit. You might occasionally see informal collaborations or shared appearances at local events, but there are no official product collaborations. They respect each other’s turf.

Want to dive even deeper? Here are some essential links for any fan of the Santa Cruz name, whether you roll on four wheels or two.

We stand on the shoulders of giants and believe in giving credit where it’s due. Our article was informed by our own decades of experience on boards and bikes, as well as these excellent resources.

🏁 Conclusion: Are Santa Cruz Skateboards and Bikes the Same Company?

A handicap sign painted on the pavement of a street

Alright, let’s wrap this up with the clarity and confidence you deserve. Are Santa Cruz skateboards and bikes the same company? The short answer: Nope, they’re not.

They share a legendary name, a hometown, and a founding father in Rich Novak, but beyond that, they’re two distinct beasts. Santa Cruz Skateboards thrives under the NHS, Inc. umbrella, delivering iconic decks with killer graphics and a deep skateboarding heritage. Meanwhile, Santa Cruz Bicycles has carved its niche as a high-tech mountain bike powerhouse, now part of the global Pon Holdings family.

Positives of Santa Cruz Skateboards:

  • Legendary graphics and art by Jim Phillips 🎨
  • Durable, high-performance decks with innovative tech like Everslick and VX
  • Deep roots in skate culture and community
  • Wide range of products for all skill levels

Negatives:

  • Mostly traditional wood decks; no carbon or high-tech materials like bikes
  • Limited to skateboarding gear and apparel

Positives of Santa Cruz Bicycles:

  • Industry-leading carbon frame manufacturing and VPP suspension technology 🚵‍♂️
  • Lifetime warranty and rider support
  • High-performance bikes for trail, downhill, and e-biking
  • Strong community and trail advocacy

Negatives:

  • Higher price point and complexity than skateboards
  • Bikes require more maintenance and space

If you’re a skater, Santa Cruz Skateboards is a no-brainer for authentic style and performance. If you’re a mountain biker or looking to get into trail riding, Santa Cruz Bicycles offers some of the best machines on the planet. Either way, you’re tapping into a rich legacy of innovation and passion.

Remember that shared name is a tribute to Santa Cruz’s action sports culture, but the companies have evolved on separate tracks. So next time someone asks, you can confidently say: “Same name, different game.”

Ready to roll or ride? Here’s where to get your hands on authentic Santa Cruz gear and some great reads to deepen your knowledge.

Shop Santa Cruz Skateboards and Gear

Shop Santa Cruz Bicycles and Accessories

  • Skateboarding and the City: A Complete History by Iain Borden — Amazon
  • Santa Cruz Skateboards: The Art of Jim Phillips by Jim Phillips — Amazon
  • Mastering Mountain Bike Skills by Brian Lopes & Lee McCormack — Amazon

🤔 Frequently Asked Questions About Santa Cruz Skateboards and Bikes

What is the history of Santa Cruz Skateboards and how did the company evolve?

Santa Cruz Skateboards was founded in 1973 by Richard Novak, Doug Haut, and Jay Shuirman. Initially a surfboard supply company, they pivoted to skateboards after a canceled order left them with a surplus of decks. Over the decades, Santa Cruz became synonymous with bold graphics, innovative deck technology, and a rebellious skate culture. The brand evolved under NHS, Inc., which expanded its reach globally while maintaining its roots in authentic skateboarding. The art of Jim Phillips, especially the Screaming Hand, became iconic symbols of the brand’s identity.

Are Santa Cruz bikes made with the same quality and durability as their skateboards?

While both brands emphasize quality, their products serve very different purposes and are made with different materials and processes. Santa Cruz Bicycles focuses on high-performance mountain bikes with advanced carbon fiber frames, proprietary suspension systems, and rigorous in-house quality control. They offer a lifetime warranty, reflecting confidence in durability. Santa Cruz Skateboards, meanwhile, produce decks primarily from North American maple wood with innovations in ply construction and finishes to enhance durability and performance. Both are top-tier in their respective fields but built to meet the unique demands of skateboarding and mountain biking.

Does Santa Cruz offer a range of skateboards and bikes for different skill levels and riding styles?

✅ Absolutely! Santa Cruz Skateboards offers decks and completes catering to beginners, street skaters, vert riders, and collectors. Their product lines include everything from affordable completes to pro model decks with specialized concaves and materials. Santa Cruz Bicycles similarly offers a diverse lineup, including trail bikes like the Hightower for all-around riders, downhill bikes for racers, and e-bikes for those seeking pedal-assist adventures. Their bikes suit novices to pros, with geometry and component options tailored to different riding styles and skill levels.

How does Santa Cruz contribute to the action sports community through sponsorships and team riders?

Both companies invest heavily in their communities. Santa Cruz Skateboards sponsors a roster of pro skaters who embody the brand’s rebellious spirit and creativity. They support skate events, video productions, and grassroots skate culture initiatives. Santa Cruz Bicycles sponsors the Santa Cruz Syndicate, one of the most successful downhill racing teams in history, and supports trail advocacy through their PayDirt Fund, which has donated over $1 million to trail access and maintenance. Both brands foster community engagement, athlete development, and environmental stewardship.

Additional FAQs

Has Rob Roskopp’s departure affected Santa Cruz Bicycles?

Rob Roskopp, a co-founder and former pro skater, reportedly left Santa Cruz Bicycles around 2022. While his departure marked the end of an era, the company continues to innovate and maintain its reputation under Pon Holdings. The brand’s engineering and rider support teams remain strong, ensuring continuity in quality and performance. Read more here.

Are there any official collaborations between Santa Cruz Skateboards and Santa Cruz Bicycles?

No official collaborations exist between the two companies. Despite their shared heritage and name, they operate independently and focus on their respective markets. However, informal community events and shared hometown pride occasionally bring them together.

Thanks for riding along with us on this deep dive into the Santa Cruz legacy! Whether you’re carving concrete or bombing trails, now you know exactly who’s behind the boards and bikes you love. Keep shredding, and remember: it’s all about passion, innovation, and that unbeatable Santa Cruz spirit. 🛹🚲🔥

Review Team
Review Team

The Popular Brands Review Team is a collective of seasoned professionals boasting an extensive and varied portfolio in the field of product evaluation. Composed of experts with specialties across a myriad of industries, the team’s collective experience spans across numerous decades, allowing them a unique depth and breadth of understanding when it comes to reviewing different brands and products.

Leaders in their respective fields, the team's expertise ranges from technology and electronics to fashion, luxury goods, outdoor and sports equipment, and even food and beverages. Their years of dedication and acute understanding of their sectors have given them an uncanny ability to discern the most subtle nuances of product design, functionality, and overall quality.

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