Cycle Systems Online

In this podcast episode, the discussion centers on the evolution and impact of cycling technology, featuring David Darby of Red Chilli Bikes. They explore how the high costs of advanced materials and technologies, such as electronic group sets and internal cable routing, have made premium bikes less accessible. The conversation highlights the challenges of maintaining modern bikes and the industry's shift towards integrated designs, driven by both technological advances and pandemic-induced price hikes.

You can grab the full show notes HERE.

Want to immerse yourself in community and a year long learning programme in bike maintenance? Check out our Team Camp membership program.

Sean has fun in this episode, and dives into the ongoing debate: Are gravel bikes just modern versions of 1990s mountain bikes? Drawing from personal experiences and historical context, the discussion explores the evolution of mountain biking from its early days in the 1970s and 80s, through to the booming popularity of gravel bikes today. Expect tongue in cheek. And stay away if easily offended.

Show notes HERE.

Want to immerse yourself in community and a year long learning programme in bike maintenance? Check out our Team Camp membership program.

Welcome to Episode 202 of the Cycle Systems Online Podcast! In this episode, we dive deep into the essential yet often overlooked aspect of cycling: cleaning your bike. Not only does a clean bike look great, but proper cleaning and maintenance are crucial for prolonging the life of your bike and its components. Join Sean as he busts some common myths and shares best practices for keeping your bike in top condition, learned from a Swiss bike shop—one of the best in the business. 

Want to immerse yourself in community and a year long learning programme in bike maintenance? Check out our Team Camp membership program.

In this week's episode of the Cycle Systems Online Podcast, Sean dives into a pressing issue in the bike industry: are the products being released truly fit for purpose and safe for use? Join us as we explore historical and current safety concerns, industry accountability, and the economic motivations behind product releases. From carbon clincher wheels to Shimano crank recalls, we discuss real-world incidents and the ongoing debate over product safety. Tune in for an eye-opening discussion and share your thoughts on the matter! 

Want to immerse yourself in community and a year long learning programme in bike maintenance? Check out our Team Camp membership program.

In this episode of Cycle Systems Online, host Sean Lally dives into the debate of experience versus training in bike mechanics. Drawing from his experience running a training center since 2009, Sean discusses the importance of continuous learning, common industry misconceptions, and the value of accredited qualifications. He shares real-world anecdotes to highlight the need for both practical experience and formal training, and advocates for Continuous Professional Development (CPD) to keep skills up-to-date. Tune in to understand the essential balance between experience and ongoing education in mastering bike mechanics. 

Want to immerse yourself in community and a year long learning programme in bike maintenance? Check out our Team Camp membership program.

Welcome to Episode 199 of Cycle Systems Online Academy! In this episode, our instructor discusses common practices among bike mechanics that need improvement, the importance of formal qualifications, and the varying standards across different countries. Working in commercial workshops in Switzerland during 2023 and 2024, Sean has noticed some common corners mechanics cut. Tune in to see if you are guilty and gain valuable insights to enhance your understanding of the bike servicing world. 

Want to immerse yourself in community and a year long learning programme in bike maintenance? Check out our Team Camp membership program.

In this week's episode of the Cycle Systems Online Podcast, Sean chats with Dino Pavledis, a Cycle Systems Academy graduate. Dino shares his inspiring journey from head chef to bike mechanic, sparked by a passion for cycling at Riverford Organics. He highlights the structured learning at the academy, overcoming challenges, and completing a 136k ride on a bike he rebuilt. Dino now excels in bike maintenance and enjoys both mountain and road biking. Sean and Dino discuss modern bike complexities like ebikes and internal cable routing. Tune in for Dino's story and his future aspirations in cycling! 

Want to immerse yourself in community and a year long learning programme in bike maintenance? Check out our Team Camp membership program.

In this episode, we delve into the dynamic landscape of the UK bike industry. We cover:

• The Rise of Electric Bikes: Discover how e-bikes are transforming the market, driven by environmental consciousness and convenience.
• Industry Challenges: Learn about the supply chain disruptions and rising material costs that manufacturers are grappling with.
• Expert Insights: We speak with industry experts who share their perspectives on navigating these challenges and what lies ahead for the bike market in the UK.
• Future Trends: A look into what the future holds for the UK bike industry and how companies are preparing for the evolving market.

Want to immerse yourself in community and a year long learning programme in bike maintenance? Check out our Team Camp membership program.

 In this episode of the Cycle Systems Online Podcast, host Sean delves into the often-overlooked ethical concerns in the bike manufacturing industry. With a spotlight on the recent investigation into Shimano’s Malaysian factory, he explores issues such as labor exploitation, environmental degradation, and the lack of fair trade standards in bike production. Sean discusses historical parallels to indentured labor and highlights potential solutions by drawing comparisons to the apparel industry’s efforts towards ethical manufacturing. 

Want to immerse yourself in community and a year long learning programme in bike maintenance? Check out our Team Camp membership program.

In this episode of the Cycle Systems Online Podcast, we are joined by Lee Kidger, a prominent figure in the cycling industry who recently transitioned from his role as Managing Director at Raleigh UK to embark on new and exciting ventures. Lee shares his career journey, starting from his early days in a health food store to leading roles in the bike industry, and discusses his latest projects, including his work with The Electric Bike Shop and various consulting and charitable endeavors. 

Want to immerse yourself in community and a year long learning programme in bike maintenance? Check out our Team Camp membership program.