
Cycle Systems Online
Cycle Systems Academy is a leading bike mechanic training school in Devon, UK and Online with https://www.cyclesystemsonline.com/ our pod has been a search for entertaining ways to educate all lovers of bike tech, with interviews, mechanical expertise and a bit of humour thrown in.
Episodes
208 episodes
EPISODE 214: Drop Bar MTBs with John Galloway
In this episode, we dive into the world of versatile cycling setups, the evolution of gravel and mountain bikes, and the story behind a painful foot injury during an overseas visit. Join us as Sean and John Galloway revisit the influenc...
•
41:54

EPISODE 213: Sustainable Tire Manufacturing and Innovation with Continental Tires
In this episode, we dive into Continental’s sustainable tire manufacturing efforts and their approach to eco-friendly bike tires. From sourcing renewable materials like dandelion latex to maintaining rigorous tire quality control standards, we ...
•
38:13

EPISODE 212: Mavic e-deemax wheels with Mike Stead
In this episode, Sean discusses the latest Mavic E-Deemax wheelset, a newly designed wheelset specifically for e-bikes. The E-Deemax is Mavic's modern take on the classic D-Max, famously known for its bright yellow rims on downhill bike...
•
32:48

EPISODE 211: Cyclocross in 2024 - Is the Golden Age Over?
In this episode, Sean dives into the world of cyclocross bikes and how the rise of gravel biking has impacted the cyclocross scene. Once a thrilling side of cycle racing, especially in the UK and US, cyclocross has now been overshadowed by grav...
•
28:59

EPISODE 210: an Epic Icelandic Adventure with Tynan Couture-Rashid
In this episode of the Cycle Systems Online Podcast, we sit down with Tynan Couture Rashid, an avid cyclist and bikepacking enthusiast, fresh from an unforgettable adventure in Iceland. We dive deep into Tynan's journey, the techni...
•
57:07

EPISODE 209: Continental 111 Tires with JP Ballard from Swiss Side
In this episode, we dive deep into the journey behind the development of game-changing aerodynamic tires with JP, a cycling expert and former Formula 1 aerodynamicist. JP shares how Swiss Side collaborated with Continental to create a t...
•
47:23

Episode 208: New Developments in Bikepacking Bags with Mike Stead
In this episode, Sean and Mike dive deep into the world of bikepacking gear and innovations, with Mike sharing insights gained from years of reviewing cycling equipment and personal bikepacking adventures. From tackling Scotland's harsh...
•
35:29

Episode 207: The Ins and Outs of Dynamo Lighting
In this episode, we dive back into the workshop and focus on Dynamo hubs! Sean discusses the basics of Dynamo lighting systems, shares repair tips, and offers troubleshooting advice for mechanics who might not be as familiar with ...
•
25:48

Epiode 206: Shimano Cues One Year Review with Mike Stead
In this episode of the Cycle Systems Online Podcast, host Sean Lally is joined by cycling expert and Road.CC reviewer Mike Stead to discuss the Shimano Cues groupset, one year after its release. They dive into the performance, durability, and c...
•
41:40

Episode 205: Our Summer of Love
In this episode, Sean and Julia discuss their recent bikepacking adventure in the Swiss Alps, focusing on the experience of using an e-bike for such a trip. They also delve into Julia's personal journey with cycling, from her early struggles wi...
•
57:14

Episode 204: David vs Goliath - Small Biz in 2024 with David Darby from Red Chili Bikes
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 ...
•
53:39

Episode 203: Are Gravel Bikes Just 1990s MTBs?
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 f...
•
15:04

Episode 202: What The Swiss Taught Me About Bike Cleaning
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 ...
•
16:06

Episode 201: Are Bike Products Fit for Purpose? A Mechanic's Rant
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 conce...
•
25:45

Episode 200: Bike Mechanics - Experience vs Training
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 learni...
•
28:31

Episode 199: Corners Mechanics Cut (But Shouldn't)
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 c...
•
20:07

Episode 198: Graduate Story - from Menus to Mechanics
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 Organi...
•
39:06

Episode 197: What is Going on with the UK Bike Industry?
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.<...
•
16:13

Episode 196: Labour Conditions in the Bike Trade - Worst and Best Cases
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 explore...
•
16:24

Episode 195: The UK bike industry with Raleigh's Managing Director, Lee Kidger
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 ...
•
40:35

EPISODE 194: Warranty work and it's implications for bike shops
Warranty work, unless you sell exclusively Pashleys and Bromptons you'll have lots of this. It seems most mainstream manufacturers see warranty cases as a cost of business. However, are they taking their fair share of the hit or does the humble...
•
19:17

EPISODE 191: The Hidden Costs of Internal Routing
Internal routing does look cool, but does is equate progress and modernity? Well, if like me, you have been working on these bikes you may have been starting to think maybe not
•
17:31

EPISODE 193: Shimano Cranks. When is a recall not a recall?
The long overdue Shimano 11spd crank recall seems to be throwing up as many questions as it is answering. Is this a genuine recall, or an attempt to push as much of the responsibility elsewhere as possible?
•
21:44
