195 episodes
Cycle Systems Online Cycle Systems Online
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- Education
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4.8 • 39 Ratings
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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.
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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 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 a...
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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 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 s...
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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 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.
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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 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 complexitie...
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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.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 t...
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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 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 ind...
Customer Reviews
My go to for Bike Maintenance
I can’t recall how I found Sean’s podcast but after years of listening and becoming more involved with home maintenance, I signed up for the full 2 week course down at CSA HQ in Devon.
The podcast truly inspired me to take the cycle maintenance seriously and I am constantly learning new techniques and tips.
Well worth a listen if you want to get into the industry in any way.
Techie - but not too techie
A podcast for people who like to fettle with bikes.
The world's most affable grumpy scotsman John and the equally affable (but not grumpy or Scottish) Sean are both ex bike mechanics who most definately still keep their hands in. Using amusing banter to open the eyes of the masses to all things bike tech.
So far, the show has been a primer on a broad range of topics, but most have been based around bicycles with drop handle bars. Hopefully more MTB related topics will follow.
Less in depth than the equally entertaining Bike Shop Show; Tech 5 is perfect for anyone wishing to dip a toe in the art and science of looking after bikes without worrying about the conversation going over their heads.
Simply Excellent
This is a great show. These guys a) know what they're talking about b) are passionate about it. The content is superb, with excellent explanations and tech at every level. I also appreciate the unbiased (albeit personal) recommendations of good and bad equipment from people who have used it or seen it used. Delivery is relaxed and entertaining (and a little less self-conscious than the guys have become on their other shows since going 'commercial').