This piece first appeared in the June edition of BikeBiz magazine – not subscribed? Get a free subscription.

By Jonathan Harrison, Director of the Association of Cycle Traders (ACT)

There’s something deeply satisfying about a bicycle that’s been properly assembled by a skilled mechanic. The precision of indexed gears shifting perfectly.

The balanced feel of wheels that have been expertly tensioned. The confidence that comes from knowing every safety-critical bolt has been torqued to exactly the right specification. These aren’t mere technicalities—they’re the difference between a joyful cycling experience and, potentially, a dangerous one.

Yet across Britain, a concerning trend has taken hold that threatens not just the livelihood of independent cycle retailers, but the very foundations of quality and trust upon which our industry was built. The race to the bottom on pricing, particularly in the online space, has created a parallel universe where bicycles appear to be simply commodities, rather than the precision machines they truly are.

As an industry, we face a moment of reckoning. The health of our supply chain—from manufacturers to distributors to retailers—requires urgent attention. At the Association of Cycle Traders, we’re increasingly concerned that the moral compass of our industry is being compromised by practices that prioritise short-term gains over long-term sustainability, customer welfare and most importantly, the growth of a cycling community.

Let me paint a familiar scenario that plays out daily across the country: A customer visits their local independent cycle shop. They receive personalised advice from knowledgeable staff who take time to understand their needs, discuss appropriate models, fit them correctly to a bike, and explain the ongoing servicing requirements. The customer leaves with valuable information and a clear understanding of what bicycle would best suit them.

Then comes the modern twist—they go home, search online, and find what appears to be the identical bicycle at a significant discount, often advertised at 20-30% below the recommended retail price. The decision seems obvious: same product, lower price. But is it really the same product? Our recent investigations suggest otherwise.

Through undercover enquiries, we’ve discovered a troubling pattern of misleading practices. Online retailers claim to have bicycles “in stock” that aren’t actually available for immediate dispatch. They advertise substantial discounts from RRP while obscuring additional delivery charges that can add £35 or more to the final price. Perhaps most concerning, bicycles advertised as “pre-assembled” often arrive requiring significant assembly work, with no safety checks or professional pre-delivery inspection (PDI) completed.

What the customer gains in apparent savings, they lose in peace of mind. The skilled labour of the bicycle mechanic—a profession requiring years of training and experience—is effectively devalued to nothing. The carefully established recommended retail prices, designed to ensure fair compensation throughout the supply chain, become meaningless figures to be slashed for short-term competitive advantage.

Some suppliers might argue they’re unaware of these practices, but the consequences are painfully real for both consumers and independent retailers. A bicycle is not merely a collection of components in a cardboard box. It’s a precision vehicle that, when properly assembled and maintained, can provide decades of reliable service. When improperly assembled, it can be dangerous.

The Association of Cycle Traders believes the time has come for greater accountability throughout our supply chain. Manufacturers and distributors must take greater responsibility in partnership with IBDs as to how their products are represented and sold. This isn’t about protecting outdated business models or resisting the inevitable march of e-commerce—it’s about ensuring that, however a customer chooses to purchase a bicycle, they receive an honest, transparent, and safe experience.

What might this greater accountability look like in practice? For starters, suppliers could ensure that their dealer agreements contain stronger provisions about how their products may be advertised, e.g. regarding stock availability claims. They could implement mystery shopping programmes to identify retailers who misrepresent their products. And they could provide greater support and incentives to retailers who invest in proper staff training, workshop facilities, and after-sales service.

For retailers themselves, the ACT has always advocated for transparency and integrity, encouraging our members to provide accurate information, fair pricing, and expert advice. We believe these standards should apply regardless of whether a bicycle is sold in a physical shop or through a website.

Consumers also have a role to play. While the attraction of a bargain is undeniable, we encourage cyclists to consider the full value proposition when purchasing a bicycle. The expertise provided by a knowledgeable retailer, the peace of mind that comes from professional assembly, and the relationship established with a local business that will support your cycling journey over many years—these benefits have real value that should factor into any purchasing decision. An industry with recognisable quality practices can engage and educate consumers.

The pandemic years saw unprecedented demand for bicycles, with many new cyclists entering our community. This should have been an opportunity to establish strong foundations for future growth based on quality, service, and integrity. Instead, in the aftermath, some parts of our industry have fallen into patterns that threaten to undermine consumer confidence and devalue the skilled work of bicycle mechanics (and the sector as a whole).

At the ACT, we’re committed to working with all stakeholders to improve the health of our supply chain, and we’ve developed high-quality training and accreditation schemes (within the Cytech programme) that help consumers identify retailers who adhere to the highest standards of professional practice and invest in their workforce. 

The issues facing our supply chain won’t be resolved overnight, but addressing them is essential for the long-term health (and growth) of our industry. When a customer purchases a bicycle, they aren’t just buying a product—they’re entering a relationship with our industry that we hope will last for many years. That relationship should be built on trust, honesty, and mutual respect.

As we navigate these challenges, I remain optimistic about the future of independent cycle retail in Britain. The retailers who focus on adding genuine value through their expertise, their service quality, and their community engagement continue to trade even in difficult market conditions. The suppliers who recognise the importance of a healthy, diverse retail ecosystem are finding ways to support these businesses while adapting to changing consumer expectations.

The bicycle remains one of humanity’s most brilliant inventions—a marvel of efficient engineering that enhances health, reduces environmental impact, and provides unparalleled freedom of movement. Our industry’s responsibility is to ensure that every bicycle sold delivers on this potential, regardless of where or how it was purchased. By working together to restore integrity to our supply chain, we can ensure that cycling continues to flourish in Britain for generations to come.

info@theact.org.uk | cycleassociation.uk

The BikeBiz jobs board helped fill more than 680 positions in 2024, and listings are still on the rise. Here’s our latest top five…

Experienced Bicycle Mechanic

Port Velo Works is a new and exciting bike service centre located in Portishead, designed to serve our thriving local cycling community. As a start-up, we’re filling an important gap—providing comprehensive, expert-led bicycle servicing and repairs. Our ambition is to quickly become the region’s premier bike hub, known for exceptional quality, expertise, and customer care.

We’re looking for an experienced and Cytech-qualified Bike Mechanic to join us in shaping the success of Port Velo Works. You’ll be at the heart of our service centre, independently managing all aspects of bike maintenance, repairs, and customer interactions, ensuring a seamless and outstanding customer journey from start to finish.

Key Responsibilities for this role include performing comprehensive servicing, diagnostics, and repairs on a variety of bicycles (road, gravel, MTB). Independently manage the workshop and customer workflow. Provide exceptional customer service, including advising customers on repairs, upgrades, and maintenance. Mentor and train junior staff, ensuring high standards and continuous improvement. Maintain workshop organisation, stock management, and uphold high standards of cleanliness and safety.

Brand Ambassador Community Manager 

Muc-Off was established in 1994, and since then we have experienced strong global growth in the bicycle and motorcycle markets. Today, we are global leaders in our field and have a disruptive and distinctive approach to life.  Partnered with some of the world’s best teams and athletes across a range of cycling disciplines, Muc-Off has become the reference point in the care and maintenance category with exciting and ambitious plans for the future.

As Muc-Off continues to grow at a fast pace, we need a rockstar behind Muc-Off’s Brand Ambassador program.  The Brand Ambassador Community Manager role reports into the Communications Director at our Head Office in Poole, Dorset, where you will have the opportunity to wield the influence of key bicycle and powersports personalities from across the globe to massively boost our brands awareness and engagement.

We are looking for a highly motivated individual with a love cycling and/or powersports to lead a world-class ambassador marketing programme in a way does not just reach but blows past our ambitious targets. Dive into our dynamic team and play a pivotal role in shaping our thrilling brand story.  Muc-Off is a team sport and welcomes players, not spectators so if you like rolling your sleeves up, come on down.  Bring ideas but also examples of how you have made a real impact through your creative approaches to building relationships and creating content that delivers strong ROI.

Sales Assistant

Whether it be for the weekday commute or weekend pursuits, our customers have very different preferences. What they all have in common is a genuine excitement when they’re presented with their cycling products & you are looked upon not just as a representative of The Electric Bike Shop, but a cycling know-it-all.

As a Sales Assistant, you are the face of our brand, and a key part of our business success.  We want you to share our passion for cycling and help every customer to have everything they need to ‘enjoy the ride’.  You will achieve this through amazing customer service. You’ll be very approachable and be able to demonstrate strong communication skills with the ability to commute with customers who have varying levels of cycling experience.

You will be assisting your team in serving customers in the store and over the phone, carrying out technical handovers, managing deliveries and carrying out sales administration. You’ll solution focused, flexible and able to work on your own initiative – a can-do attitude is an absolute must.

Customer Service Advisor – Dealer Support

You will contribute to the growth of the RideWrap brand by supporting our Tech Rep team and RideWrap Dealer network globally, and provide customer service support for our shop in Cobham. You will also take ownership of all dealer support, kit list maintenance, general administrative responsibilities for the Tech Rep team, and other duties as assigned. As an expert on all things RideWrap, you’ll build strong relationships with our shops, brands, and RideWrap teams.

RideWrap is a rider-owned and operated business. Since the beginning, our objective has been simple: help riders get the most out of their time riding bikes. RideWrap’s proprietary systems are born from combining a background in precision engineering with a love for riding bikes. We produce industry-leading frame protection components for all bikes and riders.

To be ideal for this role, we are looking for someone who is stoked about biking and getting involved in the bike industry. Love building relationships, and supporting our dealer network. Able to communicate effectively and analyze dealers/customers needs. Are self-directed and take pride in your work. High attention to details and highly organised administratively. Prior experience in account management/customer services.

Suspension and OEM Lab Technician

FOX Factory designs, engineers, manufactures and markets performance-defining products and systems for customers worldwide. Our premium brand, performance-defining products and systems are used primarily on bicycles, side-by-side vehicles, on-road vehicles with and without off-road capabilities, off-road vehicles and trucks, all-terrain vehicles, snowmobiles, specialty vehicles and applications, motorcycles, and commercial trucks. Some of our products are specifically designed for and marketed to a variety of leading cycling and powered vehicle original equipment manufacturers (“OEMs”), while others are distributed to consumers through a global dealer and distribution network. Fox Factory Holding Corp. is the holding company of FOX Factory, Inc. and is publicly traded (FOXF) on Nasdaq.

Not only do we provide competitive wages, you will also have access to great benefits and employee discounts. But more importantly, it’s a fun environment where we truly enjoy working as a team and bringing great products to our customers! If this sounds like something you would love to do, and a place you want to be a part of, get in touch with us by submitting your application. We look forward to hearing from you!

The Suspension and OEM Lab Technician is responsible for servicing FOX bicycle suspension products and supporting OEM customer sample requests. This role combines technical hands-on repair work with customer-oriented service delivery. The incumbent ensures product servicing and rework is completed within 48 hours of receipt, maintains high-quality standards, and communicates effectively with internal teams and customers.

In May, we announced the 18 people who would judge each category in this year’s BikeBiz awards.

To allow you to get to know the judges better, we’ve asked them all to give us insight into who they are, what they do and a little more about them.

Next up, we hear from Wayne Brown, the CEO of Shift Active Media. With over 30 years of experience in marketing agencies, he is now a keen cyclist. But his background might surprise you.

You’re on a call or you meet someone at an event, when introducing yourself (and having to sum up many years in a few words), you say?

I run a marketing agency specialising in bikes.

Everyone in this industry has a unique ‘origin story’ that set them on this path. What was that for you, and how did that initial spark evolve into the professional journey you found yourself on?

You can listen to half an hour or more of this on my Business of Cycling Podcast episode:

Wayne Brown‘s unconventional journey from child actor to London advertising executive, working with major brands like Apple and Land Rover, led him to an unexpected destination: becoming CEO of cycling’s premier marketing agency. Discover his story on the latest The Business of Cycling podcast. Despite not being an avid cyclist when he joined SHIFT Active Media, Wayne has helped build what many consider the industry’s most influential marketing firm. In this candid conversation, he shares insights on brand positioning, navigating industry volatility, and the future of cycling marketing – Business of Cycling Podcast 

Given your role as a judge for the BikeBiz Awards, if you could pinpoint one innovation or trend within the cycling world over the past decade that you believe has been truly transformative, what would it be, and why does it stand out to you? 

It’s hard to look past the emergence of the ebike category, as this has transformed and opened up riding to different people, be that through improved accessibility for older cyclists or to more laps for hardcore MTB riders. And we’re only at the beginning of this transition.

Delving a little deeper into judging, what are you going to be looking for when looking at the shortlists for each category, regarding who you might vote for?

I want to see a compelling story, ideally from a brand that I’ve encountered myself out in the wild, so I can testify they are doing a good job.

Looking five to ten years down the road, what’s a ‘blue sky’ idea or a radical shift you love to see happen for the cycling industry that you believe has the potential to truly reshape how people move and interact with bikes?

It’s always hard to predict the future, but if I were to put a bet an emerging technology – aside from ebikes – I  think there’s interesting potential in increasing the connectivity amongst different road users, would cars crash into bikes, if they were more aware of their presence, had access to their speed, intended direction and could automatically seek to avoid each other safely because they’ve spoken to each other seamlessly.

This level of connectivity will be really interesting for getting more people on bikes, if it improves safety!

Among your many contributions to the cycling industry, are there any projects, initiatives, or achievements that stand out as your absolute proudest, and what made it so personally significant for you?

I am fortunate enough to have been involved in some great client projects, but I think of something that we’ve done for ourselves – it has to be our Rider Research Hub – it has to be up there, it’s allowed to do well over 70 research studies, and bring all that insight and data back to the industry.

And we’ve recently taken this to a new level with Leaderboard, our new brand tracking tool, that provides an affordable way for cycling brands to track their most valuable asset, their brand.

Throughout your career, the industry has likely undergone significant changes. Have there been any shifts you’ve personally experienced that required you to adapt, and how did you navigate that change? 

As I’ve only spent a 3rd of my career working in the bike industry, just entering it itself was a big change from more mainstream agency life, but I’ve always attacked in the same way, be open to new things, learn as much as you can and if you not passionate about what you do, you probably shouldn’t be doing it.

If you could offer some advice, whether something you were told, or a hard-won lesson you learned, to those working in the cycling industry that you believe might resonate or help them in their role, what would it be?

Don’t be afraid to ask for help – people will get as much out of helping you as the help you’ll be glad to receive.

Meet the 2025 BikeBiz Awards Judges

Giro has announced the launch of its new Montaro Mips III helmet.

Now in its third rendition, the Montaro Mips III has been fully redesigned, with what the brand says are nods to Montaro and Giro’s MTB heritage.

According to Giro, the new helmet offers “aggressive trail protection.” Now with a compact shape and extended coverage, and features riders demand.

Here are more details from the release:

The new Montaro Mips III helmet offers:

• Elevated safety with Mips® Evolve Core
• Roc Loc® Trail delivers micro-adjustable, precision fit
• 2-position one-hand adjustable visor
• Integrated sunglasses holders front and rear
• Ionic+® anti-microbial moisture-wicking padding
• FIDLOCK magnetic buckle
• Certified CPSC / CE and eBike standard NTA 8776

For further information on the Giro Montaro Mips III, please visit uk.giro.com.MontaroIII, or if you are interested in becoming a Giro dealer, please visit: https://uk.giro.com/become-a-dealer.html 

In May, we launched our ‘Mechanic of the Month’ in partnership with Bikebook to champion bicycle mechanics around the UK. Nominations are open to the public via BikeBook, allowing anyone to nominate their favourite mechanic.

In June, Rob Symes of SymesBikes was crowned the BikeBiz/Bikebook mechanic of the month. Read his interesting journey into how he got started working in his garden, and learning his craft through trial and error.

Walk us through your journey into the world of bicycle mechanics? What initially sparked your interest in the job, and how did you get started?

It all started back in 2017. I was studying General Engineering with the goal of joining the Royal Navy on an accelerated apprenticeship, but outside of college, I got obsessed with fixing bikes. I didn’t have the money for high-spec parts like my mates, so I started flipping second-hand bikes — buying cheap, learning to fix them, and selling them on. I used borrowed tools, YouTube tutorials, and a lot of trial and error. I’d stay late in mates’ sheds trying to figure out gear indexing or bodging brake setups with worn-out parts, but every build taught me something new.

By 2020, lockdown hit and I was made redundant, so I started offering bike repairs locally just to tide me over — that’s when I launched SymesBikes. I was working out of my back garden with a Ford Fiesta for pick-ups and drop-offs, and what started as a stopgap before joining the Navy turned into a full-on community thing. I realised I’d built something people valued.

In 2021, I suffered a traumatic brain injury from an assault on Bournemouth beach, which took me off the tools for a while. I got back into engineering and even bought a van, but then in early 2023, I had a seizure, was diagnosed with epilepsy, and lost my license for another 12 months. With time on my hands, I started flipping bikes again — and that’s when GC Bikes called out of the blue and offered me part-time work on the Portsmouth Council Beryl fleet. All of that was thanks to the graft I’d put into SymesBikes over the years.

Then, in early 2024, after being made redundant again, I decided to go all in with SymesBikes. I started using Bikebook (thanks to The Prince’s Trust), which helped me handle the business side properly — invoicing, scheduling, all that admin stuff. In September, I was blown away to be voted Bikebook Mechanic of the Year. It confirmed that my journey, with all its setbacks and triumphs, had built something real.

Now, my goal is to take SymesBikes even further — not just by growing the business, but by mentoring young people. I want to set up a space where they can access the tools, parts, and skills needed to fix bikes and build their own futures, without having to make all the mistakes I did. It’s about passing on that same drive and determination that got me here.

Tell us about your current role and where you work?

I’m the Chief Executive Bike Fixer at SymesBikes — self-employed and running things solo. I’m based in Fareham, Portsmouth, where I rent a small garage off a mate and have it kitted out as a workshop. It’s nothing flashy, but it’s where the magic happens and where I carry out most of my work.

I was out and about doing mobile repairs too when I got my licence back after my epilepsy diagnosis — but unfortunately, the van decided to pack up. Hopefully, I’ll be back on the road soon once I get a new setup sorted, because being mobile really helps me reach more people and offer convenience repairs.

What does a typical day look like for you in terms of the bikes and jobs you most often encounter in your workshop?

I take on a mix of general bike repairs — mostly mountain bikes, hybrids, and road bikes. The most common jobs I see are full services: sorting worn drivetrains, gear indexing, brake bleeds, wheel truing, all that good stuff. A lot of bikes come in tired and neglected, so it’s about getting them safe, smooth, and enjoyable to ride again.

Most days, it’s just me in the garage with some music on, working through whatever’s booked in. Sometimes it’s quick fixes, sometimes full strip-downs. I try to be as thorough as possible and give every customer honest feedback about what their bike actually needs — no upselling, just proper work.

Now and then, I’ll show young people how certain repairs work or give them tips if they’re into bikes themselves. And when I get the time, I’ll film content to show the behind-the-scenes of running a small business, to hopefully inspire others to pick up tools and learn some practical skills.

In your opinion, what is the most important, or perhaps misunderstood, aspect of a bicycle mechanic’s role? Do you feel mechanics receive adequate recognition for their expertise and the value they add?

I think one of the most misunderstood things about being a bike mechanic is the value of the work we do. People often look at a bike and think it should be quick or cheap to fix because “it’s only a pushbike” — but there’s a lot of time, skill, and care that goes into making sure it’s actually safe, efficient and enjoyable to ride.

It’s not just about swapping parts — it’s about understanding how everything interacts, spotting things a rider might not even notice yet, and making sure that when someone gets back on their bike, they trust it again. That trust matters. A customer might bring in a bike that’s been sat for years, or that’s unsafe without them knowing — and our job is to give it a new lease of life without rinsing their wallet or baffling them with jargon.

I always aim to keep things ethical, explain what actually needs doing, what can wait, and what’s just cosmetic. Mechanics don’t always get enough recognition for that balance between technical know-how and good customer service. It’s not just fixing bikes — it’s helping people get back out there confidently.

Do you have a favourite tool you can’t live without, or a particular type of job or repair that you find most satisfying or challenging?

It might sound boring, but a decent set of quality Allen keys has to be my favourite tool. When I first started out, I was using cheap, short, soft ones — and I’d spend ages struggling just to do the simplest jobs. Once I finally invested in a proper set, everything changed. Jobs were quicker, cleaner, and the quality of my work improved overnight. It sounds small, but it made a huge difference to my confidence as a mechanic.

The most satisfying job for me is fitting a fresh drivetrain. I’ve always been more into the tinkering than the riding, so there’s something really nice about feeling how smooth a bike shifts after a new chain, cassette, and cables go on. And the best bit is seeing a customer take it for that first test ride and feel the difference for themselves — it’s always a great moment.

The most challenging jobs for me are wheel builds. I can true wheels, replace spokes and bearings confidently, but full builds are a different beast. It’s something I’m still learning, and as someone who’s self-taught, I’d love to do a proper course to get more hands-on practice with that side of things. I’m lucky to have my mate Charlie at GC Bikes in Gosport — he’s been a real mentor and I definitely owe him a lot for helping me out when I hit a wall.

Are you using Bikebook? If yes, what’s your experience been like?

Yeah, I was introduced to Bikebook through The Prince’s Trust, and then I had a call with Jake, who showed me how to use it. He couldn’t have been more helpful at the start — I even showed him my setup at the time, which was just a little workshop in my garden under a gazebo. I think he liked the fact I was just getting started and could see how this platform could really help accelerate and professionalise what I was doing.

It gave me structure straight away — being able to book in jobs, track progress, and send proper invoices took so much stress off my plate. I’d never really dealt with the business admin side of things properly before that, and Bikebook made it easy.

Not long after that, they launched the Mechanic of the Year competition — and somehow, I won it. I know my customers value what I do, but I’ll be honest, I felt a bit of impostor syndrome because I’m not a big bike shop with loads of qualifications. But having that award on my CV — and now this monthly one too — gives me real credibility when people are getting referred to me. I honestly can’t thank Jake and the team enough.

Beyond the practical skills, what do you believe are the most important qualities that make someone a great bicycle mechanic?

Patience, honesty, curiosity, problem-solving, and pride in your work — those are the big ones for me.

You need patience when things don’t go to plan, and honesty when explaining what a bike actually needs. Customers respect straight answers and fair advice.

Curiosity keeps you learning — I didn’t come through formal training, I picked it up by doing, watching, and asking questions. That curiosity naturally feeds into problem-solving too, especially when bikes have bodged parts or weird issues.

And lastly, take pride in the job. Anyone can change parts, but it’s the attention to detail that separates decent work from proper quality.

How important have formal qualifications or continuous learning been in your development, and what are your thoughts on their value in the industry?

I’m completely self-taught — no formal bike mechanic qualifications — but I’ve still put years into learning and improving. YouTube, trial and error, asking questions, watching others… that’s how I built my skillset. So I don’t think qualifications are the only way in, especially if you’ve got the right attitude and a willingness to learn.

That said, I definitely respect them, and I’d love to do some formal training at some point — especially in areas like wheel building, where I know there’s still more to learn. Continuous learning is everything in this trade. Bikes change fast, tech moves on, and you’ve got to keep up or get left behind.

So while I didn’t come through the standard route, I think a mix of experience and learning — whether it’s formal or not — is what really matters.

What changes in trends, bike technology, or rider culture have you seen during your time as a mechanic? How have these shifts impacted your work and the skills required?

So much has changed in a short time, especially with drivetrains, brake setups, and how bikes are built. When I started, most people were still running 3x drivetrains and rim brakes. Now, 1x setups are the norm, internal cable routing is everywhere, and disc brakes are getting bigger and more powerful.

There’s also been a big shift in rider culture, especially since lockdown. More casual riders have got into cycling, but they’re riding higher-end bikes and expecting proper servicing and quick turnarounds. That’s great for business, but it means you’ve got to stay sharp and up to date with the latest tech — expectations are higher than ever.

I’ve chosen not to work on e-bikes for now, but they’ve definitely become a big part of the industry. It’s another example of how quickly things are evolving and why mechanics can’t afford to stand still.

What advice would you offer to someone who is just starting out or considering a career as a bicycle mechanic? What have you learned that you wish you’d known when you first began?

Start with what you’ve got, and don’t be afraid to mess up. You don’t need a fancy workshop or loads of tools to begin — I started out in my bedroom with second-hand parts, borrowed tools, and YouTube tutorials. The most important thing is just getting stuck in and learning by doing.

If you’re like I was — no money, no experience — just show genuine interest and ask around. You’d be surprised how many people in your local community want to help. Loads of people have old bikes lying around they’d rather give to someone young who’s trying to learn or earn a few quid, rather than just chuck it out.

Ask questions, take your time, and don’t rush to be “the best.” Every mistake teaches you something. Over time, you’ll build confidence, develop your own way of working, and start to take pride in the jobs you once found intimidating.

And don’t underestimate the value of being honest and treating customers right. That trust matters just as much as the repair itself. Whether you’re self-taught or fully qualified, it’s the passion and care that makes the difference.

I never set out thinking this would become my full-time job — it just grew from helping people and loving the process. Now I wouldn’t change it for anything.

Follow Rob on SymesBikes’ Instagram for the latest updates from his workshop.

Vote for your favourite mechanic here

Galfer has appointed Silverfish UK as its exclusive distributor for the UK and Ireland.

The brand says this powerful new partnership marks a bold leap forward in Galfer’s mission to deliver race-proven braking performance to more riders than ever before.

According to the release, Galfer, known for “its cutting-edge innovation and deep roots in motorsport and cycling, and is the trusted OEM partner for top-tier names like Hope, Magura, Brembo, and Ducati,” is ready to become a more visible force across the UK cycling scene through Silverfish.

This partnership marks a strategic milestone in our ambition to bring Galfer’s braking technology to more riders than ever before.

Silverfish brings not only a strong commercial network and deep industry expertise, but also a shared vision for brand building. Together, we aim to establish a powerful retail presence, deliver compelling value to dealers and consumers alike, and elevate Galfer’s positioning across all segments, from MTB to gravel and road. This is a key step forward in accelerating our growth in the UK and Ireland – Elliot Zancan, Head of AM Sales at Galfer.

Silverfish will introduce Galfer’s full product range into its expanding portfolio of premium performance brands. The partnership will fuel increased brand presence in UK stores with enhanced point-of-sale support, dealer education and standout activation at key cycling events.

Galfer is a brand we’ve admired for many years.  Elite-level performance, incredible heritage and a future-focused approach to innovation and sustainability. We’re thrilled to help bring that story to life for UK riders and retailers – Matthew Osborne, Managing Director at Silverfish UK

From shop floors to podium finishes, Galfer is stepping into the spotlight not just as the trusted name behind the world’s best braking systems, but as a frontrunner in the next era of cycling performance in the UK.

Dealers looking to learn more about Galfer or to set up an account can call 01752 843882 or email sales@silverfish-uk.com.

Fox Racing has launched its all-new Rampage RS (Race Spec) pro-level mountain bike helmet, which has already been worn to victory at two UCI Downhill Mountain Bike World Cups by Jackson Goldstone and Tahnée Seagrave.

At launch, Fox highlights that “as the first pro-level downhill helmet to feature the Mips® Integra Split system, the Rampage RS is lighter and more aerodynamic than its predecessor and exceeds current industry protection standards.” The brand also points out that the Rampage RS is “spec’d to meet the demands of downhill and gravity athletes alike”.

Revolution and evolution

The Rampage helmet arrived on the scene in 2006 and has seen many iterations, including introducing a carbon fibre shell in 2013, becoming known as the ‘RPC’ (Rampage Pro Carbon), and adopting Mips rotational management technology in 2021.

Since its debut almost 20 years ago, the Rampage helmet has earned multiple accolades along with a reputation for being one of the most protective helmets in the professional paddock.

The acronym RS stands for Race Spec in Fox Racing’s product naming convention and refers to the extensive list of features like the Mips Integra Split system, which enables fit adjustability, tuned foam densities to protect against high and low-speed impacts, and maximum ventilation.

“Gravity experiences have always influenced the direction of what’s expected from the Rampage,” says Mikey Rangel, Director of Marketing at Fox Racing. “Today, athletes are going faster, but the protection standards aren’t keeping up. In addition to improving fit, weight, and aerodynamics, we drew on our internal organisational knowledge of protection standards by analysing race data and by applying other testing standards from the e-bike and moto disciplines. Our goal is to push the protection conversation forward with and for our athletes, knowing that positions us best for our consumers.”

Safety testing and certification

The Rampage RS meets a combination of the e-bike certification (NTA-8876) and the European helmet safety standard for motorcyclists (ECE 22.06) specific to the chin bar.

The e-bike certification tests the crown impact at a higher speed and a lower failure threshold than the standard specification for helmets used for downhill mountain biking (ASTM F1952). ECE 22.06 tests the chin bar impact at a higher speed and uses different failure criteria than ASTM 1952—G-force instead of deflection.

• The Rampage RS is spec’d at 250 grams lighter and 5% more aerodynamic than its predecessor.
• Revised head form, now consistent with the standard Rampage, Proframe, and Speedframe, offers more sizing, from XS to XXL, to maximise on-bike comfort.

Additional features include a lightweight carbon-fibre shell construction, two-position visor for GoPro compatibility, and removable/washable ionic+ comfort liner and cheek pads. Available in two colours and retailing for $699.95 (US), the Rampage RS includes a clip-on mud visor, GoPro mount, thicker cheek pads and liner to fine-tune your fit, extra hardware, and a premium carrying case.

Ribble has overhauled its original ‘do it all’ bike, with the CGR – Commute, Gravel, Road – range, which is now entering its third generation.

Designed and built for epic, and everyday rides, the CGR comes in both drop bar and flat bar configurations, with carbon, Ti, and alloy frame options, as well as an e-bike build.

A strong seller for the brand since it was first introduced in 2017, the new range has received some significant updates without messing with a winning formula.

Retaining the core focus of the CGR – designed for everything from weekday commutes to big Sunday rides – the range has been overhauled with “a stack of improvements for both its pedal and electric-assist versions”.

At launch, the brand points out that “every frameset in the collection has been redesigned to be more capable, comfortable and confident. Whether you’re riding cycle paths, roads or trails, running racks and bags, or keeping things stripped back, the new CGRs do away with the need for multiple bikes in the garage.”

Speaking at the launch, Jamie Burrow, Ribble’s Head of Product, states: “The CGR range is for riders who don’t fit into a single category. They might ride a sportive one day, take a gravel shortcut back from work the next. One bike, go anywhere.”

The updated CGR range includes aluminium, carbon, titanium and electric models.

All feature mounts for mudguards and racks, 50mm tyre clearance, internal cable routing, and compatibility with 1X and 2X drivetrains. T47 bottom brackets are standard for reliability and easy maintenance.

• E-models run Mahle X20 or X30 systems with wireless controls and over-the-air firmware updates.
• All models are now available in Ribble’s SportFit flat-bar configuration, as well as the classic drop bar, for riders who want a more upright, confident position
• The CGR range runs from an XS (suitable for riders 5’3” / 160cm tall) through to XL (for riders 6’4” / 193cm).
• Bikes are built to order in the UK, coming with a lifetime frame and fork warranty, and a 30-day test ride guarantee.

Pricing & availability

CGR AL is available in Racing Green, with pricing starting from £1,649 (Shimano Tiagra HRD groupset, or Apex XPLR on the SportFit model) through to £1,799 (Shimano 105).

CGR E AL is available in Black/Teal, with pricing starting from £2,899 (Shimano Tiagra HRD groupset, or Apex XPLR on the SportFit model) through to £3,199 (Shimano 105).

CGR E CARBON-X is available in Champagne Green, with pricing starting from £3,999 (Apex XPLR AXS on SportFit) through to £4,599 (Shimano 105 Di2), and £5,199 (Shimano Ultegra Di2).

CGR TI-X is available from £3,099 (Shimano 105) through to £3,499 (Apex XPLR AXS on SportFit), and £3,699 (Shimano 105 Di2).

In the week leading up to the fourth edition of the Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift, SRAM has shared a documentary following the path of 2024 winner Kasia Niewiadoma Phinney.

The film “takes viewers from Kasia Niewiadoma-Phinney’s childhood in Poland to the world’s biggest stages. It’s a story about Kasia’s grit, heart, and strength that powers every ride. Hear from the Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift champion and those closest to her as they reflect on the successes, setbacks, and spirit that define her journey.”

Sharing a human story

“Before Kasia raced in the world’s biggest cycling events, before she wore the Polish national champion’s jersey or stood on the top step of the podium at the Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift, she was just a kid trying to win a bet with her dad.”

Women’s pro cycling

As media coverage has increased and sponsorship has expanded, a growing number of events on the women’s calendar have seen women racing on a variety of terrain. Grand Tours. Classics. Gravel races.

Beyond the massive influence of Zwift, as the title sponsor of the Tour de France femmes avec Zwift, race organisers Flanders Classics have been active in prioritising women’s racing, with CEO Tomas Van Den Spiegel and team deciding to run the men’s editions of flagship Classics races before the women’s races. Result: Massive crowds. Impressive media coverage. Strong sponsorship partnerships. Women’s races shown off in the best possible way.

All of this has been critical to expanding the number of events Flanders Classic has been able to put on. A commercially sound business decision which has directly uplifted women’s racing opportunities.

With media coverage and event sponsors come team and rider sponsorship. Naturally enough, this leads us to the subject of riders being paid a wage – I know, it sounds obvious, for a professional sport, but is still not something to take for granted.

Beyond the sports superstars, being paid to ride is (as of 2020) a UCI Women’s WorldTour (WWT) contractual requirement. At Women’s ProTeam and Continental Team level, the requirement to pay a wage (a stipulated minimum amount) is there, but the amount on offer isn’t a ‘living wage’. In 2025. Abby Mickey explored the topic of pay for a recent Escape Collective feature.

Representation and a strong, independent, voice

The Cyclists’ Alliance (TCA) is the independent voice of women’s professional cycling that represents and supports female riders from around the world. Founded and led by former and current professional cyclists, TCA provides resources to help riders succeed both on and off the bike.

Should we be ‘grateful’ for any coverage?

Regrettably, some old challenges remain – live coverage of races starting long after race winning break aways have formed: Yes, that still happens. More often that we’d like to admit.

Remember when the local organising committee for the 2023 UCI Gravel World Championships decided – at the last minute – that there would be no live coverage at all for the women’s race!

And then there’s the irony of an RCS Sports owned Women’s Giro d’Italia being almost invisible, whilst the ASO owned Men’s edition of the TdF shows for free, for the last time, in the UK.

Visibility is critical.

And it’s for this reason that BikeBiz, not known as a media outlet that covers athletes and events, is sharing ‘Kasia. The Polish Champion. A documentary.’

Yes, the media landscape is changing (and, if you’re in print or online, extremely challenging). But… and it’s a massive BUT….. women’s sports are thriving. Football (soccer), rugby, cricket, have all set records for attendance, and seen massive increases in participation.

If cycling is to join this group, which our industry desperately needs to – genuinely new riders / customers – then it’s up to us to showcase our stars, their supporters, the events teams, the media partners, and those pioneering early sponsors.

Argon 18 announces two new Heads of Sales to its leadership team with Amber Nero and Alex Croucher taking the responsibility for North America and Europe, respectively.

“As Argon 18 continues to expand its global footprint and strengthen its position as a leader in high-performance cycling, I am thrilled to announce two key appointments to our leadership team,” says CEO Mark Hewitt.

Prior to joining Argon 18, Nero has built an extensive career in sales management and business leadership in the outdoors industry, working with brands including Fjallraven, Hanwag, and Craft Sportswear.

Starting August 11th, 2025, Nero will be based at the Argon 18 headquarters in Montreal, Canada. From there, Nero will lead the Canadian account management team in Quebec, Ontario, British Columbia, and the American account management team and agents.

Overseeing the European market for the brand, Alex Croucher takes on the role of Head of Sales, Europe.

A seasoned cycling industry professional with over 25 years of experience in sales and customer engagement, Croucher has played a pivotal role in growing the Argon 18 brand in the UK since joining in 2023.

His promotion is said to underscore the brand’s deep commitment to the European market, where it is “evolving the distribution model to better serve our partners and customers”. The announcement points out that “Croucher’s leadership will be instrumental in driving our direct-to-retail strategy and expanding our presence across the region.”

Croucher, whose new role will officially start on August 1st, 2025, will remain UK-based and lead the European account management team in Germany, the UK, Denmark and Nordic countries.

Hewitt adds: “These appointments are a bold step forward in our mission to build a world-class team. Amber and Alex each bring unique strengths and a shared drive to elevate the cycling experience that is reflective of our brand and values. We’re proud to have them part of  the Argon 18 family.”