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

In our latest BikeBiz industry insights, a conversation with, we catch up with Hannah Wilson.

If you’ve been to a trade show or event this year, chances are you would have seen Hannah. As a brand manager at Extra UK, no two days are the same. Riding since the 1990s and working in the bike industry for over a decade, Hannah is not one to shy away from a challenge.

In a few weeks, she will take on two stages of the Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift (TdFFAZ) a day before the pros as part of ‘The Route‘. We chat to Hannah about her work, recent training and how she feels about dusting off her road bike for the first time in a while.

What does a typical day in your role at Extra UK look like for you? 

One thing that I love about my role as a Brand Manager within Extra UK is how varied it is. For instance, we’re in event season just now, so over recent weeks I have been planning and preparing product displays and event kit, and I attended a gravel event recently, representing my brands, which allowed me to speak directly with riders. We also have a sales meeting this week, so we’re working on product and promotion presentations for that, and I’ve also started planning for the 2026 season already.

In reality, a lot of our work does involve computer time, so when the opportunity arises to combine riding and work, it’s the dream, as the vast majority of us within the industry joined to allow us to combine our passion with our careers.

The cycling industry’s relationship with gender has improved over the years. Reflecting on your career at Extra UK and within the broader cycling industry, what have been some of your most significant experiences, positive or challenging, as a woman in this space?  

I’ve been in the cycling industry now for 15 years. My first role was as a Product Manager at Halfords, where I had an incredible Category Manager, Lousie Robinson and Head of Bike, Karen Bellairs above me, as well also feeding into a female Commercial Director, so I feel I had some incredible role models right from the start. When I moved to Extra UK (11 years ago), there were less women working around me, but I don’t feel like my gender had any influence on my position within the company.

I’m a passionate and driven individual and a pretty strong character, so I think that set me up well to succeed. I had the honour of being mentored as part of the Uplift Programme, which is a mentoring and networking scheme designed to help keep more women within the industry and enable those within it to succeed. It was perfectly timed for me after a period of change and helped me to reflect on my position within the business and how I could continue to bring the same dedication, drive and job satisfaction.  

Let’s talk about industry marketing. From your perspective, how effectively does the cycling industry currently market to women? Where do you see the biggest differences in approach, messaging, or product focus, and do you think this has an impact on female participation and purchasing habits?  

The women’s cycling market is growing, so to not focus on it would be nonsensical. It certainly feels like women are part of the conversation now, it feels like we’ve got past the point where a few people were having to encourage the use of female athletes in images or marketing campaigns, to it feeling much more natural. I am lucky to work within a distributor whose brands see the women’s market as an important category. I’m not sure if that is the same everywhere, though.

We also have a growing list of female ambassadors here across many of our brands, with the likes of Amy’s Cycling Adventures and Molly Weaver really showing different sides of what can be achieved on a bike and how much fun it is. There’s also some incredible research being done around how to market to women by Project Fias and Fiona Spotswood. We all need to keep learning and being open to new ideas. 

You’re embarking on an incredible ride and taking on The Route. What inspired you to take on the challenge?

fizik is a key sponsor of the ride, which is how I was given the opportunity to participate. I’ll be honest, as mentioned above, the opportunity to ride bikes as part of work is not always as regular as we would all like and should definitely be seized when they arise. As fizik are supporting riders with kit, it’ll be great to be on hand to help them with set up and talk them through the products they’re using. I’d already committed myself to several other fitness challenges for the year, but none involved road bikes. I’d class myself as a leisure road cyclist; my favourite road rides have been those where I get to use the bike as an opportunity to spend time with my Dad.

I’m normally found on a mountain bike or ebike these days, on an adventure or enjoying time at a local trail centre. So this, for me, is a big challenge. To get to ride two stages of the Tour de France Femmes a day before the pros is amazing. The fact that I get to do it as part of a peloton of incredible women and as part of a team raising funds for Cure Leukaemia is incredibly humbling. Once I’ve done my two stages, I’ll be cheering the rest of the team who’ll go on to complete all nine stages. They’re aiming to raise £150k for Cure Luekaemia and are currently almost at £100k before the ride starts, fantastic effort!

Building on that, how well do you feel women’s cycling events, like the Tour de France Femmes and by extension The Route, are being covered and promoted by the media (both mainstream and cycling-specific)? 

We have two journalists coming along with us from road.cc and Women’s Fitness, so we should see some coverage through their experiences. I feel like I see a lot of amazing coverage of races and events across social media generated by the riders themselves, cycling media and fans of the sport, but I’m not sure women’s cycling gets as much mainstream focus as their male counterparts, sadly.  

Preparing for an event like this takes incredible dedication. Can you walk us through your training, from its early stages to now? Have there been any unexpected physical or mental hurdles? What’s helped you remain focused, and how does it connect with your personal fitness journey outside of work?  

I’ve not really had much time to prepare as I only signed up in May. I’ll be honest, I hadn’t ridden my road bike since lockdown. For me, the hardest challenge was getting used to being back out on the road, the bike position, the traffic and the lack of motor on my bike! As you hint at above, over the past two years I’ve been on a big personal journey focusing on getting fitter, happier and healthier, so, although I’ve not been riding road bikes, I’m pretty physically and mentally strong right now, my power-to-weight ratio having dropped 32kg, should be better too.

I’ve built some habits and routines around training most evenings and weekends when I’m not working. I’ve also been competing in a non-bike sport called Driathlon, and I’m proud to say I’ve qualified for the National finals in October. The competitive element for me is a real motivator; I love having something to aim for.

Events like The Route and the Tour de France Femmes are crucial for raising the profile of women’s cycling. In your view, what’s the importance of having dedicated women’s cycling events, both at the professional and amateur level, for the industry as a whole?  

For women, seeing other women competing or just taking part is essential. It feels like there’s a growing community focused on making cycling events less intimidating (for women and men alike). For instance, at the event I was working at recently, Gravel Rocks, two incredible women completed the event having only recently taken up cycling recently and they were welcomed by all entrants and organisers alike to ensure they were able to complete their challenge and feel inspired to attend future events (they even won a prize for doing so).

There are also so many amazing ambassadors (as mentioned previously), event organisers and athletes who are actively encouraging more participation, not just within competitive events but also social rides and gatherings. We need a variety of different options. Seeing the professionals race will hopefully inspire future racers, but perhaps other women who see the riders of The Route (who are not full-time cyclists) take on the challenge and inspire others in a different way.

Looking ahead, what steps or changes would you like to see the cycling industry implement to continue creating an inclusive environment where women feel equally represented, valued, and catered to, both as employees and as customers?  

There’s so much happening already, but we need to share the messaging and stories to get the word out there more. Support the events, ambassadors and athletes who are doing the same. Also, be visible, talk about the rides you’ve loved and encourage others to give it a go.

You can donate to riders taking on ‘The Route’ to raise funds for Cure Leukaemia on their JustGiving Page.

Ortlieb has launched its latest offering, which comes in the form of a Thru Axle-based system with Quick-Rack compatibility for modern bikes, especially those without fender eyelets.

The Thru Axle M6-Connector is a universal adapter Thru Axle designed for the secure mounting of racks. Made from aluminium, with integrated M6 threads, this is said to offer “exceptional versatility and durability”.

1. This adapter replaces axles up to 180 mm in length and can be adjusted to fit axle lengths between 165 mm (tapered) and 168 mm to 180 mm using the included spacers.
2. It is also compatible with shorter axle lengths, provided the axle can be screwed through the frame.
3. Available in three thread pitches and fully compatible with SRAM UDH/Transmission, this thru axle is the ideal solution for demanding applications, ensuring a secure and reliable fit.

Quick-Rack

The new Quick-Rack is designed to be adaptable and versatile – offering three mounting options

1. Direct mounting for bikes with M5 or M6 threaded eyelets – “with supplied snap-in knobs.”
2. Thru Axle M6 connector and attach the Quick-Rack directly to the axle.
3. Use the optional Seat Stay Adapter to mount the Quick-Rack on the bike

Mounting the Quick-Rack is possible on road, gravel or mountain bikes and commuter bikes – in only 15 seconds – enabling riders to transform almost any bike into an all-rounder for everyday use.

• Struts with a diameter of 10 mm support a payload of up to 20 kilograms.
• Quick-Rack is suitable for use with all of the brands existing fixation systems, ensuring users can combine it with any Ortlieb bag.

Thanks to the two hanging levels and a platform, riders can also use and fasten panniers and a basket at the same time. The optional mudguards make sure that the system is primed for year-round use.

Offered in four sizes – Quick-Rack Light, Quick-Rack, Quick-Rack L, and Quick-Rack XL – Ortlieb also points out that the system is “Licensed by Tailfin for the use of a Thru Axle M6-Connector with a Quick-Rack L or XL in the US and the UK (Patent No.GB 2 542 644 and US 10,654,540)“

In the UK, Ortlieb is distributed by Lyon Cycle.

Yamaha will unveil its new PW-LINK System on the opening day of Eurobike, ahead of its full consumer launch in spring/summer 2026.

Whilst there are a number of points of interest with the PW-LINK, it’s likely that “Full and simple connectivity to external, third-party components” is the part which will likely grab and hold attention.

Unrivalled connectivity

As well as each component being fully interchangeable, the PW–LINK System’s ease of connectivity also extends to third-party products and services, allowing the likes of Comodule, Enviolo, and other complementary technologies to be effortlessly synced, as well as providing eBike manufacturers with the ability to develop their own customised connectivity projects.

A range of drive units, batteries and displays, which are all interchangeable and fully connected, will enable and allow e-bike manufacturers to spec the same frame with multiple PW-LINK combinations, offering a greater variety of e-bike options to their end consumers.

Fabio Marzola, Division Manager eBike Drive Units & Systems at Yamaha Motor Europe N.V, comments: “Every product in this pioneering line-up has been tested extensively to ensure we deliver the most reliable, safe and best-performing eBike system range in the market.

“We cannot wait to present it to our valued partners at Eurobike, and we’re confident it will also generate interest with prospective partners.”

Elevating the Yamaha product line-up

With its drive units produced at Yamaha’s state-of-the-art facilities in Japan, this allows the business to benefit directly from the company’s vast expertise in e-bike Systems engineering and manufacturing, which spans over three decades.

While some components like batteries are sourced from other companies, this integrated approach for key components has resulted in what the brand is calling “one of the most advanced and reliable e-bike systems in the industry. A system that’s ready to provide rich riding experiences of the very highest quality.”

• Increased maximum output with the 48V system (a 33% boost compared to the 36V output achieved in previous models)
• Increased maximum torque up to 100Nm on the flagship PW-X4
• Zero Cadence Technology, which ensures the units adapt immediately to different riding styles
• Full compatibility with all PW–LINK System components
• Extremely quiet and low vibration
• Compact and robust design
• Full and simple connectivity to external, third-party components

PW-X4 has experienced a significant boost in performance, making it Yamaha’s ultimate e-MTB drive unit., the PW-X4

“Light, compact and powerful” means a motor that weighs 2.6kg – thanks to a magnesium housing – and produces 100Nm of peak torque. The 48V design is, simply put, “the most powerful motor Yamaha has ever produced.”

PW-L1 is described as “Incredibly light and super compact”, making the PW-L1 “the ultimate drive unit for cyclists seeking to maximise their climbing potential”.

Weighing in at approximately 2kg, courtesy of its magnesium body, this new lightest-in-class 48V system motor delivers a peak 60Nm of torque to achieve strong performance that takes you further and faster on uphill terrain, for the purest riding experience.

PW-S3 is described as “the ultimate all-rounder”; available in three compact and versatile models, each weighing in at 2.8kg and powered by a 48V system.

The PW-S3 comes in two variations, tuned for specific use cases. PW-S3 Easy is optimised for everyday riding and city commutes, with 60Nm delivering both efficiency and comfort. The PW-S3 Cargo, meanwhile, has been engineered for heavy loads, with up to 85Nm ensuring stability and support whilst transporting cargo. Each model comes equipped with Zero Cadence technology to offer instant assist and a super-smooth and quiet ride.

Batteries

Yamaha has designed and developed two battery models which deliver maximum energy density values while also ensuring the very highest levels of safety in terms of fire prevention.

PW–LINK Integrated Battery 840 comes with what Yamaha states is a “best-in-class capacity-to-weight ratio.”

• Weight 4.35kg
• 842Wh, from a compact 48V battery
• For added security, there’s an anti-theft function that prevents unauthorised use, as well as an industry-leading fire propagation prevention structure, making it one of the safest batteries in the industry.

PW–LINK Integrated Battery 560 is designed to provide users with reliable power every day of the week.

• Compact dimensions and a low weight of just 3.1kg
• 48V PW–LINK Integrated Battery 560 is perfect for short to medium journeys
• 560 also supports dual battery use to deliver far greater riding time.

As with the 840, the 560 is highly durable and features an anti-theft function and industry-leading fire propagation prevention structure. From commuting to weekend outings, this light, robust battery provides an optimal balance of performance, range and reliability.

Control units and displays

Alongside three new motor configurations are two new control units: PW–LINK Side Display and PW–LINK Integrated Display.

PW-LINK Side Display offers a compact TFT LCD screen which “ensures visibility in any weather, and at any angle, while the high-grade colour interface provides instant updates on essential data such as battery level, distance and speed.”

The interface is also customisable, allowing riders to choose between two home screen backgrounds which fit their style, and buttons have been ergonomically positioned to allow usage whilst holding their handlebars.

PW-LINK Integrated Display is designed to offer “the ideal user interface on high-end MTBs”. The frame-embedded design integrates a “compact 1.9-inch screen to offer enhanced visibility and overcome some of the clarity issues found in rival models”.

Essential ride data such as speed, assist and battery levels are presented clearly to deliver distraction-free riding.

The display is equipped with ANT+, allowing users to connect to a third-party cycle computer, as well as being fully compatible with all Yamaha drive units, batteries, and wider third-party components.

Yamaha PW-LINK App

To coincide with the public launch of the PW-LINK System in spring/summer 2026, Yamaha will also introduce a fully updated app, offering seamless Bluetooth connectivity to every component in the product line-up, whilst also possessing a host of customisable features that can be tailored to each bicycle manufacturer.

Onscreen graphs allow riders to fine-tune their level of assist, while the status of multiple batteries can also be easily assessed, with notifications alerting riders when each one is fully charged.

Anti-theft and other features

The app’s owner and battery authentication settings act as an anti-theft function, while riding and performance logs, safe ride assist, real-time coaching and battery range indicators all enhance the user experience.

Practical information, such as maintenance and update reminders, is also featured in a comprehensive and inclusive suite of functions.

Service support for partners

As the e-bike market shows signs of maturing, brands, distributors and retailers alike are coming to expect extensive support from motor and system manufacturers.

As we speak, Marzola highlights that the new PW-LINK System launch follows hot on the heels of Yamaha’s eBike Systems Service launch.

Based on four key pillars – Technical Support, Warranty, Spare Parts, and Training – the Yamaha eBike Systems Service is a comprehensive backup scheme that provides fast and effective support via locally-based teams.

The state-of-the-art platform of the Yamaha Motor Academy gives easy and 24/7 access to online training materials via PC or smartphone, ensuring that dealers can stay up to date with the latest advancements and can benefit from Yamaha’s extensive e-bike experience.

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…

Workshop Manager

At Bike Club, we offer subscriptions for children’s bikes that grow with your kids. Families pay a monthly fee, and when their children outgrow their bikes, we exchange them for a larger size. We refurbish the used bikes and make them available to other families. It’s sustainable and hassle-free.

With over 80,000 bikes, we are the second-largest bike rental network globally, and the largest in the children’s bike sector. With over $50 million in funding, we are rapidly expanding across Europe. While our headquarters is in the United Kingdom, we are also active in Germany.

We’re looking for a Workshop Manager to lead daily operations, ensuring mechanics meet high standards in quality and efficiency. You’ll manage production targets, oversee stock control, and ensure bikes are serviced, repaired, and built on time. Alongside managing the team, you’ll train mechanics and drive continuous improvement in workshop processes. 

Deputy Store Manager

PAU Run & Ride’s flagship store at Trentham Shopping Village is on the look out for a Deputy Store Manager with proven supervisory experience, who’s familiar with cycling and running and, ideally, adept at cycle maintenance; someone who can share the work load with our existing team and who can deputise for our store manager when they’re off shift.

We aim to develop a committed and supportive staff team at the store where we sell high end, top quality bikes, cycle accessories and clothing, all manner of running shoes, accessories and clothing and a variety of tools to help keep customer bikes in tip top condition.  We’re immensely proud to deliver a world class service and repair proposition with a strong focus on customer service excellence, so we’re looking for a dedicated and highly motivated person to fill the position.

The successful candidate will be based at our Trentham Store and addition to deputisinf for the Store Manager, will support the workshop team with mechanical servicing tasks, and help deal with customers on the shop floor, making sales, upselling and cross selling accessories, and pitch in with other general duties as and when the need arises, keeping the store running smoothly. You’ll be an important member of our team as we continue to grow our presence and establish PAU Run & Ride as the cycle shop of choice in our area.

Cycle Mechanic

We’re on the look out for an experienced Cycle Mechanic to share the work load with our existing team; we’re proud to deliver a world class service and repair proposition with a strong focus on customer service excellence as we continue to grow our presence and establish PAU Run & Ride as the preferred cycling retailer and cycle service provider in the area.

The successful candidate will be based at our Trentham Store and addition to undertaking mechanical servicing tasks, will support our apprentice in their learning and also support the shop floor team advising customers as they choose their perfect bike, making sales, upselling and cross selling accessories, and pitch in with other general duties as and when the need arises. Your expertise will also help us support Project PAU, which, alongside Brand Ambassador Sir Bradley Wiggins, works with our elite team of junior riders and would-be Olympians, as they grow and develop their cycling ability through training, practice and competition tours both in the UK and overseas.

On a daily basis, our team contributes to driving awareness of our servicing and repair proposition both in the local community and on social media, with the objective of achieving service center and sales targets, whilst consistently exceeding customer expectations.

Sales and Workshop Roles

We are looking for an enthusiastic and knowledgeable Sales or Workshop people to join our team. The ideal candidate will be responsible for delivering outstanding customer service, assisting customers with their purchasing decisions, and performing a range of bike maintenance and repair tasks. If you have a passion for cycling and enjoy working in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment, we’d love to hear from you!

Key Responsibilities for the sales role include to greet and assist customers with their biking needs. Provide expert advice on bike selection, components, and accessories. Maintain up-to-date knowledge of the latest bike models and industry trends. Handle sales transactions accurately and efficiently. Ensure the showroom is clean, organized, and visually appealing. Despatching of web orders and replying to queries.

Bicycle Mechanic (eBikes)

At Zoomo, our vision is to transition every urban mile to Light Electric Vehicles (LEVs). Zoomo is the world’s leading platform to access ebikes for professional use. We operate across Europe, UK, North America and Australia. Expect to join a high-performing team that wants to lead the charge towards carbon-neutral cities.

In 4 years, with an international team of 200+ people, we helped transition millions of urban miles to LEVs by deploying the best delivery ebike and by developing a leading fleet management software. Zoomo vehicles are used by major players in the food, grocery and parcel delivery segments. Our partners include UberEats, Amazon, JustEat Takeaway, Doordash, FedEx and many more.

We’re a fast-growing last-mile delivery startup looking for a highly motivated Mechanic to keep our fleet and our courier partners rolling. If you’re a detail-oriented tech with a passion for electric vehicle technology and a can-do attitude, we want you!

Bikebiz are pleased to announce The Bikeability Trust as our Event Partner for the 2025 BikeBiz Awards.

For over 15 years, the BikeBiz Awards have served as a platform for recognising excellence and innovation across the UK cycling industry, celebrating everyone from specialist distributors to outstanding individuals.

The awards will return on Thursday, October 16, 2025, at The Button Factory in Birmingham. This partnership with The Bikeability Trust underscores the award’s commitment to promoting and supporting the growth and accessibility of cycling across the UK.

The Bikeability Trust is a Charitable Incorporated Organisation that manages, develops, and promotes the Department for Transport’s flagship national cycle training programme, Bikeability. With a mission to ensure everyone has the confidence to cycle and enjoy this skill for life, their involvement highlights the importance of cycle training and safety within the broader industry landscape.

We are happy to welcome The Bikeability Trust as a key event partner for the 2025 BikeBiz Awards,” said Richard Setters, sales manager at BikeBiz. “Their dedication to fostering cycling confidence, particularly among children, aligns perfectly with our aim to celebrate all areas of the cycling industry.”

We are thrilled to be partnering with BikeBiz for their prestigious awards this October and look forward to celebrating the achievements within the cycling industry together. This partnership reflects our shared commitment to promoting cycling and encouraging safer, more sustainable modes of transport. We can’t wait to see the incredible innovations and contributions that will be recognised at the event – The Bikeability Trust.

The 2025 BikeBiz Awards will feature a range of categories celebrating the breadth and depth of the UK cycling industry. Further details on categories and the judging panel will be announced in the next few weeks.

Lauren Jenkins, BikeBiz editor, added: “We’re really looking forward to celebrating with our partners, sponsors, judges and nominees in October. It’s a really great opportunity to get together and give recognition to different sectors of the cycling industry. We’ve got some great plans for this year’s awards, and we’re excited to share them, so stay tuned.”

For sponsorship and promotion opportunities for the 2025 BikeBiz Awards, please contact Richard Setters. For more information on The Bikeability Trust, visit the Bikeability website.