Search News

News Stories

31-40 of 227 articles found

Stop being a dumping ground for used e-bike batteries

Used e-bike batteries are piling up because too many suppliers are failing to meet their legal obligations and it’s time to stop being polite about it, writes ACT Director Jonathan...

11 Nov 2025, more…

Investigation reveals 'illegal for road use' and 'dangerous' products listed as e-bikes by UK retail giants

An investigation by Cycling Electric has uncovered that major retailers including Argos, Very.co.uk, and eBay are listing products marketed as ‘electric...

6 Nov 2025, more…

Cycling UK celebrates successful ‘Glow Rides’ promoting safer cycling routes for women

Thousands of riders across the UK joined Cycling UK’s Glow Rides to call for safer cycling and walking routes that reflect women’s needs and experiences.

28 Oct 2025, more…

Experts share how to make your bike last longer – and why regular care pays off

Cycling experts have shared their top tips in a new Guardian feature revealing how simple maintenance habits can extend the life of a bike and save riders from costly repairs.

10 Oct 2025, more…

Scottish bike shop to celebrate 20-year anniversary with prize draw and instore event

An independent Scottish cycling retailer is celebrating 20 years in business this month with a prize draw and ‘celebratory cupcakes’ during an event at the shop.

24 Sep 2025, more…

Irish cycle workshop team achieves cycling industry accreditation with help from fellow ACT member

Dublin-based cycle workshop the Rediscovery Centre has achieved Cytech accreditation for its workshop team after completing advanced training with Activate Cycle Academy, an Oxford-based...

15 Sep 2025, more…

The ACT and Bikmo partnership helping independent retailers

With D2C bike brands facing significant headwinds, local bike have seen modest but real improvements in profits and prospects. Partnerships like ACT and Bikmo are helping independents strengthen...

11 Sep 2025, more…

Panel event hosted by ACT Director to focus on retailer insights from the shop floor

A panel event hosted by ACT Director Jonathan Harrison will focus on retailer experiences and how they are adapting to a number of challenges within the sector at this year’s inaugural...

4 Sep 2025, more…

Pre-registration now open for inaugural cycling industry event CIN Live 2025

Pre-registration has now opened for the very first Cycling Industry News Live (CIN Live) show, taking place on Sunday 14 and Monday 15 September 2025 at NAEC Stoneleigh, Warwickshire.

29 Aug 2025, more…

ACT to join industry leaders at brand new cycling trade event this September

The ACT is set to be in attendance at the inaugural Cycling Industry News Live (CIN Live) trade show, which is set to bring together industry-wide education, market insight and product showcases...

13 Aug 2025, more…

BikeBiz editor gets hands on with Cytech technical one

Back to news menu

BikeBiz editor gets hands on with Cytech technical one

Posted on 8 Mar 2024

Spokes People Cytech trainingDaniel Blackham, editor of industry magazine BikeBiz, has been writing about his experience of completing the Cytech technical one qualification at training provider Spokes People in Milton Keynes.

Writing about his experience, Daniel said the idea came from former editor, Alex Ballinger as a way of helping the BikeBiz team gain a better understanding of what their readers experience daily.

Spokes People, based in Milton Keynes, is run by Lee Niven & Darren Hyland. Lee has worked with bikes for more than 30 years and is an MIAS and Cytech trained instructor. Initially spending five years working as a bike mechanic, Darren set up his own mobile mechanics business, which led to him becoming a Cytech trainer and educator.

In his article, which you can read by clicking here, Daniel talks through his two-day experience on the course explaining how, as with all practical learning, Cytech technical one provides the foundations on which to build on to Technical two and so on.

He writes that “just like any other recognised qualification, it should be encouraged and seen as a valuable asset” and that “as long as it’s being taught by experienced and trusted providers like Spokes People, then the future of bicycle mechanics is in good hands.”

He explains how, to pass Cytech technical one, all attendees must pass an assessment addressing all the content that has been learned during their time on the course. They are presented with work stands each with a bike in that has been tinkered with to simulate a bike fresh out of the crate. Each student must go through a traditional PDI checklist ensuring that all tasks have been completed and then the tutor checks all work and offers feedback if required.

To find out more about Cytech technical one, visit cytech.training/courses/technical-one

To learn more about Spokes People, visit: cytech.training/training-providers/spokes-people

Back to news menu