Cycling Culture Club is a community built around the belief that cycling can be a tool for growth, inclusivity and accessibility — for everyone, no matter experience, background or colour. If you care about cycling, culture, belonging and the future of the industry — this one’s for you.

In this episode of the Road to Respair podcast, host Nick Frendo engages with Max from Standert Bicycles, exploring his journey from product design to establishing a successful bike brand. The conversation delves into the evolution of Standert Bicycles, the importance of community and culture in cycling, material choices in bike design, and the current trends in the cycling industry, particularly around endurance bikes. Max shares insights on navigating challenges in the business and reflects on the changing face of cycling culture, emphasising inclusivity and the aesthetic appeal of cycling. Takeaways Max's journey began with a diverse background in product design and business administration.The evolution of Standert was gradual, starting from a bike shop to a recognised brand.Community and culture play a crucial role in the cycling experience.Material choices, particularly metal, are central to Standard's design philosophy.Endurance bikes have become a significant trend in the cycling industry.Navigating challenges like COVID has shaped the brand's resilience and adaptability.The cycling culture is evolving, attracting a younger, more diverse audience.Inclusivity in cycling is enhanced by making it aesthetically appealing.Standert Bicycles aims to contribute positively to the cycling community.The future focus is on refining existing products rather than expanding into new categories.    

Camille McMillan is a multifaceted artist and photographer. In this conversation, Nick and Camille McMillan explore the evolution of cycling photography, the beauty of the Pyrenees, and the community surrounding cycling events. Camille shares his journey as a photographer and artist, discussing how his experiences in the mountains have shaped his work. They delve into the aesthetics of cycling gear, the joy of personal connections in cycling, and the role of e-bikes in modern cycling adventures. The discussion highlights the importance of finding beauty in the journey and the experiences that cycling offers, making it more than just a sport.

In this episode, we sit down with Jacob Crossley to explore how friendship, cycling, and honest conversations helped him navigate grief, OCD, and anxiety. Jacob shares the moments where community carried him, the friends who made healing feel possible, and the unexpected joy found on long rides with people who truly care. A comforting, encouraging conversation about the power of connection and the reminder that healing happens best when we don’t do it alone.

Episode 2 — Jordan Addison, G!RO Cycles In this episode, I chat with Jordan Addison, founder of G!RO Cycles in Esher — a café and cycling hub built on community, passion, and resilience. We talk about what it takes to create a space where people connect, ride, and belong. ☕🚴‍♂️ A conversation about bikes, business, and building something that lasts.

Nick Frendo is a lifelong cyclist, storyteller, and founder of ASCND, a platform created to document his journey from despair to contentment and connection. Listen to the introduction here. www.ascnd.cc