Suspension Sessions

About Suspension Sessions

This is the RBC Podcast — your guided tour into the science, service, and setup behind MTB suspension. Hosted by Glen, with deep insights from Robbie, this series explores the fundamentals that every rider should understand: from sag and seals to service intervals, tuning, and long-term performance. If you love the engineering behind the ride, or simply want your suspension to feel dialled every time, this is your new go-to podcast.

Publisher

RBC - Robbie's Bicycle Concept

Category

sports

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

11 Dec 2025

Latest episode

25 Aug 2026

Latest episodes

16 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   25 Aug 2026

   Episode 16: 10 Years of RBC — A Suspension Sessions Special

   Suspension Sessions - Episode 16: 10 Years of RBC - A Suspension Sessions Special This one's different. No tech deep-dives, no setup tips - instead, Glen sits down with Robbie to celebrate ten years of Robbie's Bicycle Concept (RBC). They rewind to the very beginning: RBC's roots as a BMX brand, Robbie's early days working with Manitou in the '90s, and the moment he spotted a gap in South Africa's suspension market back in 2015. From a three-person upstairs workshop to a facility with in-house dynos and telemetry, they trace how the business — and the industry itself — has evolved. Along the way: the story behind RBC's international brand partnerships (Öhlins, DT Swiss, Trickstuff, Push Industries, and more), a workshop mishap involving a very small, very lost damper clip, why standing eight hours a day is the real job requirement, and why Finale Ligure remains Robbie's favourite trail on earth. They also bust a couple of persistent suspension myths — including the classic "my shock is leaking air" call that almost always isn't — and look ahead to where suspension tech is headed next, from electronic damping to how e-bike batteries might change the game entirely. It's part origin story, part bench-racing session, and a look at what's kept RBC going for a decade: passion over profit, and a genuine love of getting more people on bikes. Spotify Chapters – Suspension Sessions Episode 16 (00:00) Welcome to Suspension Sessions (00:29) Celebrating 10 Years of RBC (01:33) How RBC Started as a BMX Brand (02:34) Passion Over Profit (04:19) The Shift to Suspension Specialisation (04:43) Spotting the Gap in the Market (05:10) From a 3-Person Workshop to the Dyno Room (07:46) How Suspension Technology Has Evolved (10:27) Investing in Workshop Equipment (11:23) Telemetry, Dynos & Removing the Guesswork (12:58) The Biggest Innovation: Metric Shocks (13:10) Trends That Didn't Survive: High Linkage Forks (14:15) Workshop Story: The Case of the Missing Clip (15:52) How Event Support Began (16:16) Meeting Valentin in Switzerland (19:31) A Decade of International Brand Partnerships (21:57) Training Staff & Learning to Let Go (23:12) Meet the Team: Nelson & Angela (24:20) What Keeps Customers Coming Back (24:52) Preparing Pro Athletes for the Season (25:42) Why International Riders Choose South Africa (26:31) Best Trail Ever Ridden: Finale Ligure (27:46) Busting Suspension Myths (30:32) Robbie's Favourite RBC Memory (30:55) Looking Ahead to the Next 10 Years(32:21) Electronic Suspension, E-Bikes & AI (33:53) What RBC Wants Customers to Take Away (35:09) 10 Year Anniversary Event – 5 September

2. 

   4 Aug 2026

   Episode 15: Two Weeks in Andorra - Behind the Scenes at the Andorra Epic & UCI World Cup

   Suspension Sessions – Episode 15 | Two Weeks in Andorra: Behind the Scenes at the Andorra Epic & UCI World Cup What does life really look like behind the workshop doors at two of mountain biking's biggest events? In this episode, Robbie shares his experiences from two unforgettable weeks in Andorra, working first at the Andorra Epic and then with DT Swiss at the UCI Mountain Bike World Series in Pal Arinsal. From 5 a.m. starts and long days servicing suspension in the Epic paddock to building race wheels for World Cup athletes, Robbie gives us a rare insight into the work that happens long before riders roll onto the start line. We discuss: Why Andorra has become one of mountain biking's premier destinations Supporting riders throughout the demanding Andorra Epic How heat, dust and altitude affect suspension performance The importance of servicing before a stage race Working inside the DT Swiss race workshop at a World Cup The incredible sense of community among mechanics, teams and riders Helping privateers alongside elite professionals Lessons every rider can take home about bike preparation and maintenance Along the way, Robbie shares stories from the workshop, talks about servicing suspension for South African World Cup rider Candice Lill, explains why preparation is everything, and reminds us that even at the highest level, mountain biking is still built on people helping people. Whether you're preparing for your next stage race, curious about what happens behind the scenes at a World Cup, or simply love hearing stories from the heart of mountain biking, this episode is packed with insight and experience. 🎙️ Suspension Sessions is brought to you by Robbie's Bicycle Concept (RBC) – keeping mountain bikers riding at their best through world-class suspension servicing, setup and technical expertise. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with your riding buddies. #SuspensionSessions #MTB #MountainBiking #AndorraEpic #UCIWorldSeries #DTSwiss #SuspensionService #BikeMechanic #WorldCupMTB #StageRacing #CandiceLill #RBC #RobbiesBicycleConcept Spotify Chapters – Suspension Sessions Episode 15 (00:00) Welcome to Suspension Sessions (00:30) Why Andorra is a Mountain Biking Mecca (02:55) How Robbie Joined the Andorra Epic (05:20) Supporting Riders as a Suspension Specialist (07:05) Building a Mobile Suspension Workshop (08:05) A Day in the Life at the Andorra Epic (10:00) Heat, Dust & Suspension Challenges (11:45) Why You Should Service Before a Stage Race (13:10) Big Repairs & Working with Pro Riders (15:00) From the Andorra Epic to the UCI World Cup (15:45) Inside the DT Swiss Race Workshop (18:15) Supporting Elite Riders and Privateers (19:30) The World Cup Pit Community (21:20) What Every Mountain Biker Can Learn (23:10) South Africans on the World Cup Circuit (24:00) Supporting Candice Lill at the World Cup (25:30) Lessons from Andorra & Final Thoughts

3. 

   16 Jun 2026

   Episode 14: Zandile Meneses - Behind the Magic of Karoo to Coast

   The race behind the race – a conversation with the woman steering one of South Africa's most beloved cycling events. In episode 14 of Suspension Sessions, Robbie and Glen sit down with Lions Karoo to Coast Race Director Zandile Meneses to uncover what goes on behind one of South Africa's most iconic mountain bike events. From the rich history of Karoo to Coast and the unique appeal of Prince Alfred's Pass, to the immense logistical challenge of getting thousands of riders safely from Uniondale to Knysna, Zandile shares what it really takes to keep this legendary race rolling year after year. The conversation explores the evolution of the event, the rise of gravel bikes, the difficult decisions that race organisers sometimes face, and the vital role local communities and the Lions Clubs play in making Karoo to Coast so special. Of course, being Suspension Sessions, the discussion also turns to bike setup, suspension choices, and what riders should consider when preparing for one of the country's favourite point-to-point races. Whether you're a Karoo to Coast veteran, planning your first ride, or simply curious about what happens behind the scenes of a major cycling event, this episode offers a fascinating look at the people and passion that make it all possible.

4. 

   27 Apr 2026

   Episode 13: Candice Lill - Dialling for the Win & Other Stories

   In episode 13 of Suspension Sessions, Robbie and Glen sit down with Candice Lill fresh off her victory at the Absa Cape Epic, to talk about life, racing, and suspension setups.They unpack what it takes to perform at the highest level of cross-country and stage racing — from the intensity of the World Cup circuit and the Olympic Games to the unique demands of multi-day events. At the core of the conversation is suspension: how Candice builds a reliable baseline, adapts to changing terrain, and why confidence in your setup can make or break a race.Candice chats about lessons learned along the way, the small setup decisions that have a big impact under pressure, and how it all started — from the very beginning of her cycling journey at just three years old.Whether you’re chasing podiums or simply looking for more confidence on the bike, this is a grounded, insight-packed conversation with one of South Africa’s best.

5. 

   13 Apr 2026

   Episode 12: The ABSA Cape Epic 2026 – Suspension Setup for Multi-Day Racing

   In Episode 12 of Suspension Sessions, we focus on one of the most critical — and often overlooked — aspects of stage racing: suspension preparation.Drawing on real-world experience from working with riders at the ABSA Cape Epic, Glen and Robbie break down what it takes to get your suspension ready before the race, and how to manage it over multiple days of demanding terrain.From correct servicing and establishing a reliable baseline setup, to understanding the relationship between suspension, tyres, and rider fatigue, this episode covers the fundamentals that directly impact performance and consistency.We also discuss daily checks, what to do as fatigue sets in, and the common mistakes riders make — including over-firm setups and unnecessary mid-race changes.If you’re preparing for a stage race, or simply want your bike to perform consistently over long, demanding rides, this episode offers practical, experience-led insight into getting the most out of your suspension.🎧 Suspension Sessions is powered by RBC — specialists in suspension servicing, setup, and performance.

6. 

   2 Mar 2026

   Episode 11 - Tyres to Tarmac

   In this episode, we sit down with Tristan from Gecko Racing Engineering — a young mechanical engineer designing and building a 400kg single-seater race car for the iconic Simola Hillclimb. Instead of buying a race car, Tristan chose to build one from the ground up. We unpack how their development process starts with tyre selection and moves into suspension geometry, leverage ratios, anti-squat, anti-dive, and shock choice. Gecko Racing visited RBC with a 3D-printed front suspension assembly to refine their setup — and we explore why MTB air shocks make sense during the development phase before potentially moving to coil. If you’re into real-world engineering, data-driven suspension development, and bold grassroots motorsport projects, this episode is for you. Listen now and dive into the dark arts of suspension.

7. 

   23 Feb 2026

   Factory to Fast Forward with TJ Hanson

   For Episode 10 of Suspension Sessions, Glen and Robbie sit down with Terje “TJ” Hansen, Head of MTB Suspension at Öhlins - a man who’s spent nearly three decades at the heart of world-class suspension development. From being born into motocross heritage to helping build Öhlins’ mountain bike program from a “skunkworks” project into a World Cup-winning force, TJ shares the inside story of how elite racing drives real-world product evolution. In this episode, we chat about: The early days of Öhlins MTB and the legendary TTX22 How working with Specialized Gravity and riders like Loïc Bruni shapes suspension innovation The philosophy behind the Fast Forward program and hydraulic top-out technology New developments including advanced low-friction coatings and the launch of an Öhlins gravel fork The impact of Brembo’s acquisition and what it means for future R&D Electronics vs. analogue suspension — where the industry is really heading Why most riders overcomplicate setup — and TJ’s simple, powerful approach to getting suspension right TJ also shares honest insights on telemetry overload, common setup mistakes (even at World Cup level), and why correct bike balance always comes before twisting knobs. This is a masterclass in suspension thinking - blending race paddock development, real-world service insight, and practical advice every rider can apply immediately. If you care about performance, balance, and the future of suspension tech, this one’s not to be missed.

8. 

   16 Feb 2026

   The 32-Inch Wheel Debate – Innovation or Overkill?

   Episode 9: The 32-Inch Wheel Debate – Innovation or Overkill? In this episode of Suspension Sessions, Glen and Robbie sit down with Valentin Wendel from BMC to unpack one of the most talked-about developments in modern mountain biking: 32-inch wheels. After seeing the prototype unveiled at a World Cup event, the discussion dives into why the industry is exploring bigger wheels, what the real performance gains might be, and the trade-offs that come with scaling everything up. From improved rollover and smoother cornering to increased weight, stiffness challenges, geometry changes, gearing implications, and frame design constraints — this episode explores the engineering realities behind the hype. The team also debates who 32-inch wheels are really for, whether they could make more sense in other bike categories, and how innovation in the industry has historically been received — from 26” to 29” and beyond. If you’re curious about where bike design is heading, and what it actually takes to bring a concept like this to market, this is a thoughtful, balanced look at the future of wheel size. 🎧 Suspension Sessions is powered by RBC — specialists in suspension servicing, setup, and performance.

9. 

   9 Feb 2026

   The Tai Chi of Suspension Set-up

   Episode 8: The Art of Balance – Real-World Suspension Tuning with RBC In Episode 8 of Suspension Sessions, Glen, Robbie, and Valentin dig into what suspension tuning really looks like away from theory and inside real-world riding conditions. Recorded after several days of hands-on suspension setup with professional riders in the Western Cape, this episode explores the idea of balance — between rider, bike, suspension, tyres, and terrain. The conversation breaks down the process RBC follows when setting up race bikes, why servicing must come before tuning, and how small changes in tyres, pressure, and damping can dramatically affect performance. The episode also highlights the importance of rider education, trust, and repeatable setup processes, showing why even professional athletes benefit from structured suspension work and a solid baseline — especially heading into a race season. If you want insight into how suspension is tuned in the real world, how riders learn to use their adjustment tools, and why feel, feedback, and experience still matter as much as data, this episode takes you deep into the Taichi of suspension. 🎧 Suspension Sessions is powered by RBC — specialists in suspension servicing, setup, and performance.

10. 

    2 Feb 2026

    Inside Suspension Development with Valentin Wendel (BMC)

    Episode 7: Inside Suspension Development with Valentin Wendel (BMC) In this episode of Suspension Sessions, Glen and Robbie sit down with Valentin Wendel from Swiss bike manufacturer BMC for a deep dive into the world of suspension development. With a career spanning more than two decades, Valentin shares insight from his time working on World Cup race bikes, developing suspension systems from first principles, and supporting elite riders on the ground at major events. From early carbon fork development and real-world race testing to the realities of lab simulation, environmental conditions, and rider feedback, this episode explores what it really takes to design suspension that works outside of a test bench. The conversation also touches on the future of suspension technology, including electronic damping concepts, the challenges of complexity and cost, and why rider feel and real-world testing still matter more than data alone. If you’re interested in how modern suspension is engineered, tested, and refined — from the workshop to the World Cup start line — this episode offers rare insight from someone who’s been deeply involved at every level. 🎧 Suspension Sessions is powered by RBC — specialists in suspension setup, servicing, and performance.

11. 

    21 Jan 2026

    Legacy Suspension - Is it possible to keep old-school suspension operating effectively?

    Before lockouts, air springs, and endless adjustment dials, there was legacy suspension — simple, innovative, and often surprisingly effective. In Episode 6 of Suspension Sessions, Robbie and Glen look back at the forks and shocks that helped define early mountain biking, and discuss how these older systems still fit into today’s riding world. From common wear points and service challenges to sourcing parts and setting expectations, this episode focuses on how to keep legacy suspension working properly — and when it’s worth doing so. Whether you’re maintaining an older bike, restoring a classic, or just curious about how modern suspension got here, this episode blends nostalgia with practical, workshop-tested insight.

12. 

    12 Jan 2026

    A chat with Michel Kruiper - former Dutch Downhill Champion.

    Michel Kruiper joins Robbie and Glen for a dive into the early days of downhill mountain biking and some views on current trends. A former Dutch National Downhill Champion and UCI World Cup racer, Michel shares what it was like competing in UCI DH events, training for Olympic selection and how he transitioned into the cycling retail space. Whether you’re a racer, a weekend rider, or a suspension nerd, this episode blends history, experience, and practical insight from someone who’s seen the sport evolve from the start.

13. 

    6 Jan 2026

    Coil or Air MTB Suspension?

    Air vs Coil: Which Suspension Is Right for You? Air or coil — it’s one of the most common suspension questions riders ask, and one of the most misunderstood. In this episode of Suspension Sessions, we break down the real-world differences between air-sprung and coil-sprung suspension. No marketing hype, no internet myths — just practical insight from the workshop and the trail. We cover how each system works, how they feel on the bike, and what really matters when it comes to setup, servicing, adjustability, weight, and long-term ownership. More importantly, we look at who benefits from each option and why the “best” choice depends far more on the rider than the component. Whether you’re considering a suspension upgrade, struggling to get your bike feeling right, or just want to understand your setup better, this episode will help you make a more informed decision. Because when suspension is set up correctly — air or coil — it changes everything.

14. 

    22 Dec 2025

    Dropper Posts

    In Episode 3 of Suspension Sessions, we take a closer lookat dropper posts, a component that’s become essential on modern mountain bikes, yet is often misunderstood and neglected. Drawing on real-world workshop experience at RBC, we unpack how dropper posts work, what affects performance, and the most common problems we see coming through the service department. We also discuss basic care, service intervals, and when adropper post needs professional attention versus a simple adjustment. The goal is to help riders get consistent performance, longer service life, and better value from their equipment. If you want your dropper post to work reliably when itmatters most - this episode is for you. 🎧 Suspension Sessions is powered by RBC — specialists in suspension, droppers, and performance setup.

15. 

    15 Dec 2025

    Setting your MTB suspension sag

    In this episode, Glen and Robbie break down one of the most important - and most misunderstood - elements of MTB setup: suspension sag. They discuss what sag really is, why it matters and the common mistakes riders make when setting sag on forks and rear shocks. A practical, no-nonsense conversation to help riders achieve a balanced, dialled suspension setup from the start.

16. 

    11 Dec 2025

    Servicing your MTB suspension

    Glen and Robbie, one of South Africa’s leading suspension specialists, unpack the fundamentals every rider should understand regarding MTB suspensions and servicing. If you’re fascinated by the engineering behind the ride, or simply want your bike to feel dialled every time you hit the trail, this is your new go-to suspension podcast.

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Spotify

5.0 / 5

4 ratings

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Guest appearances

Books guests

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