Cytech Qualified Mechanics

CYCLE TECHNICIANS NATIONAL ACCREDITATION SCHEME

We believe in training our mechanics properly. All full time mechanics are sent through CyTech training in all aspects of bike maintenance.

Saddle Safari has recently been awarded 17th place on the Cytech Top 50 Cycle Retailers list and beaten the many of the larger chain stores not to mention hundreds of other smaller UK bike shops who didn’t make the list at all. Not bad for a small local shop! For more information please scroll down the page

Here at Saddle Safari all of our full-time Workshop staff are trained with nationally recognized qualifications in bike mechanics. Cytech is a series of exams testing on all aspects of cycle repairs. This is organized through the Association of Cycle Traders (ACT) a body committed to encouraging high standards within bike shops throughout the country. Michael and Daniel have both achieved the Cytech level 3 qualification - the highest accreditation available to a bicycle mechanic. Bryn is undergoing his level 3 which he will complete in the summer of 2009. At this point we will be in the unique positon of having all 3 of our mechanics qualified to level 3 giving you an unrivaled quality of service.

When the CyTech logo is displayed in your local cycle shop, you can be confident that you will enjoy trouble free cycling.

'CyTech' is an abbreviation of 'Cycle Technicians National Accreditation Scheme', which identifies the level of skills possessed by cycle technicians and their ability to assemble and service today's highly complex bicycles.

Mechanics and technicians taking the CyTech accreditation undergo stringent assessment, which includes having to demonstrate a sound knowledge of current technology, before any certificate is awarded.

Each bicycle that has been assembled by a CyTech qualified mechanic is identified by a tag with a declaration of skilled assembly and signed by that mechanic for future reference.

There are three levels of skill starting with the Foundation Course which majors on Health & Safety in the workshop, but also includes large sections on the use of workshop tools and the assembly of cycles to British Standard BS6102:1. The Intermediate Level tests the ability to diagnose and repair faults on cycles, from internal hubs to V brakes and gyro systems - knowledge across the board is essential before this certificate is issued. Finally, the Advanced Level is only awarded to technicians who possess a very high degree of mechanical competence and have an in depth knowledge of state-of-the-art cycle technology - a highly regarded prize indeed.

The scheme is run and administered by the Association of Cycle Traders as a way to ensure that high standards are always met in the ACT Members shops. It assures you, the customer, that your bicycles has been thoroughly checked by a skilled and professional member of staff before it leaves the premises.

CyTech was the recipient of a 1996 National Training Award, a Government sponsored scheme which makes annual awards to mark exceptionally effective training across many types of industries.

For more information on the Cytec National Accreditation Scheme please visit www.thecyclingexperts.co.uk/cytech

Our Service Team are fully qualified which gives you assurance that work done will be completed to the utmost quality.

We are an approved Shimano service centre which means we have been vetted and inspected by Shimano for standards of tooling, expertise and professionalism. We are one of the few approved centres in the area and are proud of the service we provide.

For more information on Shimano service centres please visit www.shimanoservicecentre.co.uk.

Cytech top 50

Cytech top 50!!!! A list of the top 50 cycle dealers has been published for cytech qualified mechanics and we are 17th in the country! Not bad considering we are a small shop with only 6 staff. We even feature higher in the list than the likes of Evans and Chain Reaction. All 3 of our mechanics (Mike, Daniel and Bryn) are qualified to the top level 3 so we have to be the most qualified in the country for our ratio of staff. Well done us!!!!

Read about cytech on www.thecyclingexperts.co.uk see the full list of 50 below

Top 50 Shops

1. Rutland Water Cycling, Whitwell

2. Bike Bristol

3. Chain Reaction Cycles, Ballyclare

4. The Bike Factory, Chester

5. Evans Cycles, Gatwick

6. Evans Cycles, Chiswick

7. The Hub, Peebles

8. WizzBike, Brentford

9. Cyclewise Whinlatter, Keswick

10. Evans Cycles (Mail Order), Gatwick

11. Nevis Cycles, Fort William

12. Cycle Heaven, York

13. J D Cycles, Ilkley

14. Cycle-Ops, Tonbridge

15. Brixton Cycles, London

16. Pearce Cycles, Ludlow

17. Saddle Safari, Marlow

18. Forest Leisure Cycling, Bournemouth

19. Ralph Colman Cycles, Taunton

20. Surosa Cycles, Oldham

21. A W Cycles, Caversham

22. Wheels Cycling Centre, Callander

23. Cycle Surgery, Spitalfields

24. Chevin Cycles, Oldham

25. J E James Cycles, Chesterfield

26. Cycle Centre, Newcastle

27. Bicycle Doctor, Rusholme

28. Evans Cycles, Waterloo

29. Evans Cycles, Kendal

30. Evans Cycles, London Bridge

31. Evans Cycles, Canary Wharf

32. Cyclesense, Tadcaster

33. Islabikes, Ludlow

34. Hargroves Cycles, Southampton

35. Wiggle, Portsmouth

36. Bike Treks, Ambleside

37. Bike Scene, Guisborough

38. C & N Cycles, Redhill

39. Bob Trotter Cycles, York

40. 18 Bikes, Hope Valley

41. Webbs of Warmley

42. Thomas’s Cycle Revolution, Ipswich

43. Buckingham Bikes, Aylesbury

44. Arrow Cycles, North Hykeham

45. Outdoor Resources, Colne

46. John’s Bikes, Bath

47. Specialized Concept Store, Ruislip

48. Deens Garage, Beckenham

49. Compton Cycles, Catford

50. Thomas’s Cycle Revolution, Colchester

The Top 50 rewards and promotes those cycle retailers who have invested in their people and service through the industry’s Cytech training and accreditation scheme.

The store ranking scheme also awards additional credits for those retailers with Gold or Platinum ACT membership.

Retailers in the Top 50 receive a special certificate of achievement and logo for use in their own marketing materials, plus additional consumer promotion via the ACT’s popular Cycling Experts website . Retailers in the Top 10 receive a special gold logo.