096 - The Art and Science of Mountain Bike Design: Faction Bike Studio's Design Lead (Guest: Julian Richardson)
03/11/25 • 81 min
The Mountain Cog Podcast welcomes Julian Richardson, Lead Industrial Designer at Faction Bike Studio, for an in-depth exploration of bicycle design. Julian explains how Faction operates as design consultants for bike manufacturers, handling everything from initial sketches to final production support. The discussion clarifies the often misunderstood difference between industrial design (focused on user experience and aesthetics) and engineering (focused on developing and validating the functional, structural, and kinematic elements), while detailing their collaborative process that transforms concepts into rideable products.
The episode covers crucial industry topics including the challenges of managing intellectual property between competing clients, the influence of geography on design decisions, and how designers balance innovation with practicality. Julian shares insights on material selection, frame construction techniques, and the growing integration between traditional and e-bike designs. Listeners will appreciate the candid discussion about design trends, from the problematic internal cable routing that frustrate mechanics to the industry's gradual shift toward more user-adjustable bikes that can be customized to rider preferences without requiring multiple specialized bicycles.
Faction Bike Studio - https://factionbikestudio.com/
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The Mountain Cog Podcast welcomes Julian Richardson, Lead Industrial Designer at Faction Bike Studio, for an in-depth exploration of bicycle design. Julian explains how Faction operates as design consultants for bike manufacturers, handling everything from initial sketches to final production support. The discussion clarifies the often misunderstood difference between industrial design (focused on user experience and aesthetics) and engineering (focused on developing and validating the functional, structural, and kinematic elements), while detailing their collaborative process that transforms concepts into rideable products.
The episode covers crucial industry topics including the challenges of managing intellectual property between competing clients, the influence of geography on design decisions, and how designers balance innovation with practicality. Julian shares insights on material selection, frame construction techniques, and the growing integration between traditional and e-bike designs. Listeners will appreciate the candid discussion about design trends, from the problematic internal cable routing that frustrate mechanics to the industry's gradual shift toward more user-adjustable bikes that can be customized to rider preferences without requiring multiple specialized bicycles.
Faction Bike Studio - https://factionbikestudio.com/
Listen to Mountain Cog
Apple Podcasts
Spotify
Other Podcast Sites
Socials
Instagram
Facebook
Email
[email protected]
Previous Episode
095 - Bike Shop Secrets: Pro Tips on Carbon Bars, Wax Chain Lube, and Dropper Post Maintenance
In this information-packed episode of Mountain Cog, hosts Josh and Dane dive into essential mountain bike maintenance tips that every rider should know. They share their expertise on cutting carbon handlebars safely using abrasive blades, explaining how to prevent fraying and properly finish the cut edges. The conversation then shifts to the benefits of Squirt chain wax for desert riding conditions, with both hosts sharing their personal experiences and highlighting why proper application makes all the difference.
The episode continues with valuable insights on bike modifications, including the importance of changing only one component at a time to properly evaluate performance differences. They discuss tire selection for desert terrain, comparing Maxxis Forecaster tires to specialized options like the Teravail Ehline. The hosts wrap up with crucial dropper post maintenance advice, explaining why you should keep your dropper post extended when not riding and avoid pulling upward on a compressed post. This episode delivers practical maintenance tips for mountain bikers looking to extend component life and improve riding performance.
Park Tools Carbon Hacksaw Blade - https://www.parktool.com/en-us/product/carbon-saw-blade-csb-1
Squirt Lube - https://www.squirtcyclingproducts.com/
Teravail Ehline Tires - https://www.teravail.com/product/teravail-ehline-tire-394761-1.htm
Maxxis Forekaster Tires - https://www.maxxis.com/us/tire/forekaster/
Listen to Mountain Cog
Apple Podcasts
Spotify
Other Podcast Sites
Socials
Instagram
Facebook
Email
[email protected]
Mountain Cog - 096 - The Art and Science of Mountain Bike Design: Faction Bike Studio's Design Lead (Guest: Julian Richardson)
Transcript
why don't female deer sleep properly ?
Julian RichardsonOh man , this could go like so many thing , this could go . They don't have enough dough oh yeah , that's it . Well , they just doze they just doze .
Dane (The Suspension Guru)I almost got it , I almost got it . You're on , you're on it
DIf you like this episode you’ll love
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