The Road to Respair

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, I chat with my good friend and Chain Gang Cyclists member Jacob Crossley, whose story shows just how powerful friendship and connection can be during life’s toughest moments. Jacob opens up about navigating OCD, anxiety, and the loss of his father, and how leaning into therapy — and into the people around him — helped him slowly unfold again. He shares how cycling became a bridge back to himself, offering laughter on group rides, unexpected conversations, and the kind of support you only find when a community truly shows up for you. Jacob talks about the friends who pushed him up hills, waited for him on hard days, and reminded him he doesn’t have to carry everything alone. This episode is a gentle, uplifting look at how friendship, movement, and honest conversations can help us heal in ways we never expect. You can also read Jacobs post on the ASCND Journal HERE

This week on The Road to Respair, I sit down with my good friend Jordan Addison — the founder of G!RO Cycles in Esher, a café and cycling community built around good coffee, good rides, and good people. We chat about: How G!RO started as a passion project and became a local institution The challenges of surviving in the café and cycling industry What it really means to build and nurture community Why independent spaces like G!RO matter now more than ever It’s an honest, relaxed chat about resilience, belonging, and why a simple idea — bikes and coffee — can create something powerful. 🎧 Subscribe to The Road to Respair for more conversations about the stories and people who keep us moving forward.

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.