Cycle Inspect has announced the launch of the world's first carbon fibre NDT inspection training and certification program, aligned to ASNT standards and purpose-built for the cycling industry.
The program sets a new global benchmark in education for cycling industry professionals, with a focus on promoting safety, professionalism, and accessibility to the core principles and practices of non-destructive testing (NDT) of carbon fibre bicycles and components.
It delivers comprehensive training in composite material theory and ultrasonic testing (UT) techniques, along with rigorous theoretical and practical assessments in accordance with American Society for Non-Destructive Testing (ASNT) standards. Upon successful completion of the program, graduates obtain a Level 2 SNT-TC-1A certification, qualifying them to perform professional-grade inspections of carbon fibre bicycles and accessories.
"Carbon fibre has revolutionised bicycle design, however, damage or defects can remain unseen to the naked eye and difficult to impossible to detect via basic testing techniques such as tap-testing. Until now, there's been no formal education and training programs, and no standardised approach to inspecting these materials for damage" said Michael Biggs, Co-Founder of Cycle Inspect. "Our certification changes that. It brings industrial-level NDT knowledge and methods to the cycling world-accessible to anyone with a basic understanding of bike components."
Christopher Howson, Co-Founder and NDT Lead at Cycle Inspect, added:
"This certification provides a significant leap forward for an industry bereft of options and to cyclists unaware of the hidden dangers of bicycle damage and defects."
The course is currently open for enrolments via www.cycleinspect.com combines flexible, self-paced online learning through Cycle Inspect's dedicated learning platform, covering a detailed introduction to composites materials, and ultrasound theory and inspection. This is then followed by an intensive 3-day in-person and 'hands on' practical skills training experience in Newcastle, Australia. Trainees also gain access to 'Compass', Cycle Inspect's AI-powered inspection and reporting platform.
Targeted at professionals in bicycle maintenance, manufacturing, and repair - as well as those aspiring to enter this specialised area - the program brings industrial-grade non-destructive testing (NDT) practices to the bicycle industry for the first time to provide the highest levels of confidence in safety. Based on recent research by the University of New South Wales (UNSW) and supported by Cycle Inspect, 25% of surveyed cyclists had a component replaced due to 'failure during normal use' yet only 42% were aware of the existence of NDT methods.
Highlights:
- World-first carbon fibre inspection certification for bicycles and components
- ASNT-aligned Level 2 SNT-TC-1A certification (specifically for inspection of carbon fibre frames)
- Full certification comprises of online theory, in-person practical skills training, and assessments
- Independent assessment by third-party evaluators
- Access to Cycle Inspect Compass: machine learning-powered inspection and reporting platform
- Equipment and inspection hardware available directly through Cycle Inspect, and trusted brands
- The certification program officially launches in October 2025, with practical training offered initially in Newcastle, Australia
- Cycle Inspect also offers low-cost and obligation free programs (non-certified) for cyclists and industry professionals looking to improve their knowledge and skills in NDT via NDT Foundations - https://cycleinspect.com/training/ndt-foundations
