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.