Monthly Archives: August 2011

The Dangers of Narrow Tires

Posted on August 30, 2011 by

It is unfortunate that most “road” and even “hybrid” bikes are sold with tires so narrow that you cannot cross streetcar tracks at an oblique angle without risking a fall. The Seattle Times reported recently about a rail line that … Continue reading →

Posted in Cycling Safety, Rides, Testing and Tech, Tires | 27 Comments

Report from Paris-Brest-Paris

Posted on August 26, 2011 by

I enjoy returning to Paris to ride  the Paris-Brest-Paris event. Paris is a place steeped in cyclotouring history. Several of us met in front of Notre Dame to ride to the start for the bike check; this is where the … Continue reading →

Posted in PBP Preparation | 23 Comments

Letters to the Editor

Posted on August 17, 2011 by

We get many letters and e-mails. We read them all, but we cannot reply to each and every one. We select a few for inclusion to Bicycle Quarterly “Readers’ Forum” pages. How do we select these letters? To be published, … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | 6 Comments

The Big Picture

Posted on August 15, 2011 by

It’s amazing to me that  the big picture often gets overlooked. I am not talking about willful distortion, but about well-intentioned people looking at only one part of the equation in an attempt to arrive at a good but simple … Continue reading →

Posted in Testing and Tech, Uncategorized | 45 Comments

PBP Preparation: Bike Route from Paris to the Start

Posted on August 11, 2011 by

For those staying in Paris before PBP, here is a bike route from the Arc de Triomphe to the start in Saint Quentin-en-Yvelines. The route is easy to follow, yet it doesn’t see a lot of traffic. There is a … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | 5 Comments

Compass Tires in 26″ x 1.75″

Posted on August 9, 2011 by

Compass Bicycles is introducing our new Compass 26″ x 1.75″ tires (42 – 559 mm). Many readers and customers have asked for a 26″ version of the much-loved Grand Bois Hetre 650B tires. This would allow riders of mountain bikes, … Continue reading →

Posted in Product News, Tires | 24 Comments

PBP Preparation: Quality Time Off the Bike

Posted on August 6, 2011 by

Many people think that the difference between a fast ride and a slow one is a superhuman power output. While some riders ride somewhat faster than others, especially on hills, the main factor affecting the time to complete a ride … Continue reading →

Posted in PBP Preparation | 2 Comments

PBP Preparation: Mavic Reflective Vest

Posted on August 5, 2011 by

In my quest for a suitable reflective vest that meets the PBP regulations, that is comfortable to wear, and that doesn’t take much space in my handlebar bag, I now have bought a Mavic reflective vest. How does it compare … Continue reading →

Posted in PBP Preparation | 11 Comments

The Aunt

Posted on August 2, 2011 by

One of the best things of editing Bicycle Quarterly have been the wonderful people I have met all over the world. Even among these amazing people, Paulette Porthault stands out. Most of you have seen her many times: On the … Continue reading →

Posted in Bicycle Quarterly Back Issues | 6 Comments