Monthly Archives: December 2012

Too Precious to Ride?

Posted on December 28, 2012 by

Some people wonder whether special bikes can be too precious to ride. They ask me about my bikes: “Aren’t you afraid that it will get scratched?” or “What if you crash it?” or “What if it gets stolen while you … Continue reading →

Posted in Our Bikes | 33 Comments

Happy Holidays!

Posted on December 25, 2012 by

May the new year bring you wonderful rides and great memories!

Posted in Rides, Uncategorized | 4 Comments

People Who Have Inspired Us: Ernest Csuka

Posted on December 22, 2012 by

It’s hard for me to believe, but it has already been three years since Ernest Csuka passed away. I wrote in his obituary in Bicycle Quarterly: “He was the last of a generation of great constructeurs.” Indeed, Ernest Csuka had … Continue reading →

Posted in People who inspired us | 21 Comments

Winter Training

Posted on December 20, 2012 by

I enjoy the annual rhythm of the seasons. It encourages me to change my cycling and exercise, like a farmer rotating crops and leaving some fields fallow for a while. The early months of the year remind me of preparing … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | 21 Comments

Will I be able to get chainrings?

Posted on December 18, 2012 by

Question from a potential customer: “If I purchase a Rene Herse crankset with its non-standard bolt-circle diameter, what guarantee do I have that Compass Bicycles will continue production of the chainrings for 5, 10 or 15 years?” Compass Bicycles makes … Continue reading →

Posted in Rene Herse cranks | 22 Comments

A Typical Ride

Posted on December 15, 2012 by

When you read this blog or Bicycle Quarterly, you may get the impression that all our rides go over hundreds of miles and involve at least three mountain passes on gravel roads. The reality is more prosaic. We live in … Continue reading →

Posted in Rides | 32 Comments

Overview of SON Generator Hubs

Posted on December 13, 2012 by

When “Schmidt’s Originaler Nabendynamo” (SON) was introduced more than a decade ago, the choice was easy: There was only one model. Today, Schmidt offers three models of their revolutionary generator hubs. Here is what distinguishes them: SON Delux: Weight: 386 … Continue reading →

Posted in Lighting | 18 Comments

René Herse – En Français !

Posted on December 11, 2012 by

Our new book René Herse • The Bikes • The Builder • The Riders will be available with French text in addition to the English version. Therefore, this announcement is in French. Notre nouveau livre René Herse • Les Vélos • … Continue reading →

Posted in books | 5 Comments

Grand Bois “Extra Léger” Tires

Posted on December 8, 2012 by

Grand Bois tires are hard to improve, but that hasn’t kept us from trying. The result of years of research and development are the new Grand Bois Extra Léger (French for “extra light”) tires. This special casing is usually reserved … Continue reading →

Posted in Rides, Tires | 53 Comments

Gift Ideas from Compass Bicycles

Posted on December 6, 2012 by

With the holidays approaching, many relatives and friends wonder what to give their favorite cyclist. So here are some great gift ideas. Forward them to anybody who asks “What would you like for …” Click on the links for more … Continue reading →

Posted in Product News

René Herse Book Update

Posted on December 4, 2012 by

The good news is that the René Herse books are on the way to Seattle. We received a few advance copies, including the Limited Edition with its beautiful slipcase (above). The book turned out even nicer than we expected. The … Continue reading →

Posted in books | 5 Comments