Monthly Archives: February 2013

Fake Metal vs. Honest Plastic

Posted on February 28, 2013 by

Few taillights available today complement the aesthetics of a classic randonneur bike, where you want to see finely detailed components, typically in metal. Most modern lights are chunky black plastic, but one succeeds in being more understated: Busch & Müller’s … Continue reading →

Posted in Lighting | 50 Comments

Pricing a Book

Posted on February 25, 2013 by

In the past few weeks, we have received many e-mails from readers of our new René Herse book. All messages were positive. Many readers wrote that the book greatly exceeded their expectations. I appreciate the feedback, and I am delighted … Continue reading →

Posted in books | 16 Comments

Grand Bois Extra Leger in All-Black

Posted on February 22, 2013 by

The black Cyprès Extra Léger 700C x 32 mm tires are in stock now. Our first run of 700C x 32 mm Grand Bois Cyprès Extra Léger tires sold out within a month. The reason is not just higher-than-anticipated demand, but … Continue reading →

Posted in Tires | 37 Comments

Laws of Physics

Posted on February 19, 2013 by

In the last issue of Bicycle Quarterly, we compared the performance of a 17-pound titanium racing bike and of a 26-pound steel randonneur bike. We were surprised when both bikes climbed at the same speed in a set of controlled experiments. … Continue reading →

Posted in Bicycle Quarterly Back Issues, Testing and Tech | 70 Comments

No Mudflap: What a Mess!

Posted on February 16, 2013 by

Just one week of riding without a mudflap, and look at my bike! It’s a mess! I ride my Urban Bike year-round in rainy Seattle, but thanks to its generous fenders, it rarely gets dirty. I clean it only once … Continue reading →

Posted in Our Bikes, Testing and Tech | 38 Comments

Winter Base Miles

Posted on February 13, 2013 by

Now that it’s February, our winter rest is over. We are starting to build a base for the coming cycling season. That means riding long distances at a moderate pace. It can be hard to get going for these rides. … Continue reading →

Posted in Rides | 22 Comments

René Herse édition française

Posted on February 11, 2013 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 update is in French. Notre souscription pour l’édition française du livre René … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | 2 Comments

Winter Projects

Posted on February 9, 2013 by

At this time of year, we plan our rides for the summer. There are so many places we want to explore! We pore over roads and look at event calendars. And we think about changes to our bikes. Some of … Continue reading →

Posted in Components, Our Bikes, PBP Preparation | 16 Comments

North American Handmade Bicycle Show

Posted on February 7, 2013 by

This year’s North American Handmade Bicycle Show will take place in Denver, CO, on the weekend of February 22-24. NAHBS is a great place to see many builders showing their craft. The event is a showcase of the vibrant custom … Continue reading →

Posted in Testing and Tech | 2 Comments

Charity Drive: Thank You!

Posted on February 5, 2013 by

The Bicycle Quarterly charity drive was a success. We were able to raise almost $ 1500 for three charities. Checks are going out this morning to Doctors Without Borders, Save the Children and the Union of Concerned Scientists. Thank you … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | 6 Comments

Am I Retro?

Posted on February 1, 2013 by

Many people see my bike and think “Retro!” In some cases, this is seen as cool. Others are dismissive, like the famous builder who once compared riders like me to civil war re-enactors, who dress up and play civil war … Continue reading →

Posted in Our Bikes | 48 Comments