Category Archives: Product News

Chainring Choice or Shifting Ramps?

Posted on April 23, 2013 by

The chainring choices of our René Herse cranks are not limited by dedicated shifting ramps, so you can use any gear combinations you like. We have optimized the chainring tooth profile to shift well at all times, and not only … Continue reading →

Posted in Product News, Testing and Tech | 24 Comments

SKF Bottom Brackets with French Threads

Posted on April 6, 2013 by

Many wonderful bikes have been made in France in past decades. Not just the great machines from small constructeurs like René Herse and Alex Singer (above), but also more common bikes like the Peugeot PX-10, the nicer Gitanes and many … Continue reading →

Posted in Bottom brackets, Product News | Tagged | 23 Comments

Grand Bois Leather Handlebar Tape

Posted on April 2, 2013 by

I’ve been on the fence about leather handlebar tape. It’s expensive, and the leather-wrapped handlebars of the 1980s were slippery when wet. However, my friend Hahn has used Brooks leather bar tape and found that he liked it. (Except the … Continue reading →

Posted in Handlebars, Product News | 17 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 Cranks in Stock

Posted on October 10, 2012 by

We just received a new shipment of René Herse cranks. In addition to the double and triple cranks, this production run includes the single-speed cranks (shown above). We also have all chainring sizes in stock (except 50 teeth, which are … Continue reading →

Posted in Components, Product News, Rene Herse cranks | 5 Comments

BQ’s Calendar of Classic Bicycles 2013

Posted on October 3, 2012 by

For 2013, we are proud to introduce the Classic Bicycles calendar featuring studio photos of thirteen classic bicycles. The “cover model” is a 1965 Cinelli Supercorsa, built up by the legendary Spence Wolf of the Cupertino Bike Shop. Other racing … Continue reading →

Posted in Product News | 5 Comments

Autumn 2012 Bicycle Quarterly

Posted on September 25, 2012 by

The Autumn 2012 issue of Bicycle Quarterly will be mailed next week. This issue celebrates 10 years of the magazine. That’s right: Ten years ago, the first issue of what was then Vintage Bicycle Quarterly was mailed. It’s been a … Continue reading →

Posted in Bicycle Quarterly Back Issues, Product News | 15 Comments

LED Replacement Bulbs for Headlights?

Posted on July 17, 2012 by

LEDs have revolutionized generator-powered bicycle lighting. They are bright, use less power, tend to last (almost) forever, and easily can be combined with a standlight. However, many riders prefer the elegant shapes of classic taillights. Combining LEDs with classic taillights … Continue reading →

Posted in Product News, Testing and Tech | 2 Comments

Hutchinson 650B x 32 mm Tires

Posted on July 9, 2012 by

Compass Bicycles now carries the Hutchinson “Confrérie des 650″ tire. The Confrérie des 650 was created by French riders who loved their 650B bikes. They were concerned that the wheel size might become extinct, leaving them without rims and tires … Continue reading →

Posted in Product News, Tires | 11 Comments

New Products: Stainless Crowns and Connector-Less Wide-Body Hubs

Posted on June 24, 2012 by

We are excited about a number of new products that are now available. They have been in development for a while, and we think they were worth the wait! We really like the SON Delux “Wide-Body” generator hubs. The wider … Continue reading →

Posted in Components, Framebuilding supplies, Lighting, Product News | 3 Comments

Summer 2012 issue of Bicycle Quarterly magazine

Posted on June 20, 2012 by

If there is one single topic that summarizes Bicycle Quarterly, it is the search for the best solutions. The Summer 2012 issue focuses on the “ultimate” bicycles. Note the plural form: There seem to be as many “ultimate” bikes as … Continue reading →

Posted in Bicycle Quarterly Back Issues, Product News | 4 Comments

René Herse Cranks Sold Out

Posted on June 18, 2012 by

The first production run of the new René Herse cranks has sold out. Reports from users have been very positive. The cranks work well with current 10-speed drivetrains, as well as classic setups with 5-9 cogs in the rear. The … Continue reading →

Posted in Components, Product News, Rene Herse cranks | 19 Comments

High-Flange Hubs from Grand Bois

Posted on May 5, 2012 by

Grand Bois recently introduced their new high-flange cassette hubs. They combine classic appearance with modern performance. The aesthetics of the new Grand Bois hubs are inspired by the classic Maxi-Car hubs. Like the originals, they feature large flanges and red … Continue reading →

Posted in hubs/rims, Product News | 31 Comments

We sell what we like

Posted on April 26, 2012 by

When the owner of a bicycle magazine also runs a company that develops and sells bicycle components, the words “conflict of interest” inevitably come up. Does Bicycle Quarterly only like products that Compass Bicycles sells, and disparages those of other … Continue reading →

Posted in Product News | 15 Comments

Racks and Bags

Posted on April 23, 2012 by

The Grand Bois M-13 racks now come in two versions: One for bikes with narrow clearances (usually for 700C tires) and one for bikes with wider clearances. With this choice of two racks, it becomes much easier to fit your … Continue reading →

Posted in Lighting, Product News, Racks/Bags | Tagged , , , | 17 Comments

Free Shipping for U.S. Orders over $200

Posted on April 12, 2012 by

See the blue medallion in the upper left corner? Compass Bicycles introduces Free Shipping to addresses in the U.S. on orders of $ 200 or more. Free shipping is automatic – simply place the order with shipping to a U.S. … Continue reading →

Posted in Product News | 5 Comments

New Web Site for Compass Bicycles

Posted on April 4, 2012 by

We are pleased to announce our redesigned the Compass Bicycles web site.  The opening page is an interactive bike map, where you can select that components interest you (you’ll have to try the actual web page, since the links do … Continue reading →

Posted in Product News | 7 Comments

Bicycle Quarterly Spring 2012

Posted on March 22, 2012 by

Cyclists come in all sizes, as illustrated on the cover of the Spring 2012 Bicycle Quarterly. In this issue, we look at riders that are outside the range of our usual testers. How will a low-trail bike handle for a … Continue reading →

Posted in Product News | 10 Comments

René Herse Cranks are Here!

Posted on March 12, 2012 by

Customers who pre-ordered their René Herse cranks before February 1 should receive a box in the next few days. Inside… …is the new René Herse crank. It is delivered with our custom crank bolts and pedal washers. We are ramping … Continue reading →

Posted in Product News, Rene Herse cranks | 22 Comments

Pivots for Centerpull Brakes

Posted on February 28, 2012 by

We now have braze-on pivots for centerpull brakes in stock. Small parts like these are easily overlooked. They aren’t exciting, and there is little profit in them. But when you need them, you appreciate them. Centerpull brakes have seen a … Continue reading →

Posted in Framebuilding supplies, Product News | 10 Comments