Category Archives: Product News

Vision vs. Focus Group

Posted on February 24, 2012 by

In today’s world, it is crucial for companies to listen to their customers. Give customers what they want, and you’ll be successful, the reasoning goes. Combine that with the economies of scale of mass production, and most manufacturers chase the … Continue reading →

Posted in Product News, Testing and Tech | 28 Comments

New Bicycle Quarterly Web Site

Posted on February 7, 2012 by

The new Bicycle Quarterly Press web site is up and running. We have a new design, simpler navigation, and clearer organization. The site better explains what Bicycle Quarterly is all about: Inspirational rides (above) and technical articles that explain how … Continue reading →

Posted in Product News | 8 Comments

Coming full circle with René Herse

Posted on January 25, 2012 by

When I started researching the history of René Herse more than a decade ago, I never thought I would end up buying the company! During my research, I talked to riders on Herse’s team and people who had known René … Continue reading →

Posted in Product News | 28 Comments

Inserting a Handlebar into a Stem

Posted on January 17, 2012 by

Inserting a handlebar into a classic stem requires a few simple tricks. Grand Bois stems are based on classic stems, and are not equipped with removable faceplates that can make installation easier. Classic stems have a number of advantages that … Continue reading →

Posted in Handlebars, Product News, Stems, Testing and Tech | 8 Comments

Edelux Headlights for Hanging Attachments

Posted on January 9, 2012 by

Edelux headlights for a hanging attachment are now available. The hanging  attachment allows mounting them more securely underneath a front rack. Most German bikes mount their lights above the fork crown (below). That is how most headlights are designed, including … Continue reading →

Posted in Lighting, Product News | 31 Comments

Wide-Body SON Delux Generator Hub

Posted on December 30, 2011 by

I am excited about the new Wide-Body SON Delux generator hub. It allows you to enjoy a super-strong wheel, yet roll along with the less resistance than other generator hubs. It is available now in limited quantities with 32 or … Continue reading →

Posted in Lighting, Product News | 24 Comments

Pre-Orders for René Herse Cranks

Posted on December 14, 2011 by

Developing an excellent product takes time and care. The first run of our new René Herse cranks has been forged. Above, you see a raw forging being removed from the forging die. Above are the raw forgings for the crankarms … Continue reading →

Posted in Product News, Rene Herse cranks | 9 Comments

New LED Taillight Solutions

Posted on December 9, 2011 by

Taillights can be very elegant and beautiful. Some are shaped like raindrops, others emerge from the fender like a submarine parting the waves. There are minimalist taillights like the beautiful JOS lights that René Herse mounted on the seat tubes … Continue reading →

Posted in Lighting, Product News | 29 Comments

Bicycle Quarterly Charity Drive

Posted on December 7, 2011 by

We are grateful that we can ride beautiful bicycles, both for enjoyment and for transportation. We discuss issues like geometry, load placement and the advantages of generator over battery lights. Much of the world is less fortunate. Even in the … Continue reading →

Posted in Product News | 2 Comments

Bottle Cages

Posted on December 4, 2011 by

When I knew Ernest Cuska, the long-time owner of Cycles Alex Singer, he did not have bottle cages on his bikes. After riding with him a few times, I realized why: He did not drink anything while riding. Imagine my … Continue reading →

Posted in Bottle cages, Product News | 13 Comments

Gift Ideas from Compass Bicycles

Posted on December 1, 2011 by

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

Posted in Product News

The Competition Bicycle – Price Reduced

Posted on November 22, 2011 by

As a small publisher, we don’t have a “publicist” who works full-time to promote our books. Therefore, we always are excited when one of our titles is mentioned in a major publication. Over the years, our books have been featured … Continue reading →

Posted in Product News

Paris-Brest-Paris – The Book

Posted on November 17, 2011 by

Paris-Brest-Paris is an event that captures the imagination. It’s not just the epic length of the ride – 1200 km or 750 miles – but also the history that makes this event special. Paris-Brest-Paris (or PBP in short) was created … Continue reading →

Posted in Product News | 2 Comments

Net-Shape Forging and Crank Length

Posted on November 14, 2011 by

Net-Shape Forging The new René Herse cranks will be offered in one length only, 171 mm, which allows us to have the cranks forged to their final shape. (The photo above shows the raw forging.) The process is called “net-shape … Continue reading →

Posted in Product News, Rene Herse cranks, Testing and Tech | 52 Comments

Winter 2011 Bicycle Quarterly

Posted on November 10, 2011 by

The Winter 2011 issue of Bicycle Quarterly is at the printer and will be mailed next week. Our full report from the Oregon Manifest (pictured on the cover) showcases the innovative and inspiring bicycles that excelled in the technical trials. … Continue reading →

Posted in Product News | 3 Comments

SON Generator Hubs and Lights

Posted on November 3, 2011 by

Compass Bicycles has added SON generator hubs and Edelux lights to our program. We are excited to carry the best bicycle lighting systems ever made. A few years ago, a reporter asked me what I considered the most important innovation … Continue reading →

Posted in Lighting, Product News | 37 Comments

A Future for Independent Bookstores?

Posted on October 31, 2011 by

About ten years ago, I walked into a small bookstore in Seattle’s Fremont neighborhood. I saw a beautiful book on motorcycles, and even though I am not particularly interested in motorbikes, I picked up the book. The photography in The … Continue reading →

Posted in Product News | 39 Comments

Stem Length and Frame Size

Posted on October 27, 2011 by

We recently received our first shipment of 110 mm-long Grand Bois stems. The fillet-brazed stems are available in 10 mm increments from 60 to 110 mm. Now riders of all sizes can use these beautifully crafted, super-strong stems and decaleurs. … Continue reading →

Posted in Product News, Stems, Testing and Tech | 12 Comments

Damaged Books at a Discount

Posted on October 20, 2011 by

Every once in a while, we receive a shipment of books that got damaged in transit. Usually, the damage is slight, like a bump on a corner, and most bookstores would sell them as “new” books. We know that you … Continue reading →

Posted in Product News | 2 Comments

René Herse Cranks: Prices and Availability

Posted on October 12, 2011 by

The new René Herse cranks have entered production. The arms are being forged, the chainrings are being machined, and the crank bolts are being made, each by specialist manufacturers who are among the best in their trade. The photo above … Continue reading →

Posted in Product News, Rene Herse cranks | 22 Comments