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Category Archives: Testing and Tech
Aerodynamics of Real-World Bicycles
Wind resistance is one of the most important resistances a cyclist has to overcome (together with the rolling resistance of the tires). Most wind tunnel testing has been done for time trial equipment, but aerodynamics are important for real-world riders … Continue reading
To grease or not to grease?
Should one grease the tapers of bottom bracket spindles before installing the cranks? Few topics spur as much controversy among bike mechanics as this question. In the old days, Campagnolo not only recommended mounting the cranks dry, they even suggested … Continue reading
Posted in Bottom brackets, Rene Herse cranks, Testing and Tech
27 Comments
April 1: Taking Off Fenders
Spring is here at last, and so this weekend we took the fenders off our car. While we were at it, we also removed the lights. We don’t use the car much in the rain or after dark, and we … Continue reading
Posted in Fenders, Testing and Tech
59 Comments
650B Tubulars?
650B wheels have been in the news lately. 650B appears to be the “next big thing” for mountain bikes. The popular 700C mountain bikes (“29er”) don’t offer the nimble handling you need in technical terrain – the same result we … Continue reading
Posted in Testing and Tech, Uncategorized
21 Comments
Frames Going Soft?
When talking to older cyclists and builders, you sometimes hear that old frames lose their stiffness. This apparently manifests itself in reduced performance – the “snap” is gone from the acceleration when you step on the pedals. On the upside, … Continue reading
Posted in Testing and Tech
43 Comments
Vision vs. Focus Group
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
Waterproof Edelux lights?
Few bicycle headlights are actually waterproof. The Planet Bike headlight in our test wicked water past the headlight lens, and the standlight function stopped working. Busch & Müller’s lights are open at the bottom, so moisture can drain out. This … Continue reading
Posted in Lighting, Testing and Tech
11 Comments
Single-Speed!
I have ridden fixed-gears and single-speed bicycles, but for my own bikes, I am wedded to multiple gears. Part of that is my love of the mountains with their long and steep climbs, and part of it is my allegiance … Continue reading
Posted in Rides, Testing and Tech
26 Comments
The Downsides of Wide Tires
Since we have published a post about “The Dangers of Narrow Tires,” it is only fair that we look at the other side of the coin. What are the disadvantages (or even dangers?) of wider tires? I can think of … Continue reading
Posted in Testing and Tech, Tires
72 Comments
What Your Money Buys
It often is surprising that high-end components cost not just a little more, but several times as much as budget components. For example, the high-end Sugino cranks (above right) cost more than three times as much as the budget model … Continue reading
Posted in Testing and Tech
22 Comments
Why Buy an Expensive Bicycle?
The two “randonneur” bikes above look roughly similar. Both have a front rack and both have gears. Yet the one on the right would cost more than five times as much as the one on the left, if you ordered … Continue reading
Posted in Testing and Tech
116 Comments
Bike Tests
Good bike tests provide information that allow you to choose a bike that is right for you. Your bike need not look like the one that was tested, because it often can be customized to your personal tastes. When we … Continue reading
Posted in Testing and Tech
9 Comments
Why Bolts Come Loose
Fenders, racks and other attachments can remain maintenance-free for 10,000+ miles, yet other bikes require tightening bolts on a regular basis. Why do some bolts stay tight, while others loosen quickly? We have covered this in detail in Bicycle Quarterly’s … Continue reading
Posted in Testing and Tech
16 Comments
Farewell to a Dear Bike
Before packing up the Calfee “Adventure,” I took it out for one last ride. It was a lovely afternoon that did not feel like November. The sun was out, and it was 59 degrees F. The weather forecast was for … Continue reading
Posted in Rides, Testing and Tech
22 Comments
Net-Shape Forging and Crank Length
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
Stem Length and Frame Size
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
Product Test: Velo-Orange Grand Cru Brakes
I mostly talk about our projects in this blog, including products we develop at Compass Bicycles, but rarely discuss those of other manufacturers. This might lead to the impression that Bicycle Quarterly does the same. However, the magazine is independent … Continue reading
Science and Bicycles: Frame Stiffness
Lightweight frames, made from high-strength tubing, were thought to be stiffer than ordinary frames. They performed better for most cyclists, but the conclusion that stiffer frames were better was erroneous. Eventually, this led the makers of steel bicycles down the … Continue reading
Posted in Testing and Tech
26 Comments
Riding the Oregon Manifest
Two years after the inaugural event, the second Oregon Manifest design contest and technical trials were held last weekend. The Oregon Manifest crew put together a great event, even better than the first. I see the Oregon Manifest as an … Continue reading
Posted in Rides, Testing and Tech
10 Comments
