Relay-Version: version B 2.10 5/3/83; site utzoo.UUCP
Posting-Version: version B 2.10.2 9/18/84; site cca.UUCP
Path: utzoo!watmath!clyde!bonnie!akgua!whuxlm!harpo!decvax!cca!diego
From: diego@cca.UUCP (Diego Gonzalez)
Newsgroups: net.bicycle
Subject: Re: bicycling magazines
Message-ID: <4190@cca.UUCP>
Date: Mon, 16-Sep-85 14:31:06 EDT
Article-I.D.: cca.4190
Posted: Mon Sep 16 14:31:06 1985
Date-Received: Wed, 18-Sep-85 04:48:48 EDT
References: <108@ur-tut.UUCP> <274@cylixd.UUCP> <248@bbncc5.UUCP>
Organization: Computer Corp. of America, Cambridge
Lines: 71

> . . .
>     I never liked "Bicycling" magazine much, because of their strong
> racing slant.  For example, a recent issue had a story listed on the cover as
> "Commuting:  Quality Miles".  The article turns out to be about two people who
> use their commuting time to train for racing. 
> -- 
> Morris M. Keesan

I do not wish to impugn Mr. Keesan's opinions.  However, I must object
that I have not found "Bicycling" to have a particular racing slant.  In
general, "Bicycling" has been wherever news was being made in
human-powered vehicles.

	I suppose that every specialty magazine does have its focus.  About
ten years ago (I was coming "down" from competitive running), I stumbled
on some back issues of "Bicycling".  I read them from cover to cover.
After some (then) 15 years of casual dabbling with bicycles and always
having thought that some day I'd have time to get "serious", this
magazine was a real inspiration.  I liked the equipment reviews,
comparisons of bikes and accessories, and the technical articles on
repair and maintenance.

	I should say that my interest was primarily as a "sport" cyclist.
I am not devoted to a particular type of cycling.  I most usually rode
on weekends and holidays.  I've done some bike-packing on Nantucket and
Martha's Vineyard.  I think day trips are fun and, if I could pick an
area that I think might suit, might try some longer term touring
(although I much prefer unloaded biking).  Nowadays, I have the
opportunity to commute to work by bike (20 miles round trip) which I do
in reasonable weather a couple of times a week.

	I have two nice bikes, a road-racer and a tourer, that I keep in
good condition.  I have also built a special extra-small bike for my
wife who is a very casual cyclist lately (our young son has put a crimp
in both our riding (and tennis) activities this past year or so).  I
have relied on "Bicycling" for news of new products and comparison
reports for all these bikes, and now many friends ask me for advice or
information when looking at bikes or upgrades.

	I have also enjoyed a great deal the features on touring and
commuting in "Bicycling" magazine.  I think that there have always been
quite a few of these.  Only in the past year or two, since the
popularity of bicycle racing has begun to grow in the U. S. has the
magazine printed any appreciable articles on racing.  And, while it's
true that few of us will become world-class cyclists, I think it
enhances our pleasure at any level of riding to have better pedaling
technique and fitness.

	As for racing -- well, who doesn't like to go fast?  Okay, I admit
that some don't.  The thing is, though, that cycle racing is a very
colorful and exciting event.  It has a strong impact on the average
American who's got little idea what cycling can be.  Like, we're not
Mario Andretti every time we get into the family car.  Cycle racing is
raising public consciousness and that's good for all of us.  Equipment
and safety and traffic rules are also getting better.  (We still need
better educational programs, though.)  Bicycling represents all riders,
and therefore prints articles to inform and entertain those with racing
interests.  To the credit of its publishers, however, the magazine
continues to print articles on touring, general training and fitness,
and commuting as well as features on off-road cycling.

What I'm trying to say is that having looked at other cycling
magazines, I think "Bicycling" has a significant edge.  They have
recognized bicycle "experts" on their advisory, review, and writing
staff.  They have experience in the bicycle world.  And, more than any
other magazine, they are not trading on the bicycle boom.  They have
been here all along.  They have supported bicycling when almost no one
was interested except a few of us fanatics.  If you're not convinced,
get copies from a newsstand (or your public library) for a few months.
Try it and I think you'll like it.


Brought to you by Super Global Mega Corp .com