BQ 10 (Winter 2004)

Vol. 3, No. 2

Gravel Riding

Long before it became popular, we explored gravel roads in the Cascades on a 1952 Jo Routens. As a counterpoint, we examine Eddy Merckx’ hour record bike, and portray José Meiffret, the “human cannonball” who set many records paced by cars.

Mark Vande Kamp muses about frame stiffness and the hunting tools of Native Americans, and concludes that stiffer may not always be better. A reprint of the very first René Herse catalogue makes you dream about the bikes you could have ordered in 1947, while a Dujardin from 1948 shows what was possible on a more restricted budget. Even the Dujardin is equipped with a hand-made front derailleur, Nivex rear and innovative Frexel cantilever brakes that push the pads straight toward the rim.

In one of our first technical articles, we look at wheel sizes and explain why wider tires don’t slow you down. We also examine the gearing of your bike, and help you select the perfect gear ratios for your riding.