Apr 04, 2016 at 12:30 PM

Won't let me do it. Le sigh

Apr 04, 2016 at 06:01 PM

Last week, Velonews ran an article that started this way:

"The best is getting better. The next generation of Shimano’s top-tier Dura-Ace group, already our favorite on the electronic and mechanical fronts"

http://velonews.competitor.com/2016/03/news/confirmed-details-new-dura-ace-discs-power-meter_400229

Then, their editor posted a rant with the following statement:

"Instead of running a story earlier this year based on rumors and spy shots, VeloNews spent the past few weeks digging for details and confirmation. We got the facts, double sourced, and then, before publishing, called the main subject of the story for comment. Their reply: Run this, and we’ll cancel our remaining advertising with you for 2016."

https://www.facebook.com/notes/john-bradley/drawing-a-line/10153994882063286

They ran it.

He didn't name the advertiser, because their identity was beside the point, and you could figure it out easily and that would antagonize said advertiser. (spoiler alert: Shimano)

He and Velonews are getting praise for this. Praise for daring to run a story that lavishes love on product they haven't even seen.

Quite the line he drew.

I feel I must be missing something.

Myles

Apr 04, 2016 at 06:16 PM

Ha

eloy

Apr 04, 2016 at 06:51 PM

wtf, I saw the FB post last week, and discussed it with a few co workers, but I am still confused... where is the not friendly to shimano article?!?

Myles

Apr 04, 2016 at 06:54 PM

It is important to realize that big brother not only wants you to only
publish flattering things about them, but also only precisely when they
tell you.

Rule 1-chill the eff out
Rule 2-dont be a dick.

These two simple things can save Humanity as we know it

JohnMalcolmson

Apr 04, 2016 at 07:58 PM

eloy said:
... where is the not friendly to shimano article?!?

It wasn't an unfriendly piece, Velonews merely broke the news on new Shimano product before they launched it. Shimano's marketing wigged out. Stupid move by Shimano, companies like Apple bathe in the free PR from "leaked" pictures.

mugwump

Apr 04, 2016 at 08:36 PM

JohnMalcolmson said:

eloy said:
... where is the not friendly to shimano article?!?
It wasn't an unfriendly piece, Velonews merely broke the news on new Shimano product before they launched it. Shimano's marketing wigged out. Stupid move by Shimano, companies like Apple bathe in the free PR from "leaked" pictures.

They didn't really break news. They substantiated what other sites had already reported. I have a hard time believing people really care about having the scoop on what will be released probably by the end of June.

Further, I don't think it was so stupid of Shimano. Egg on their face today, but at the same time, it reflected "well" on Velonews, and laid down a marker that probably won't be forgotten. If they were willing to make such a threat over positive free publicity, folks at Velonews might not be so quick to run a negative story on Shimano.

eloy

Apr 04, 2016 at 08:41 PM

wait, are you serious?!? is this for real?

So this piece that actually starts:

The best is getting better.

This is the culprit, but that makes no sense. How is this showing integrity, they still are sucking up bit time to shimano.

http://velonews.competitor.com/2016/03/news/confirmed-details-new-dura-ace-discs-power-meter_400229

Myles

Apr 04, 2016 at 08:42 PM

Shimano has or had an unofficial agreement to not release new product prior
to interbike.

This dates to the good old days of 8spd 105, which was replaced with 9spd
105 in June.

Which was awesome for us retailers that ordered a shit tonne of 8 SPD bikes
they could no longer sell the previous fall/winter. Thus the issue.

Shit man no has way bigger issues now,like global price regulation. This
may just add fuel to the fire

mugwump

Apr 04, 2016 at 10:00 PM

Myles said:

Shimano has or had an unofficial agreement to not release new product prior to interbike. This dates to the good old days of 8spd 105, which was replaced with 9spd 105 in June. Which was awesome for us retailers that ordered a shit tonne of 8 SPD bikes they could no longer sell the previous fall/winter. Thus the issue. Shit man no has way bigger issues now,like global price regulation. This may just add fuel to the fire

Sorta. Kinda. The new pro road stuff typically goes to Le Tour before it's officially released. So it will be seen in June.

Myles

Apr 04, 2016 at 10:07 PM

Exactly. That was the exception. We will debut new shit at the tour BUT
it's not available for sale or spec until after interbike

twoyacks

Apr 04, 2016 at 11:21 PM

You know I read that article and was just talking to Jeff at Branchbroook about the crank based power meter and the new hub design...Velonews = used to be the hipster cool before those words were ever muttered. I used to look up the MTB results in the back in the early 90"s just to see my name in print. When they became "VELO" I canceled my subscription after 20+ years. Velonews is back so I subscribed again....They got my $ March 9th...I have yet to receive the magazine. When I inquired, I half expected an apology...instead I got the response below...Maybe they are too busy gobbling on a Dura Ace crank...no time for the people that buy their mag....is it me?
Dear Mr. Yack:

We received your order on March 9, 2016. It takes approximately 6 weeks to start receiving your magazines. Your subscription starts with the April 2016 issue and will expire the 4th issue of 2017.

Thank you for subscribing with us, we appreciate your support.

Sincerely,
Shantel Tara
Customer Service

Myles

Apr 04, 2016 at 11:28 PM

Chris subscriptions are very complex things. I mean it takes weeks to
walk your magazine from CO to you

Dan Reiners

Apr 05, 2016 at 08:20 PM

You'd think they would use bike messengers.

Adam

Apr 06, 2016 at 03:24 AM

I have been actua-lolling for quite some time now because of the phrase "...too busy gobbling on Dura Ace crank."

Poetic fucking genius. Superb.

mugwump

Apr 06, 2016 at 05:55 PM

More on the back-patting by VN editor.

http://www.cyclingindustry.news/comment-truth-in-advertising-how-brands-and-publications-mislead-consumers/?platform=hootsuite

http://www.bicycleretailer.com/industry-news/2016/04/04/staff-opinion-velonews-shimano-tangle-over-media-control#.VwVHtj_o7BE

The second one is chock full of post-publication comments from industry notables, though most have little to add.

eloy

Apr 08, 2016 at 05:34 PM

NYTimes: Swim. Bike. Cheat?

http://www.nytimes.com/2016/04/10/sports/julie-miller-ironman-triathlon-cheat.html

I find this behavior both incomprehensible and fascinating.

“When I saw the results from Julie Miller, they did not match up with her performances on the group rides. There was no consistency there.”

twoyacks

Apr 10, 2016 at 01:23 AM

Whereas my group rides are perfect indicators of my performances....shit begets shit

Adam

Apr 11, 2016 at 04:41 AM

http://kensingtoncycling.club/2016/04/10/Turlock-Lake-Road-Race-Race-Report/

Pics to be embedded in the report soon. But for now, have a look at a wet road race sprint at this link:
http://www.taliherzkaphoto.com/p984036752/h77bb81ce#h7143fb7f

Jules

Apr 11, 2016 at 08:21 PM

Adam said:

http://kensingtoncycling.club/2016/04/10/Turlock-Lake-Road-Race-Race-Report/

Pics to be embedded in the report soon. But for now, have a look at a wet road race sprint at this link:
http://www.taliherzkaphoto.com/p984036752/h77bb81ce#h7143fb7f

Damn Adam! That's some fine riding that is.

eloy

Apr 12, 2016 at 12:46 PM

The Strange Tale of Donald Trump’s 1989 Biking Extravaganza

http://www.politico.com/magazine/story/2016/04/donald-trump-2016-tour-de-trump-bike-race-213801

At any normal bike race they’d have finished before crowds of diehard fans, dressed in team regalia or national colors, pounding excitedly on the fences along the course. This time, they were met by jeering protesters holding signs that said “Die Yuppie $cum,” “Hungry? Eat the Rich” and “Trump = Anti-Christ.” The demonstraters weren’t there for the cyclists. They were there to harry the sponsor of the race, a symbol of wealth and greed and 1980s excess: Donald Trump.

http://www.politico.com/magazine/story/2016/04/donald-trump-2016-tour-de-trump-bike-race-213801