Bicycling (magazine)

Bicycling (magazine) is an American monthly periodical covering road cycling, mountain biking, bicycle touring, cycling culture, and cycling technology. Founded in 1961, it has been associated with major figures and organizations in cycling such as Eddie Merckx, Greg LeMond, Lance Armstrong, Tour de France, and UCI while reporting on events including the Giro d'Italia, Vuelta a España, Paris–Roubaix, and the UCI Track Cycling World Championships. The magazine connects readers to manufacturers like Trek Bicycle Corporation, Specialized Bicycle Components, Giant Bicycles, and Cannondale and to retailers, clubs, and advocacy groups such as League of American Bicyclists and Rapha.

History

Bicycling traces its origin to the early 1960s, a period marked by the rise of recreational cycling and endurance events like Six-Day racing and international competitions under the aegis of the Union Cycliste Internationale. Early issues documented equipment innovations influenced by companies such as Campagnolo, Shimano, Colnago, and Pinarello and profiled champions including Fausto Coppi, Bernard Hinault, Miguel Induráin, and Eddy Merckx. Ownership and editorial stewardship have shifted among publishing houses, culminating in acquisition by Hearst Communications; along the way the title intersected with broader sports media trends exemplified by outlets like Sports Illustrated and publishing conglomerates such as Condé Nast. Editorial leadership has featured editors and contributors who also worked for outlets like VeloNews, Cycling Weekly, and magazines affiliated with events like Red Bull competitions and organizations such as USA Cycling. Over decades the magazine chronicled transformations from steel frames to carbon fiber technology from makers like Mavic and Fulcrum and shifts in training science influenced by figures associated with US Postal Service Pro Cycling Team and Team Sky.

Editorial content and features

The magazine's editorial mix comprises gear tests, route guides, training plans, investigative features, and profiles of professional riders; articles often reference physiological research institutions like Aspen Institute adjuncts in sports science, coaching methodologies used by teams such as Team INEOS and Movistar Team, and analytics tools favored by athletes from Zwift camps to altitude programs in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Regular columns examine frame geometry from builders like Santa Cruz Bicycles and Bianchi, component trends from SRAM Corporation and Campagnolo S.r.l., and accessory reviews referencing brands such as Garmin, SRAM, Wahoo Fitness, and Lezyne. Features have combined reporting on doping controversies tied to investigations involving entities such as USADA, high-profile cases connected to Lance Armstrong and teams like US Postal Service Pro Cycling Team, and legal proceedings in sports tribunals such as the Court of Arbitration for Sport. The magazine also publishes regional ride maps, advocating for infrastructure projects spotlighted by organizations like PeopleForBikes and municipal programs in cities such as Portland, Oregon, Amsterdam, and Copenhagen.

Circulation and readership

Circulation figures have varied through print-market contractions and digital expansion, with readership demographics skewing toward adult enthusiasts, commuters, club riders, and competitive cyclists who follow events like the Tour of California, Amgen Tour of California, and Vuelta a Burgos. Advertisers include bicycle manufacturers Trek Bicycle Corporation and Specialized Bicycle Components, component makers such as Shimano Inc. and SRAM Corporation, and apparel brands like Rapha and Castelli. Subscriber engagement reflects participation in community organizations like League of American Bicyclists and attendance at expos associated with events such as Interbike and consumer shows organized in partnership with media entities like Reed Exhibitions and regional tourism bureaus. Readership surveys historically compare favorably with niche titles such as Bicycling UK and Cycling Weekly in metrics used by industry bodies including the Alliance for Audited Media.

Digital presence and multimedia

The magazine expanded into online publishing with a website featuring news, longform journalism, video, podcasts, and interactive tools that integrate with platforms like Strava, Zwift, Garmin Connect, and social networks such as Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. Multimedia output includes video test rides, mechanic tutorials referencing techniques taught at workshops by trainers affiliated with USA Cycling and British Cycling, and podcast series interviewing athletes and insiders from teams such as INEOS Grenadiers and EF Education–EasyPost. The digital arm collaborates with editorial partners and sponsors including Red Bull media, uses analytics from companies like Comscore and Google Analytics, and syndicates content to newsletters and apps on ecosystems such as Apple and Android.

Awards and events

Bicycling organizes product awards and reader-driven polls that spotlight innovations from brands like Trek Bicycle Corporation, Specialized Bicycle Components, Cannondale, Giant Bicycles, andBMC Switzerland AG and curates annual lists akin to industry honors presented at trade events like Eurobike and Sea Otter Classic. The magazine partners with event organizers for group rides, charity fundraisers, training camps, and festivals held in locales such as Moab, Utah, Mammoth Lakes, and Santa Cruz, California and coordinates with advocacy organizations including PeopleForBikes and League of American Bicyclists to promote safety initiatives and campaigns comparable to those staged during National Bike Month.

Category:Cycling magazines