(The pictures above of Bicycle Quarterly were approved to share by Jan as they are not readable.)
“The Jones feels both totally different and yet remarkably similar”
I sent a bike to Jan at Bicycle Quarterly in late August 2014 – they take their time testing bikes there. They do things right. They question things. Jan took it touring and raced it up their test climb and then the bike was ridden by other cyclists too in various situations – often to check or test their cycling assumptions. Jan and I had some very in-depth discussions about the bike, and his bikes, and I was invited to respond to an initial version of the write-up. Now, in issue #51 of Bicycle Quarterly, it’s published. 21 pages presents the bikepacking trip and then goes on to explore a huge assortment of cycling ideas; geometry, trail, tires, frame flex, handlebars, bikepacking, gearing and cranks. And all fascinating. Jan writes at one point of the Jones “it requires me to reassess many of the things I used to consider ironclad requirements for a performance bike” and it’s great to see such an open mind question and explore just what a bicycle can be.
I’m obviously glad the bike was tested and I’m pleased to report a generally positive response to the bike (and my ideas) but I’m primarily pointing you towards the feature, and Bicycle Quarterly because the writing, riding and research is really well done. It’s an excellent read. It’s thought-provoking, considered and questioning – everything a cycling magazine should be.
