Bicycle Quarterly invites builders and manufacturers to submit bikes for testing in BQ. Our tests are read by more than 5000 readers. Through discussions among riders and online, the impact of Bicycle Quarterly tests goes far beyond the initial readers, because our readers know that our tests are objective, and that we really ride the bikes. A good test in Bicycle Quarterly is seen as proof for an excellent product. Many BQ readers are looking for a new bike, and use our tests to narrow down their choices.

Whether or not a builder/manufacturer advertises in Bicycle Quarterly has no effect on our bike tests. We evaluate bikes on their merits alone. Builders/manufacturers who want to submit a bike for testing should not feel pressured to buy ad space in BQ.

How to submit a bike for testing:

1. Contact us to coordinate the test schedule. We rarely turn down a bike, but we need to make sure the type of bike fits into our overall focus for each issue.

2. The test bike need not be new, but it must be representative of what you currently offer to your customers. Some builders have made bikes specifically for us, others have sent their personal bikes or asked customers whether they would lend their machine. The bike should fit our testers, but we are not concerned about a few millimeters here or there. Our testers are approximately 183 cm (6') tall. We size our bikes by the reach to the handlebars, and require about 66-68 cm reach (top tube + stem length). With a saddle height of about 75 cm, the handlebars should be positioned between 5 and 8 cm below the saddle.

3. Test bikes must be complete bikes (except pedals and saddle, which can be supplied for the photography, but we use our personal components for the test). If additional parts are required to make the bike rideable for testing, they are purchased and billed to the builder/manufacturer.

4. Test bikes should be supplied completely assembled. If they are shipped, they can be disassembled for shipping, but should be easy to reassemble. For example, fork steerers should be cut to the correct length, brake pads adjusted correctly, etc. If more than minor assembly work is required, this will be performed by Elliott Bay Bicycles and billed to the builder/manufacturer.

5. The test bike is ridden for at least 300 km (185 miles). This will take between 2 and 5 weeks. We are careful with the bikes, but we ride them, perhaps even in the rain. They will sustain normal wear and tear, perhaps even minor scratches, etc. Any parts that break are the responsibility of the builder/manufacturer.

6. After the test is completed, we measure the bike, weigh it and write our test report. We send the report to the builder/manufacturer for comment. Comments either are incorporated into the article or published as a sidebar.

7. After the test report is finalized, the bike is returned. Shipping costs both ways are paid by the builder/manufacturer.

8. The builder/manufacturer receives five courtesy copies of the magazine in which their test appears.

Contact us to discuss scheduling a bike or product for testing in Bicycle Quarterly.