Cog Magazine, issue #6

So I finally got my happy hands on a copy of COG Magazine, issue number 6.  Most of you have become familiar with this magazine lately, it is one of the few magazines that are actually printed on paper dedicated to this Fixed Gear Culture.  Pushbike Shop had blogged that COG magazine just arrived at their shop, so without hesitation I rushed out from work trying to get to the shop before their gates slam closed at 7pm sharp. I went in the shop and saw Ian and Sarah getting ready to leave for their weekely ride and promised I would be quick.  They were kind enough to let me grab a couple; one for me and another one for me.

My expectation of the COG magazine is very high, as the past issues have all been getting better and better. I have every issue and would recommend that you find a copy of the back issues. The paper quality is great – glossy and a nice weight, and even better is the content inside, which is packed with stories about bicycles.  Not to mention, the photographs are superb.  Their editors must work pretty hard, it sure shows.  The selection of pictures is top notch and their stories are in depth enough to provide details while remaining short enough to read and digest in one sitting.

It’s like a well crafted photo book, because I believe that  photographs will tell a thousand words. Peter does a very good job laying out the story that he wants to tell, which is always accompanied by the fabulous pictures.

Issue 6 is packed with tons of material: the Story of  anold Keirin Champion, along with a write up on the Six-Day race, a report of NAHBS bike show and party, introduction and review of bicycle books, product reviews, interview with Bilenky frame builder, interview of John Prolly and loads more.  What I found to be so important about the magazine is that some people who pick up the magazine might just want to look at some fashionable bikes, and they end up receiving a bit of a history lesson if they choose to read the stories.  It is nice, almost like a school lesson at a punk rock show – the kids that show up think they are just getting a good time and some fun but then end up walking away with some knowledge. 

 I really like reading the story about Six Day race in Berlin, because I had kind of heard a little about six-day race tradition that happened in Madison Square Garden back in the 1920s, but never really understood the exact happening of the event.  Or, maybe I just didn’t know that cycling was really big in USA back in the day.  Madison Square Gardens is still a very famous destination for the sporting world, yet the one sport that made the place famous isn’t even happening in the building any longer!  As usual, all good things eventually end up back in Europe.  COG did a good job telling this story to me. I am fascinated to learn about Stayer racing, where riders have to coordinate with the motorcycle riders to reach the maximum speed. Well written, and it leads to me doing more research on my own.  I always welcome a chance to learn something new.

 Overall impression: COG mag is a very well organized magazine, more content stories and photo, advertisement is very minimal, and most are from small and cool companies that I had heard of and would support.  Can I  just say it?  No cheesy products ads here. I thank Peter for keeping it classy, and I really like the magazine he’s making. 

(Text and thoughts by PUCK.  Edit by Brian)