ZAP gets the boot...

[Rocky Mountain]

This is old news but the first I heard of it through a recent Velonews article. Most of have read this guys articles in Mountain Bike Magazine which has gone downhill since it only offers (4) magazines per year. Some of us on this board have his attitude while most others are more humble.


Trek Bicycle announces the hiring of industry veteran Zapata “Zap” Espinoza, as Trek Bicycles’ Brand Manager. Espinoza, who most recently was Executive Editor at Mountain Bike Magazine for the past ten years said, “I am elated about the opportunity to learn the other side of the cycling business. As an editor for almost two decades, I’ve witnessed Trek’s ascendancy from a start-up to one of the world’s most recognized brands. I am really impressed how they are dedicated to cyclists of every stripe, from the Tour de France to everyday commuters across the globe.” Espinoza’s role as Brand Manager will include everything from overseeing web site functions and consumer catalog creation, to coordinating outside media relations.
Trek’s Marketing Director Dick Moran said of the hiring of Espinoza, “Zap has always impressed us with his vision of cycling, both on the technical side of the sport and the lifestyle. We are excited to have him joining our team.”

[noise_is_life]

This is old news but the first I heard of it through a recent Velonews article. Most of have read this guys articles in Mountain Bike Magazine which has gone downhill since it only offers (4) magazines per year. Some of us on this board have his attitude while most others are more humble.I read an interview with him where he talked about this, it might be Dirt Rag #99, but that seems too long ago (4/1/03), pretty interesting.

I think Mountain Bike was bought out by Bicycling magazine (or the publishing company thereof).

As vital as the mountain biking community is around here lately it is easy to forget that certain parts of the industry (NORBA, etc.) are actually going through tough times.

[Kingbozo]

I read an interview with him where he talked about this, it might be Dirt Rag #99, but that seems too long ago (4/1/03), pretty interesting.

I think Mountain Bike was bought out by Bicycling magazine (or the publishing company thereof).

As vital as the mountain biking community is around here lately it is easy to forget that certain parts of the industry (NORBA, etc.) are actually going through tough times.Mountain Bike was always from the same publisher as Bicycling. It started out as a supliment to that mag. Kind of sad that it is back to being just that.

[manual63]

That's okay, I just got a subscription to Flow magazine. It's got freeriders and hot babes all in one magazine. I think it's quarterly also.

[TrailPatrol]

I guess we have to face the music: Mountain biking is no longer the center of the cycling universe. Not since that skinny little Texan started wearing yellow shirts :cool: every July in France. At Interbike this year, they reported road bike sales up by a growing margin each of the past four years, while mid-to high end MTB sales have been dropping off. Zap probably had to high-tail it to CheeseLand in order to keep bread on the table.

I have never been a big fan of Mountain Bike, or it's stablemates, Bicycling and Backpacker. Back in the '70s, Backpacker was one of the best magazine around, then they sold out to Rodale, and became one of the best monthly advertising catalogs around. Same goes for Bicycling. My favorite read is Adventure Cycling, published 10 times a year by the association of the same name. Great balance of advertising to information (Heavy on the info!) How-to stuff for long distance bike touring, and some of the best long MTB rides you will find. Check it out at http://www.adventurecycling.org/

Ride safe,
:banana:
Hans

[manual63]

Keep in mind that the Internet has had a huge impact on magazines. Think about it. A magazine takes at least two months of planning to get to print. I remember my BMX mags. The races in the newest article are two months old. I can get the lowdown within a day or two of a race using the Internet. Look at NASCAR.com. Heck, you can know what's going on real-time.

I used to have subscriptions to Ride BMX and now I just go to bmxonline.com to get the info. Think about MORC. People can come here and get advice and info in just minutes from riders who ride the same trail they do. Why wait for a magazine when you can just ask a question here and get bombarded with people willing to give their experience?.....me being one of them.

A magazine does serve a small purpose, but I don't think it's the same as before the Internet. Magazines used to be my sole source of info on the sports I loved, but now the Internet has taken on that task.

[noise_is_life]

For the most part I only read Dirt Rag anymore, for that very reason. Other mags are all ads and reviews which I can get from the net, Dirt Rag is actually fun to read.

[bakkeb]

Yep...Dirt Rag rules! I also like Mountain Bike Action...it reminds me of BMX Plus when I used to read that.:etard:

[ryno lite]

Yep, Dirt Rag is all I read! Just got issue 106 yesterday, can't wait to read it!

[igor]

I used to subscribe to Mtn. Bike but since they made it a quarterly I just let it lapse. I miss Hug the Bunny though. :cryin: Dirt Rag gets 3 bananas!:banana: :banana: :banana: