Any link between editorial and advertising? A cynic might say so.

Bicycling Magazine, August 2015 issue
(Note the line at the top of the cover "The Fastest Road Bike Ever Made")

The latest issue of Bicycling Magazine features twelve pages of advertising and five pages of editorial coverage on a single bicycle, the Specialized S-Works Venge

The line on the cover, "The Fastest Road Bike Ever Made" is actually not the title of the article. The line on the cover is a statement, while the title of the article, "The Fastest Road Bike in the World?" is a question.

Bicycling Magazine, August 2015 Issue, Pages 114-115

The twelve pages of advertising are filled with beauty shots of elements that, according to Specialized, contribute to this bicycle being so fast. Frame, wheels and tires, helmet, clothing,  and shoes.

Bicycling Magazine, August 2015 issue, Pages 62-63

Bicycling Magazine, August 2015 issue, Pages 70-71

The article expands on the features that are listed in the twelve pages of advertising, and also includes the results of some testing.

Is this bike revolutionary? That remains to be seen. It is certainly different, and the combination of the frame and components probably makes it faster than previous models.

For me the central thorny issue is the possible perceived connection between Specialized's spending on advertising, twelve pages in a 152 page issue, and the five pages of editorial coverage that this bicycle received.

I'm not saying that it is a quid pro quo, but some cynics might come to that conclusion.