No, not you. Almost anyone reading my blog can’t be bad.

This one’s for companies that are only in it for a buck. The big corporations full of people that don’t even own a bike, and the puppets that do their bidding. We know who they are. They know who they are.

I’ve run into them online, on their websites, on websites I’ve been a part of, and in person at various events. I’m normally not a negative person, but sometimes I have to get up here on my soapbox and vent a little. Cycling enthusiasts come in all sizes and flavors. From racers to commuters to those just out for exercise and family time, to the green hippie types that are concerned for the environment. Many fit in more than one of these categories, as well as others not mentioned. More importantly, they’re all good people, united by a common bond, whether they realize it or not. Which is why it sucks that there are companies out there who view them as nothing more than a pair of eyeballs, a hit on a page, or a pocket to be emptied in exchange for shoddy gear.

This summer, I want everyone to really give some thought to who they’re handing over their hard earned cash to. What have they done for you and cycling? Are they good for the environment like Chris King? Do they promote cycling like New Belgium? Do they make your ass happy like Pearl Izumi? Seriously, they’re your dollars. Make sure they’re going to companies that are looking after your best interests.

Anyone who knows me is aware that I’m not the least bit interested in professional road cycling. The best I can offer is that Alberto Contador and I share the same opinion about Lance Armstrong. At least LeMond did it with a minimum of controversy, other than his aero bar. Anyway, for those that are into skinny tire racing, this is some good news:

LOS ANGELES (July 28, 2009) – Universal Sports announced today it has inked an exclusive four-year multimedia deal to broadcast the Vuelta a Espana (Tour of Spain), a three-week road cycling stage race that is one of the three Grand Tours of Europe and part of the UCI World Ranking calendar. Universal Sports will broadcast throughout next month’s Vuelta, beginning with the start in Assen, Holland, on August 29, and ending in Madrid, Spain, on September 22.

The Vuelta will join the Giro d’Italia in Universal Sports’ cycling schedule, giving the network two of the three Grand Tours and firmly establishing Universal Sports as the cable leader in cycling coverage. Additional cycling events on Universal Sports include the Tour of the Basque Country, the Road Cycling and Track Cycling World Championships, other UCI Road and Track events, BMX World Championships, Mountain Bike, Cyclocross and more.

“We’re thrilled to have the Vuelta as part of our growing cycling lineup, allowing us to provide viewers with more of the world’s top cycling events, including two of the three Grands,” said Carlos Silva, president and COO of Universal Sports. “Collectively between Universal Sports and UniversalSports.com, we’ll show every moment of this exciting competition, offering the most broadcast and online coverage of the Vuelta ever.”

Coverage will be led by David Michaels, executive producer of Universal Sports, who brings more than 30 years experience in producing international cycling events. Michaels produced Universal’s highly acclaimed coverage of the 2009 Giro d’Italia this past May.

Universal Sports will provide more than nine hours of Vuelta programming every day during the three-week event. Every stage will be shown LIVE at UniversalSports.com every morning and replayed on Universal Sports network. Each night, Universal Sports will show an enhanced stage replay in Primetime. Additionally, UniversalSports.com will have an online TRACKER that will show each rider’s location on the course, stage maps, and integrated videos. The site will also offer full-length videos, highlights, photos, recaps, and behind-the-scenes interviews.

ABOUT UNIVERSAL SPORTS: Universal Sports, a partnership between NBC Sports and InterMedia Partners, serves as the preeminent multiplatform destination for Olympic-related and lifestyle sports programming available on television and online. Universal Sports, available in 56 million homes, is in nine of the top 10 DMAs including New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Philadelphia, Dallas-Fort Worth, San Francisco, Atlanta, Washington D.C., Houston, Seattle and Denver. Major world championship and Olympic qualifying events found on Universal Sports range from track and field, skiing, swimming, gymnastics, marathons and cycling, to volleyball, rowing, triathlon, fencing, speed skating and martial arts. UniversalSports.com delivers an immersive experience via live and on-demand competition coverage, as well as interaction with top athletes through blogs and in-depth access to Olympic sports news and information year round. For more information on the availability of the Universal Sports 24-hour television channel, please visit UniversalSports.tv.

Although they’re not due to be released until the end of this summer, I’ve got some advance photos and info on the new Ritchey Design WCS Echelon road pedal and the Pro Paradigm mountain pedal.

The WCS Echelon Pedal, MSRP $189.95, has a body made of 6061 alloy and a cromoly spindle with (adjustable) retention claw made of carbon-resin composite. Weighing-in at 233 grams, the WCS Echelon has great strength and durability for its compact size. The distance between the axle and body platform is extremely low which creates a highly efficient pedaling arc, especially in the top of the pedal stroke - almost eliminating the traditional “dead zone.” The pedal’s light-weight cleat provides a wide platform for greater support and foot comfort. You can read about Ritchey Design’s other WCS products at www.ritcheylogic.com.

The Pro Paradigm Mountain Pedal, MSRP $149.95, replaces the previous Pro V4 Mountain Pedal and has an improved bearing/axle system allowing for adjustability and service. Sporting a new anodized red body, the 255-gram pedal has a low-profile body-to-axle design for efficient pedaling. The dual-sided design has superior mud clearance and a stainless steel retention claw for easy entry and exit over the life of the pedal. More information about the Ritchey Design’s mountain pedals is available at www.ritcheylogic.com.

Things are slowly settling down around me, and the year’s half over. Time to start writing again. There’s that race going on in France, and even though local weather has been topping out with temps in the 90’s, folks are hitting the trails. On a personal note, Ms. IndustryOutsider is getting a new mountain bike this month. And she’s due to be surprised with a ring in the coming months as well. So life is good.

I’ve got a stack of stale press releases that have gone unpublished, but there are some product reviews that just need a final polish, and they’ll be posted. Might even take a few more companies up on their offer to test some bikes and gear before Interbike rolls around again.  And since the season is in full swing, look for some enlightening words about my favorite sites and companies for 2009.

It’s good to be back.