How to Pitch Bicycling Magazine

Bicycling publishes stories about every aspect of cycling, from tips on picking out your first bike to human interest pieces to training techniques for competitive cyclists, and everything in between.

We speak to all cyclists: beginners, weekend riders, fans of the pro peloton, amateur racers, gear fanatics, and more. Our audience responds best to stories that explain how to better themselves as cyclists for every ride.

We’re cycling enthusiasts who want to spread the joy of riding to all, but you don’t need to be a cyclist to write for us. We’re always open to working with new writers, freelancers, and voices. We’re also committed to working more frequently with writers, photographers, and other experts in cycling who are BIPOC, LGBTQ+, or belong to other marginalized identities.

Our story rates vary and depend on story length, required research/reporting, turnaround time, and more.

Please only send pitches; there’s no need to send full drafts of stories or op-eds. We will do our best to respond to all pitches promptly. If you don’t hear from us within a few days on a relevant news story or within a month for evergreen/feature stories, it’s safe to assume we won’t be able to use your pitch.

Before you pitch, here are some general tips that may help:

• Be clear on what the story actually is and why it is important for cyclists, specifically, or best for Bicycling.
• Make sure we haven’t already covered the topic—a quick search on our site, Google, or Apple News+ will do—but if we have, what’s new about it?
• Personal essays are welcome, but think about what new, fresh perspective you bring, and what you can teach our readers.

In any pitch to Bicycling, please consider including the following:

• A sample headline to grab readers’ attention
• Sources you know you have access to and any other research or pre-reporting you’ve done on the topic
• Why this story is relevant now and why it’s a good fit for our audience
• Notes on possible imagery/photos, if applicable
• Any conflicts of interest, if applicable
• Your clips or portfolio

All pitches and materials are considered for publication on the understanding that they are original and that any similar or related material submitted or in publication elsewhere is disclosed to Bicycling upon submission. All accepted submissions may be edited or altered for length and clarity. The copyright of all published editorial materials is retained by Hearst Magazines, Inc.

Below are several sections of our magazine and website to pitch to. Use the provided email so your pitch ends up in the appropriate inbox.

Interested in working at Hearst Magazines? Find the latest job openings here.

Our goal is to educate and inspire runners through high-quality, science-supported, expert-backed service-based content.

This section usually covers fitness, training, health, nutrition, weight loss, and performance topics, but it could also include info on repair hacks. We always filter these through a rider’s lens, so please be sure to do the same with your pitch.

Send service pitches to: [email protected]

We like to feature stories about cyclists doing extraordinary things through the sport and culture. Stories focusing on an inspiring rider or group should be newsy and timely—before pitching, ask yourself why it is important to tell this story now.

While our team regularly monitors what’s going on in the cycling world, we’re always interested in something that might be slightly off our radar. If you have a news tip—about a cyclist, race, product, and other topics—we’d love to hear from you.

Send news pitches to: [email protected]

Bicycling has a long history of publishing award-winning storytelling, including literary longform, travel/adventure narratives, profiles, personal essays, service/gear packages, and investigative reports.

Features generally differ from daily publishing in length and in the scope of reporting and storytelling. They range from 2,000 to 6,000 words or more and usually require a deep level of interviewing, research, and editing (sometimes many rounds). We typically create a custom design or commission original art and/or photography. Because of this investment of time, we publish only a select number of features each year. Feature stories can run on the site or in print, but we generally assign them independently from the platform.

The most successful pitches let us know you have a good handle on what the story is about and how you see it unfolding. Some points to consider:

• What is the main idea you are going to explore? Why now? Why Bicycling? What universal theme does it connect with?
• How do you see the narrative arc unfolding? How will you structure the piece?
• What will provide the narrative tension?
• Who are the characters in this story? Who will you talk to?
• What kind of scenes do you anticipate capturing that will help tell this story?
  Give us a sense of your writing style by crafting a scene or lede for your story.
• Include a sample headline that makes the piece feel like a must-read.
• How would additional media enhance the story (video, audio, data visualization, social, etc)?
• Include links to your previous feature-length work and/or portfolio.

Send feature pitches to: [email protected]

Bicycling’s Test Team extensively rides and reviews cycling gear across many disciplines and price levels—from bicycles and components to clothing, tools, accessories, and much more. To submit an existing or new product for potential review, please email detailed information (photos, sizing, colors, prices, availability date, where to purchase, etc.) and tell us what makes your cycling product unique and important.

Due to the number of products we receive for testing and evaluation, every product cannot be covered online, in video, or in print. We highly recommend contacting us before sending cycling products to ensure sizing and fit. Only ship production-ready items—not prototypes—available to buyers in the United States. Please pre-pay all freight and duties for international shipments. Any unsolicited products sent to Bicycling/Hearst cannot be returned and become the property of Hearst Magazines.

To submit products for the Test Team’s consideration, ship to:
Hearst Magazines
Attn: Bicycling Test Team
132 S 3rd Street
Easton, PA
18042 USA

If you have experience testing bicycles, cycling gear, and writing, please reach out about freelance product review opportunities. In your email, tell us about your background in cycling, the riding you like to do, and where you ride. Also include examples of your previously published work, photography skills, as well as your resume. For transparency and to avoid conflicts of interest, please note your sponsorships and ambassadorships with cycling brands. Due to assembly and shipping constraints, we prefer writers of bicycle tests who live within 100 miles of our Easton, Pennsylvania office.

Send product information or gear story pitches to: [email protected]

In any pitch to Bicycling, please consider the visual component:

• If possible, include existing images and/or reference images.
• If you’re a writer with a photographer in mind to help tell your story, please include their contact info and any appropriate links to their work/portfolio.
• Previously published work may be accepted as long as there are no conflicts of interest.

Send your pitches to Photo Director John Hamilton: [email protected]

If you are a publicist with an awesome running product or you’re looking to advertise with Bicycling, learn more here.