The Mailbag is a regular feature on VeloNews.com. If you have a comment, an opinion or observation regarding anything you have seen in cycling, in VeloNews magazine or on VeloNews.com, write to WebLetters@InsideInc.com. Please include your full name and home town. Letters may be edited for length and clarity.

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How about a tech piece on track gear?
Editor:
In some of the articles about track world’s there are comments about gear selection; some bigger, some smaller. It would be interesting to know what gearing is being used in the various events by some of the participants. A technical article addressing the equipment used on the track would be welcome. Thank you

Tom Baker
Renton, Washington

Tom, check out the next print edition of VeloNews. Editorial director John Wilcockson promises to break it down for us. – Editor

Hein’s way or the highway
Editor:
Is it just me or does it seem that UCI president Hein Verbruggen, after his remarks about Dick Pound and other recent actions, wants to be anointed King Of the Cycling Universe? Since the whole ProTour thing started, it's seems like it’s Hein's way or the highway for anyone who opposes him.

If this guy’s only concern is to improve cycling for the benefit of all, he really needs to get his ego in check so he can work with people, instead of trying to make them bend to his will.

Tim Roberts
Hamilton, Ohio

Remember Simpson’s final words
Editor:
Regardless of one's opinion of Tom Simpson, his purported last words do have an effect. I have been an enthusiast rider over many decades. My one attempt at racing was almost embarrassing, but my love of the bike will always be there. Wouldn't it be grand to be able to leave this life saying, "Put me back on the bike?”

David Johnson
Madrid, Iowa

Letter from Larssyn struck a chord
Editor:
Thanks for the letter from Larssyn Staley; I enjoyed it very much. I spent eight days in Zürich last January and had a ball. I especially appreciated the dedication to cycling the Swiss have. Even in January there were bikes everywhere. The schools are surrounded by bike racks, and the kids look so much leaner and healthier than their North American counterparts.

We got off a train at a suburban station on a snowy Sunday evening and the bike rack was loaded with bikes. I asked my hostess why they were there and she said matter-of-factly that commuters would arrive tomorrow morning and take the bikes to ride the last miles to work.

Anyway, the piece brought back great memories, and I look forward to returning to Zürich with my bike.

Michael Hechmer
Westford, Vermont

When will we see a Tour of Colorado?
Editor:
Congratulations to the state of California for putting together a tour through a western state. As a resident of Colorado I want to know why Colorado isn't doing something.

Although Colorado is a mecca for cycling, we lack any quality professional races. Long gone are the days of the Coors Classic and Saturn Cycling Classic.

How do we get something similar in Colorado?

Mike Brunken
Morrison, Colorado

Mike, we've posed your question to the heads of the two outfits that sanction bike racing in Colorado: Gerard Bisceglia, CEO of USA Cycling, and Beth Wrenn-Estes, executive director of the American Cycling Association. We'll publish their replies here at VeloNews.com. - Editor

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The Mailbag is a regular feature on VeloNews.com. If you have a comment, an opinion or observation regarding anything you have seen in cycling, in VeloNews magazine or on VeloNews.com, write to WebLetters@InsideInc.com. Please include your full name and home town. Letters may be edited for length and clarity.