I think there is is a common ground between (some men + sports, especially cycling) and (some men + sex), and this thing is performance anxiety. A discussion we had recently regarding BikeForums and how participants needed to keep bragging about how fast and good cyclists they were touches on to this point too...

So unfortunately since men buy more sports magazine than women at this moment it seems logical to have all that depressing advertising in there.

I love the last page of the Ms. Magazine where they have a "No Comment" section, showcasting bad advertising from various companies with the name and address of the marketing reps. When a marketing department is flooded with letters from insulted potential customers, I think it has some effect on them. I have little hope about Cove Bike, but I definitely watch out more for ads now that you make me think about it, and write.

With regards to Bicycling in general, I also think it would be useful to write. I have a copy right here somewhere (I don't think it's that fluffy), I'll drop them a note.

And by the way there ARE good cycling magazines out there, they are just not American. Other posters mentioned good examples...