A suggestion to toss into the community popcorn popper...

Perhaps TE could create a section on the forums for bike makers, equipment makers, etc and invite them to post research/development/consumer interest type threads. It's not "advertising" in the strictest sense of the word and it would put the manufacturers right here in the playpen... and put TE even more out there as a way fabulous site.

Just an idear...

spazz