Fatigue hit me like the proverbial express train. I’d been
working relentlessly testing kit and composing copy until 2am pretty much every
morning for three successive weeks and the creative process had ground to a
halt. Deadlines met and others under strict control, I headed 150 miles north
to the Midlands for a photographic assignment. En route I couldn’t resist
exploring some long derelict hotels- evidently raped by the metal locusts.
Meanwhile back in the south…Coinciding with another
financial year’s swan song was the rush to collate and submit fiscal evidence
forming the basis of this year’s tax return to HRMC (Her Majesty’s Revenue and
Customs). Fiscal administration doesn’t come naturally to me, yet completion is
strangely satisfying tackled with a focused, proactive mindset.
On the subject of money, there’s a prevailing romanticism
of thrift within television scheduling which focuses on cooking, dressmaking
and related domesticity. On many levels I’ve nothing against this, assuming it
reconnects people with traditional skills and creativity but there’s a more
sinister use of nostalgia, drawing parallels with a rose tinted post war make
do n’ mend era while the very frameworks established to promote equality, raise
living standards and socio-economic mobility are steadily eroded under the
guise of austerity.
Begrudgingly infectious, I rustled up this simple little
handlebar camera mount for the princely sum of 80p. Hardly a novel concept but
a constructive use of three minutes, an old reflector mount, tap washers,
rubber shims, ¼ inch threaded bolt and two nuts it entertains most standard
compact cameras and captures reasonable ride footage. Further refinements
(rubber shims and wing nuts) will hopefully counteract irksome blurring
vibration when hosting super zoom travel models. I’m undecided whether this is
a consequence of a long lens and slightly whippy Nylon bracket, or indeed
combination of both so comparison with Minoura’s beautifully machined aluminium
version would be very interesting. Watch this space…
Spares bin scavenging also resurrected a beautiful
stainless steel EAI superstar sprocket devoid of the bevelling designed to
compensate for poor chainline on fixed gear conversions. Despite introducing
its Halo predecessor with a healthy slathering of grease, removal demanded
generous applications of penetrant and judicious persuasion from Pedro’s Vise
whip.
While performing said surgery, I also happened upon some
potentially nasty looking lesions in the Kojak’ casings, although these proved
superficial, easily repaired using some premium grade super glue. Speaking of
which, spring has finally sprung, snow tyres have been substituted for slicks
and those Revolution trail Baggies are rapidly becoming the default option.
Interesting framesets such as this mid to late 90’s 653 Ribble complete with
internal cable guides, two tone livery and some curious superficial corrosion
around the seat collar are awaiting makeover with Maldon Shot blasting &
powder coating. Classic is one of those words, including Artisan (or indeed
“Flavoursome”) banded around without discretion, although this particular
offering is an excellent example of mid to late 90’s volume produced steel road
frames.
Every now and then, I’m tempted to dress the Teenage Dream
in a contemporary upper mid range groupset-Microshift Centos being an obvious
choice but this would detract from its character and more importantly result in
existing components needlessly languishing within the spares bin. Maybe when six-speed
screw on freewheels finally go do-do a’la Maillard’s Helicomatic tool-free
cassette system.
With a sporty touring shoes feature presently mid draft,
its interesting that pedal choices for those wanting to retain the character of
an eighties road bike are somewhat confined to clips n’ straps or Look/Keo
patterns. However, Shimano’s single sided PDA520 have recently graced my
doorstep. Marketed as touring pedal, they tip the scales at 278g and boast high
lustre anodised aluminium bodies designed to age gracefully and moreover,
distribute loads evenly.
Minimising fatigue/hotspots without blunting cornering
prowess, racing horizons seem limited only by footwear choice and recessed
cleats are infinitely more practical on an everyday basis. Some have called for
electroplated axles, suggesting their existing finish is susceptible to the
salt monster-I’ll reserve judgement for now, other than to suggest a quick
preventative drop of winter weight, wet lube usually renders this problem
academic.
Right, time I resumed my touring shoes group test and
pitching book projects to potential publishers.
