My Ilpompino’s lower race bearings are showing some signs of wear, so I invested in 75 10 grade balls given the races/surfaces were in otherwise good shape. Obviously, price is a key player but most found in entry level to mid-range components are reckoned to be around the 100 mark, whereas higher end Shimano and Campagnolo are around 40 and 25.

So, what do these numbers actually mean? Well, essentially we’re talking materials and accuracy of machining, which has implications for efficiency and longevity. The most basic blister pack variants offered at £1.50 or so are 1,000 grade-more commonly associated with furniture casters-not a precision engineered load bearing component.

Caged bearings are convenient for factories and servicing headsets-they also fill space, thus fewer balls are required, saving manufacturers a pretty penny. However, loose always run smoother and seating them in a bed of stout grease overcomes that heart sinking tinkle as another leaps lemming-fashion beneath the fridge, or similarly inaccessible point. 

Talking of which, it’s amazing what gets rediscovered when rationalising the spares bin/drawer.

This week, I have reclaimed a bedroom drawer for T shirts but much more exciting was the rediscovery of this carbon composite Blackburn Airstik SL micro-pump. At 15cm it’s hardly efficient, though handy back pocket bling when coupled with Co2 cartridges and enjoying the Holdsworth’s company, or popping out on a similarly pared to the essentials test rig.

Budget track pumps can be surprisingly longlived too, although gauges are their weak spot. I’ve had this Revolution (Edinburgh Bicycle Co-operative’s own brand) unit complete with smart head for a good few years.

The gauge is well on the road to retirement but barrel, piston and other components are in rude health. A new valve end for this Lezyne Floor Drive has just arrived from Upgrade bikes- their UK importer www.upgradebikes.co.uk so; I will pass the Revolution unit on to a good and grateful home.

Speaking of testing, Seven Day Cyclist has a You Tube channel in the pipeline. Yes, it will involve action cams but no, we’re seeking to avoid More about this once its’ live.

Recent overcast conditions and summer’s slow but definite swansong sees me setting out with freshly fuelled blinkies. Tethered to bars, post and luggage-we’re eagerly awaiting the arrival of this season’s latest designs and more powerful models-promised in the next week or so…

However, an argument has been brewing suggesting cyclists should use blinkies in all conditions-all the time. Dull, low light-hell, yes but perpetually a’la Volvo no.

The perpetual sidelight argument was popularly banded about for motorcyclists too but independent studies seemed to suggest other road users simply acclimatised, thus riders became “invisible” once more.

I can also see this turning into a very convenient legal loophole for someone looking to swerve a driving without due care and attention charge.  “I was getting the perfect angle for my selfie, when I suddenly felt this disconcerting lump. Having uploaded it to my social media channels and two dating sites, I thought an exhaust mounting was coming loose and found a stowaway cyclist”…

Staying with images, Infrared photography has always inspired curiosity, not so wholesale camera conversion. Once converted, your committed-it cannot be reversed. Following a conversation with a camera dealer inclined towards this genre; I jumped at this 55mm Hoya filter.

There are plenty of filters being hawked on the online auction sites for around a third of the asking price but with decidedly inferior results. I saw no sense in taking this route, only to find myself forking out for the Hoya afterward-false economy. Initial results were quite impressive when using a tripod, small apertures and long exposures, although hot spots and similar imperfections seem harder to sidestep.

These models weren’t quite what I’d had in mind either but at least the brazing holding this Beetle’s roll cage together is nicely done. Before I close this entry, let’s talk riding attire.

For training and similar riding, I’ve always felt perfectly comfortable in Lycra but much prefer a more civilian look for commuting and more general riding. Practical and chic, we’re talking ¾ lengths and looser fitting Plain Jerseys with concealed pockets and subtler colours.

While photographing birds at a local reservoir, this young woman’s machine and attire caught my attention; rolled up sleeves and turn ups... Save for quick scoots of a mile or two, denims are a recipe for chafing and discomfort. Were hers skilfully tailored-possibly home made with a cycling specific cut, or just the old street jeans with shorts beneath trick….

Either way, she was turning a seasoned tourists’ cadence too. A few firms were converting old MOD fatigues into messenger knickers some years back, wonder if the same goes for jeans. Levis, Muxo and a few others offered some nice versions straight off the peg but bespoke always provides food for thought.