Continuous Improvement

Dental abscess under control, courtesy of amoxicillin, I resumed product testing and model photoshoots.  Warm enough for ice cream…

More tyre swapping followed and following an unexplained blow-out, on my everyday fixed, I’ve gone for big volume 35mm. Continental contact plus up front https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/continental-contact  and Vittoria voyager hyper behind https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/vittoria-voyager-hyper-tyre . Two very different tyres, in many respects but reliable. 

While rummaging round for these (not to mention spare tubes) I resurrected these issi two triple clipless pedals. Dual sided design, high quality, buttery smooth sealed bearings, Cro-moly axles with black chrome finish.

The latter isn’t just aesthetic. Provided it’s been applied correctly, black chrome also provides much better corrosion resistance than traditional electroplate. The ability to literally step-in and go, is a definite boon, especially with a fixed transmission.  

A welcome return. Having played with Finish line 1-step cleaner and lubricant https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/finish-line     I’m also giving the Smoove universal chain lube a second chance. https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/smoove-universal-chain-lube

Temperatures between 15 and 25 degrees have seen it assume a tacky, waxy state, which seems to cling to the chain. Transfers quite nicely to hands, although this is only a consideration, when tackling roadside mechanicals.

The same goes for more traditional, wet types. Either way, I’d pack a pair, or two, of disposable gloves in your bike luggage, for just these situations.

Particularly, if you commute to work, in office smarts… At the other extreme, though highly appropriate, given my Holdsworth’s “Sunny days’ plaything cum TT bike” design brief; there’s Finish line dry lube.  Oils containing PTFE are considered pretty basic-bog standard, even, although some mixes more sophisticated than others. 

This one is made with polymers, goes on wet and then cures to a dry, paste like consistency, thus attracting minimal dirt. Curing is around the twenty minute mark, rather than a few hours, which also came in handy.  Though quick flowing, its less runny than some, so provided you keep some kitchen towel hovering beneath the chain, it shouldn’t race all over the rear tyre, or kitchen lino…

They also reckon it provides “adequate wet weather performance”.  So far, it’s holding up nicely. Friction is low, although not as low as the latest generation of dry formulas, including Weldtite TF2 Ultra dry chain wax https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/weldtite-tf2-ultra-dry-chain-wax . Talking of which, in dry conditions, 330 miles per application is the figure to beat. To date, I’ve cruised past the 120 mile mark and there’s little sign of it receding. Transfer to hands has also been in trace territory.

Critically evaluating these things (which is essential, in my opinion) it’s worth noting that a single application of chain lube can suffice, during a really arid summer. In real terms, we’re talking something stodgier but six weeks, or so isn’t out of the question with middleweight wax, or dry formulas.   

The “last word” in customisation is another hotly debated topic. Traditionally, a bespoke frame and paintwork occupied top spot, and were obvious choices. Custom stems might be another. However, I’m thinking something subtler, dare we say, easily within reach of all riders, regardless of budget.

To a lesser extent, the normalisation of semi/compact geometry frames, over the past twenty years, has greatly reduced need for bespoke frames. Small riders, or those (including myself) who are unequally proportioned, now find it easy to get an off the peg frameset and contact points that fit beautifully (albeit not perfectly).

One thing that is often overlooked, is the humble bottle cage.  However, in recent years, I’ve become increasingly endeared to the concept of side entry designs, especially those, which can be orientated to suit left, or right dominant hands.

The other main appeal is these will fit within small main triangles, so two big bottles are easily accessible on the seat and down tubes.  Some Vel SE cages have just arrived on our test bench. Be interesting to see how they compare, with something like Lezyne Flow SL.

So then, modelling commissions...The temperate, brighter weather lends itself to location shots.  These do run the risk of interruption, from passers-by but most people are very respectful and don’t intrude beyond a simple, courteous greeting.  

Photographer and model should never feel uncomfortable. I am careful to research models who approach me and encourage them to research a photographer carefully before agreeing to work with them. 

There are photographers and GWCs (Guy with camera). The former have a high level of skill, professionalism and behave ethically (There are always exceptions to this rule. Some photographers have excellent technical abilities, but are of dubious character).

Much of this can be screened out during pre-shoot approaches/communication. A two-way street. There are plenty of “models” who I would not consider working with, for various reasons.

Both parties should be clear and comfortable about the shoot. A model who doesn’t have a clear(ish) idea of what she’s looking to achieve raises red flags and I politely decline.

Similarly, I’d encourage models to look at a photographer’s site, their port-folio and ask around. People talk. References are a useful guide but shouldn’t be taken as gospel.

People tend to err on something positive as a default, for fear of reference reprisals. They may leave a lot out, which is quite telling. Repeat business/bookings are a good sign but again, gut intuition is key.    

 My site desperately needs updating. However, a “photographer” without a site or similar presence should set alarm bells ringing.  Ditto, if they can’t string a coherent paragraph and detail a shoot specification. “Oh, just bring loads of lingerie” should be a model’s cue, to close communications and look elsewhere.