Pest from the West

No, not that one.Tthankfully, after several years, she appears to have finally accepted her approaches are unwelcome, and non-reciprocal.

 

Serial, uninterrupted monogamy is, in my experience, often practiced by those who don’t want to work on themselves. Moving from one partner, without taking stock and investing in yourself, is an avoidance strategy.

Each relationship inevitably fails because the other, unwitting party cannot fix them. So, they move to the next and this cyclical shift perpetuates. A complete waste of time, emotional and monetary reserves. We all have our lessons to learn. Some choose not to.

I am referring to the persistently wet/windy weather front. One that has compelled me to tolerate a filthy fleet. On the flip side, during drier spells, let alone brief periods of sunlight, I’ve been testing the mettle of assorted bike washes.   

Crankalicious ceramic chain lube arrived at SDC HQ and was passed to Steve, esteemed co-editor and touring aficionado. However, the fixed’s links looking distinctly thirsty, prompting the introduction of some Finish Line Ceramic Wet. I’m reasoning this will be an interesting comparator and in ideal testing conditions.

Bucking the trend for curing periods, both are pour, wipe and scoot off, which is welcome when time’s not on your side. Elsewhere the SKS lube your chain formula is also going strong, 180 harsh miles hence. It looks a filthy, congealed mess but I’m assured this is locked in the top layer and not chewing components.

The Schwalbe Active Winter https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/schwalbe-winter-spiked-tyre  remained in situ on the Univega, given further snow was forecast. I wanted the option of getting some miles in, regardless. https://www.facebook.com/Sevendaycyclistmagazine/posts/1863791363651786?notif_id=1521379387031484&notif_t=page_post_reaction&ref=notif  Another title I freelance for, have sent me these Panaracer T-Serv PT Folding 700x32C.

Vee rubber have also sent me their 700x32 Zilent and and their 42mm Baldy. Will be interesting to see how the latter compare, speed-wise with Maxxis Roamer https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/maxxis-roamer-tyres  

These, as their name implies; are aimed at the urban market Soma Shikoro https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/s , are my favourite big(ish) section all-rounders Quick acceleration, smooth passage over lumpy sections, at 464g apiece, they’re a little heavier than the Panaracer (As you’d expect. However, they’re also made, under licence, by them).

Over the years, I’ve hustled around the capital on everything from 20mm to 2.1 inch, generally settling for 26x1.5 (or thereabouts) due to their balance of speed, comfort and control across badly surfaced, glass strewn tarmac. Otherwise; 32mm was my default for touring and general road biased riding.

It was also the biggest section many 80’s touring bikes could swallow without fouling; or forgoing full length chrome plastic mudguards. Personally, I’m happy to leave fag paper clearances and toe clip overlap in the dim and thankfully distant past.  

With this in mind; there are some frames, components and other, unrelated objects I’d like to own from this and other eras. At the right price… Some would argue that Nostalgia’s true power is the commodification of emotions, those we attach to objects.

Subjectively, a MK III Norton Commando is a nice motorcycle. However, its outclassed, totally eclipsed by modern machines. Therefore, I wouldn’t entertain the £20,000 “market value”, nor would I’d pay fancy prices for air cooled type 1, 2 and 3 VW cars.  Yes, I am fond of them but regard these things as working vehicles, not museum pieces. The same applies to my 1991 road bike, aka “The Teenage Dream”.

A fair-weather machine but a bike ridden in fair weather, nonetheless. It’s fun to ride yes, there’s a deep sentimental bond and no I wouldn’t willing   part with it. That aside; I certainly wouldn’t pay some of the prices I’ve seen comparable machines being offered for.

Another, arguably more positive/optimistic account of nostalgia, is that it (according to Sedikides and Wildschunt) “Is shown to be both a driver of empathy and social connectedness, and a potent, internal antidote for loneliness and alienation”.

Indeed, Sedikides suggests nostalgia is the “perfect internal politician, connecting the past with the present, pointing optimistically to the future”. Whatever your particular perspective may be, its food for thought. I’ll leave you with a few shots from my booking with Louise, a delightful ballet/dance and lingerie model.