Been a turbulent week,
tempered by superb model shoots and plenty of miles aboard my Holdsworth. Yes, sunny days mean I err toward location,
rather than studio based photography.
There are exceptions,
obviously. I shot these with Sophia Louise Delancey at Juice photography studio,
in Alresford recently. https://en-gb.facebook.com/Juice-Photographic-Studio-1736661156638282/
She’s very versatile, an accomplished
singer and actress, too. https://purpleport.com/portfolio/sophialouisedelancey/
Retro arrived in the form of
these Passport Cycling mitts with crochet backs. An iconic, some might say,
timeless design. Ours are the black white and tan, which for me, is preferable
to the white/blue/red.
There’s also a blue/tan
version with white detailing, should you prefer. Genuine hides divide opinion.
I respect the views of strict vegetarians, who prefer Amara palms, with gel
padding but, when properly cared for (left to dry naturally and fed,
periodically, with leather conditioner) they offer tremendous comfort and
develop a very unique, personalised patina.
There’s a long way to go
before (I’ve only just crossed the 125mile marker) I reach any conclusions but
the padding seems generous and the hide supple. Like anything else, price is a
good indicator of quality but I’ve had others of similar price-point, which
have lasted many thousands of miles.
However, despite the care
described, the hide eventually sagged and even curled up at the fingers,
amplifying fatigue and other discomfort. My first pair, bought for me in March
1987 were branded Caratti, had grey palms and cost £6.99.
This was back in the days,
when I was lusting after an Au pair’s stepfather’s Stablinski with chrome forks
and complete Shimano 600 groupset. Barry Hoban branded Coventry Eagle, with
their fluted seatposts and pencil thin 531c tubesets, were another infamous
distraction. Particularly during science and geography lessons. Ironically,
human geography held my attention fractionally longer.
Those cotton, crochet backs
also have a tendency to become, and remain wet, whereas Lycra backed designs,
with synthetic palms tend to dry pretty quickly, following a stiff breeze.
Continuing to ride this retro wave, I’ve been doing the odd bit of component
daydreaming for project gravel.
Now, I was thinking that one inch threaded headsets (Of any
quality, at least) were pretty much extinct. However, it seems Soma
Fabrications still produce some (albeit, made under licence, by Tange). http://www.interlocracing.com/headsets/roller-drive-threaded-headset
Depending on the stack height,
(i.e. whether it’s compatible, with the existing setup) I may go the double
roller bearing route.
