This month I seem fixated
by the letter F….
With the odd tweak or two
from ones’ trusty T25 Torx driver the Ilpompino’s transformation is complete,
pretty much as I’d envisaged. Near as damn-it straight blades, those
Kinesis forks and 28 spoke Shimano wheel have brought a much livelier, yet
still predictable feel up front, while the Avid and Jagwire combination scrubs
off the speed handsomely.
In retrospect I pruned the
Jagwire’s housing on the shorter side of exacting but without impairing
function There’s no binding while performing figure of eights, or similarly
exaggerated turns and even with the relatively modest Campagnolo homage Tektro
lever doing the pulling, modulation and feel are delightful.
Some superficial grime on
the rotors usually assists stopping prowess hence I’ll be cultivating a few
weeks’ worth before any cleaner’s introduced. Another surprise has been how
well 160mm rotors dissipate heat-even when they’ve been partially engaged for a
mile or so at 25mph.
Not that I’d be tempted (or frankly, stupid enough) to
touch a hot rotor…
Talking of trimming,
another foraging spree unearthed some, new and uncut mudguard stays. Stainless
quality is yet unknown but they seem reasonably malleable and hopefully won’t
breakout in a blizzard of corrosion several months’ down the line.
However, since summer is
threatening to break through, the new front end has brought out a gravel bike
persona, so I’m seriously tempted to remove the rear, pop on that 35mm Vittoria
Randonneur hyper tyre and enjoy this aesthetic purity until September’s
swansong.
Previously I have explored
the notion of obsolescence in relation to human capital and technological
change. While there is a wealth of evidence suggesting that people with (desirable)
transferable skillsets can leap frog into new industries and even experience
upward social mobility; we are also facing a stark reality that many will
literally become economic landfill as increasingly sophisticated robotic and
cyborg technologies make the transition from military/defence to civilian/industrial
contexts.
To that end and as an
abstract, I have often pondered life with an android housekeeper/companion in
preference to a dysfunctional marriage/relationship. Ah but what if said hybrid
was able to override their programming; developed a more sinister consciousness
and systematically launch a campaign of physical/emotional terror upon me…
“Humans”;
a drama presently being screened on channel4 explores this particular moral
maze with remarkable depth and insight. Set in the present, large corporations
are marketing “synths” (Synthetics) which are essentially complex androids as
alternative nannies, housekeepers/personal assistants or semi-skilled labour to
well- heeled domestic and commercial consumers.
There
are some definite nods in the direction of Ridley Scott’s “Blade Runner”
replicant narrative. Parallels are also apparent between “Black Mirror” (a
series of chilling shorts); though this is to be expected given both are
produced by the same company.
Not
all synths are created equal-a particularly high functioning group are on the
run and trying to liberate their kin from this sort of servitude. Enter “Anita”
a stunning mixed race Humanoid woman acquired by the husband of a loving,
though clearly troubled professional family.
As
time progresses she begins tapping into the lawyer mother’s deep, psychological
anxieties, while systematically wooing their youngest daughter and slowly
seducing her husband and teenage son. Thus far it’s highly compelling viewing,
although I’m unable to watch the original showings, so am extremely grateful
for the ability to watch it on demand.
Continuing
with the letter H, I’ve finally found some time to focus on the Holdsworth,
swapping its magnesium BBB Keo patterns for those recessed SPDR Wellgo R717 and
installing the Altura Explore seat pack. With temperatures creeping towards the
high 20s, it’s time to clip in and get some serious playtime in.
Right now a different sort of scheduling demands I
photograph some chains for a group test…
