Resilience

Long, spirited (not to mention, hot) miles aboard the teenage dream, have enabled me to reach substantive conclusions, about various bits of equipment. Most notably, the Passport Crochet backed cycling mitts https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/pasport-crochet-back-cycling-mitts  and the Joes No flats Eco-Nano dry lube https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/joe-s-no-flats  

We also received these 35mm section Vee Tire City Cruz https://www.veetireco.com/listings/city-trekking-city-cruz/ and some unexpected (but very welcome) goodies from Green Oil www.Greenoil.net.  It seems they have revamped their Green Clean, removing most of the water content, thus weighs considerably less in transit. Theoretically reducing the energy required to transport it.

Elsewhere, we have their Bamboo detail brush.

The handle is made from sustainably sourced bamboo. The bristles are created from bio-plastic, which is derived from the castor plant

This is basically designed for scrubbing cassettes, chains and other, hard to reach drivetrain components-after they’ve been given a blast of degreaser.

Cursory inspection suggests the City Cruze are intended to compete with Schwalbe’s legendary Marathon family. Yes, there are some obvious cosmetic nods, in their direction. However, I’m advised the City Cruze are urban/trekking, rather than touring rubber.

I’ve whipped one up front. on my ‘cross/gravel inspired fixed. The Schwalbe Marathon GT https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/schwalbe-marathon-gt-tyres  follows behind, as a comparator. Contemplation and reflection are other themes of my rides “Headspace” some might say.

Winding up the tempo along open roads and times, where other traffic is little to moderate, is extremely liberating. Only managed 35 on this 1in 7 descent, assisted by a passing double decker bus. https://www.facebook.com/Sevendaycyclistmagazine/videos/1990325537665034/  (My record is 42mph on a solo, 55 on a tandem). Came close on the Holdsworth but, several attempts suggest I require a lower position, than the present, BBB pursuit pattern bars permit.

The Teenage dream’s Salsa Bell lap were one option, and work very well, in that context but I’m thinking, in this instance, a shallower drop, such as Soma Bar1, would be better.

Behind the Camera…

Models; like any other cross section of the population, delight and disappoint in equal measure. I’ve been approached by models recently, asking me to pay them, for nude shoots. Though thankfully rare, I get approaches from some hobbyist models, which boil down to “How’s you? I want to be paid £20ph, for exposing myself to you, with no creative merit whatsoever”.

Personally, I’m insulted by these approaches, which assume the slightest hint of exposed flesh, will leave me spellbound! There is clearly, a market for this “Flash for cash” formula. 

After all, the “Reader’s Wives” (badly shot, homemade, softcore porn) was a phenomenally popular genre and still, refuses to die. 

Similarly, while I acknowledge we all have to start somewhere, no amount of grainy, pouting selfies tells me how good (or otherwise) a model, you are.

 Now, I have no issue with paying people, for their skills and services.

I will pay models, where appropriate, as part of a wider, commercial commission. Just as a builder/ property developer should pay a bricklayer/electrician/plasterer for their work. 

However, some of these approaches, try to stipulate what I may/not do with the images afterward.

The reality is this. If I (or another photographer) have paid for your services, I/they may do pretty much what I/they choose afterward. Professional models know this, so terms are explicit and agreed, long before we enter a studio.

I’m not in the business of using images that would cause distress, or leave models feeling uncomfortable. However, it is something to consider, if you are entering modelling, and considering nude/topless/erotic/adult work.

Unless a commercial client approaches me with this kind of commission, I respond, with my list of charges. It’s a polite way of declining and swerving, a whole heap, of potential trouble, further along the line.

Good pre-shoot communications reveal a model’s motivations, wat they are looking to achieve and, in what sort of timescales. It’s also a great way, of filtering out unreliable, unprofessional and in some instances, dangerous, people.

There are plenty of “photographers” and plenty of “models” to choose from. Hours are like diamonds, don’t let them waste. Know your worth and choose accordingly. That goes for life, generally.

This week’s, delightful model, is Carla Stillwell https://purpleport.com/portfolio/vixenmummy

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.

Chopping n’ Changing

At the close of last week, my working fixed was struck with an infuriating phantom squeak. Cranks snugged, tight, stem bolts freshly greased, seat post cradle stripped and lightly greased, chain still sporting a filmy layer of lubricant…Still, something piped up, unannounced, and slightly unnerving.

I had wondered whether the UN55 was beginning to sing its swan song. Some gentle tugging suggested those single-sided Tiagra, pedals might be to blame. Will strip and re-grease, when time presents.

Meanwhile another grope around in the pedal box unearthed two sets of Wellgo RC 713 (Shimano SPDR homages) which feature buttery smooth, sealed bearings. One for the fixed, the others spun aboard my Univega’s cranks.     

Single sided designs aren’t the most obvious choices mixed terrain riding and less practical for click n’ go getaways on the fixed. Not that ground clearance is an issue on either machine but some additional won’t hurt. Could be one of my five-minute wonders…May even go old school, back to some first generation Shimano SPD from 1990. Watch this space…

On the testing front… There’s my test of the Vee Tire Co Baldy https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/vee-tire-co-baldy-tyres  while I rack up the miles on their Zilent cousins and of course, the Soma Supple Vitesse.

150 miles, or so in, and I’m warming to their swift, yet very compliant charms. The ride quality is very reminiscent of tubulars, gripping the tarmac liker a leach, while soaking up those light, washboard type imperfections, majestically. All without the gluing and stitching drama, associated with tubs.  

The unrelenting soggy spell consumed the finish line 1-step in 160miles, which isn’t bad for lube at the lighter end of the middleweight scale. Given the bike was grotty, I took the opportunity to strip the remainder using some neat Crankalicious Pineapple Express.  

I’m revisiting Smoove Universal chain lube to see how it performs in less taxing conditions https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/smoove-universal-chain-lube . We were also very pleasantly surprised by Crankalicious Science Friction ceramic chain lube. https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/crankalicious-science-friction-cera

The frameset’s accumulated filth, easily dismissed with a dilute, though custom variant.

I hold the belief (and, some would say, an almost religious observance) that cleaning is part of riding. To be done regularly and providing surfaces sport a decent quality, protective wax, we’re talking 20-25 minutes start-to finish, no drama.

 Although fighting the compulsion to fettle and tweak, often sees this task expand, to fit the time available...

A few months back, I was looking for an IRO Rob Roy frameset for a single-speed cross project but drew a complete blank. More recently my urges tugged me in the direction of Genesis Day One.

However, these are not available as a frameset option. So I’ve decided On-One’s Pompetamine, complete with disc mounts, is the next best thing. These had a fairly short production run. Bottom line, I’m looking for a sound, if cosmetically tatty example, at the right price. So, feel free to get in touch if you’ve a large, in need of a good home. 

For those of you who’d rather be out riding, Seven Day Cyclist has teamed up with route you https://www.routeyou.com/en-gb/route/view/5046397/recreational-cycle-route/to-tan-hill-and-over-the-stang

A sudden shift to summary weather presented my first opportunity to pluck the Holdsworth from hibernation, for some serious skinny tubed, skinny-tyred fun.  

Swapping hats a moment, models continue to come to me for port-folio building/development. Jersey Jones booked me for a glamour/boudoir session, with a bit of fashion mixed in last week.

Krystal J got in touch to refresh her port-folio. Another really pleasant, 3 hour shoot.  With the wedding season just around the corner, I’m also getting approached in the context of Punjabi and other South Asian events. Contact me (Stenningphotographic@gmail.com) if you’re a model, or bride and want to discuss your requirements.

  

Maddening Crowds & Magic Models

 With April turning less austere, I decided it was time to swap the Univega’s rubber. Gone are the Schwalbe active winter, substituted for the equally mighty Schwalbe Marathon GT 365 https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/schwalbe-marathon-gt-365-tyres-in-w . I also switched from the SKS lube your chain https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/sks-lube-your-chain  to Finish Line ceramic wax.

Bombproof go anywhere dependability https://www.facebook.com/Sevendaycyclistmagazine/posts/1885288428168746?notif_id=1523350698147526&notif_t=page_post_reaction&ref=notif  and a super slick, low friction transmission seemed a very alluring combination.

https://www.facebook.com/Sevendaycyclistmagazine/videos/1885251548172434/?hc_ref=ARRs7tXGmIFC0BSiyUcotmK7Xp1ifFVE0fJOXtFtUwNipl9b30EMHA8HY3igEVxDAz0&fref=nf

I go through “Garbo” phases of not wanting to speak, or otherwise engage with people, at least in a social context. This very much depends on their energies. Introverted by nature, professionally, I am quite loquacious but require periods of isolation, outside of working hours  to recharge.  

The ability to deviate from metalled roads, be alone with my thoughts and whatever kit I’m playing with, is imperative.

Not that reflecting is wasted time but something, tangibly productive needs to come from it. 400 miles on my beloved fixed gear winter/trainer hence, and I’ve formed my conclusions, where the 32mm Panaracer T-serv PT and Vee Rubber Baldy are concerned. Both are favourable, albeit with different charms.

Verdicts reached, I wasted no time swapping over to the 42mm Zilent and following behind, 33mm Soma Supple Vitesse. These are the EX (Extra wear) tread compound, which as the name suggests, is designed with durability in mind.

Formative (50 mile) impressions are of svelte, grippy and fast rolling rubber, yet with a surprisingly compliant persona. Reminiscent of their Shikoro cousins https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/s  but a fraction friskier. Clearance a bit tighter? The Vee Tire co Rolldiac are another good choice, for general riding and speed-biased commuting https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/vee-tire-rolldiac-tyres   

Just as well, given the pock marked and badly patched infrastructure. I was even greeted with some impromptu “gravel” on Tuesday morning’s escape.  The big, swoopy Soma Condor bars continue to seduce me with their buxom charms, affording excellent control. A little narrower than the midge, and this is apparent when out of the saddle (which is more frequent on the fixed, say powering away from the lights, or along a gradient).

By the same token the Condor feel markedly stiffer, resulting in a tighter feel up front. The build’s portlier tyres, steel frame and carbon composite fork, retain a very compliant ride quality.

I’m often contemplating locations for photoshoots/scenarios. The Univega’s all-terrain persona is perfect for scouting beyond the beaten track. Abandoned buildings make fantastic settings but are fast in decline, thanks to demand for redevelopment. They also present a wealth of potential hazards for models and photographer alike.  

Iconic red phone boxes, most now left for prosperity (or as makeshift urinals for those whose bladders, have reached the 500 odd millilitre capacities en route home from the pub/a mate’s house) have scope for fashion/similar portraiture.

This one was often frequented by yours truly, as a teenager. Calls home, advising of impending lateness, due to a mechanical, or sheepishly requesting rescue. Provided I got through to an Au Pair, not the cat, things were generally fine. Alas, this one’s a bit exposed for anything vaguely arty and though temperatures have mellowed somewhat, the climate is still sketchy for location work.

Hence, I’m busy in the Studio. Here’s a few of Amelia Mary Instagram: @ameliamaryorvis another highly professional and accomplished model. Photographed last week, at Mark Coventry’s Clacton Studio https://www.markcoventry.com/

 

Concentrates & Curmudgeonly Cats

This bottle of Crankalicious Pineapple express concentrate arrived while I was on a photoshoot with Marie https://www.facebook.com/mariemeggidoartist/. Bike washes are one of those products that polarise opinion and I personally prefer concentrate versions. Why? Well; they allow me to brew custom strengths and work out considerably cheaper, too.

Gentle for bike washing duties, neat for stripping lubes and greases with minimal effort. Again, there are several approaches to this. Chain baths are nice, in that they keep mess minimal and allow solvents/cleaners to be reclaimed, if appropriate.

My approach, is closer to that of old school team mechanics. I pour about 100ml of solution, into an old, cut down trade bottle and apply this directly to the chain, rings, cassette etc via “pound shop” paint brushes.

Drivetrain stripping tends to be the precursor to bike washing, removing the grotty stuff-so there’s no issues with cross contamination later. In the zone, a good, basic clean shouldn’t take more than 20minutes.

Maintenance should not be regarded a chore, rather part of riding. Some describe it as bonding, others in more rational terms. A means of inspecting everything, minimising the likelihood of problems occurring during a ride, let alone, racing.

Little and often saves a lot of time in the long run. If you’re someone who leaves servicing to your friendly local bike shop, they will appreciate working on a clean bike. This makes their job easier, which saves you time and ultimately money, in the longer term.

There’s been plenty of scope for testing washes these past few weeks. For these reasons, I’ve been extending maintenance periods to see how they tackle impacted grime, whether organic, or petrochemical.  https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/sks-wash-your-bike

Similarly, when testing tyres (which we regularly do at SDC www.Sevendaycyclist.com and other titles, I freelance for). During these phases, I deliberately resist the urge to brush casings of glass, grit and similar objects to test puncture resistance.

Road tyres, at least those for general riding have become portlier.

Time was when we’d commute, or winter train on 700x25/28c. Now, thanks in part to the evolution of ‘cross and gravel type builds with generous clearances, 32mm upwards is increasingly the norm. I used to tour on 32mm and these days, prefer something around the 35mm mark for general riding.

All things being equal, they’re reasonably swift, ride quality is more compliant, taking the sting from washboard surfaces. Ultimately, less rider fatigue, especially at the end of a long ride.

Working bikes, however they earn their keep, need to be dependable. Unable to finish a race/big ride; or turning up late to work because of a mechanical is deeply undesirable.

Hence, reliability trumps weight saving in these instances. Season specific equipment, such as light aside, I enjoy night testing. I find the darkness useful, adding another perspective when evaluating performance.

Decent technical clothing enables me to forget about the weather and enjoy the ride, is that tyre superior/inferior to a competitor. Is this so, or is perhaps, visual prejudice skewing my perception?

Plunge yourself into darkness and see… https://www.facebook.com/Sevendaycyclistmagazine/videos/1868668746497381/  Ever noticed how climbs become less taxing in the dark?  Night will open a completely different riding experience, go-on, embrace it.

My slightly tyrannical, though much loved feline, can also object profoundly to some equipment…

He’s very taken with my waxed cotton messenger bags, commandeering them as his bed. However, he can launch savage assaults on test tyres and I’ve often discovered a phantom flat.

Often there’s a very rational explanation- I’d pinched a tube/rim tape moved when mounting, or indeed, a sharp lodged in the casing, following a very wet ride.

However, our furry friends can be very sensitive to very subtle changes and different odours. The latter may explain his recent hostilities towards these very likeable Panaracer T Serv PT, yet not the Vee Tire Co Zilent 700x42c.

Talking of punctures, the Soma Shikoro have finally succumbed to a sharp, which I only discovered while washing the bike down. This presented the ideal opportunity to swap over to the Vee Tire Co Baldy. Another 32mm section, and an interesting comparator for the Panaracer.

Another plus, it compelled me to root through the spare tube mountain, identifying those which can re-join the wedge pack and those for recycling.