An arsenal of high pressure
road and mtb derived “mini” pumps graced Seven day Cyclists’ test bench this
week, so we’ll be looking at the genres and essentially putting four comparable
models through their paces over the next month, or as long as it takes to reach
some firm conclusions about their performance.
Falling prices has meant Co2
cartridges have crossed over from racing and become popular quick fixes for
training and generic/club riding. Consequently, many riders now regard the pump
as an emergency item and carry the smallest possible. The logic’s not difficult
to fault, assuming of course you’re not particularly puncture prone.
However, while I too carry a
Co2 system pretty much everywhere, I also like a pump that will genuinely
achieve at least 60psi (mtb slick) and 95-100 in a narrow section 700x23/25
road tyre-without taking eons about it, or my biceps leaden with lactic
acid.
The difference between
micro/mini/midi pump also seem to vary between manufacturers. For road, “sawn
off” versions of popular frame-fit classics such as this now discontinued Zefal
HPX mini are my first choices. Small enough to ride unobtrusively alongside the
down tube, there’s adequate length for dignified resurrection of flaccid tyres
to 100psi plus.
Light years away from those
ghastly giveaways that were arguably better than nothing miles from home on a
cold and rainy night but I had the pistons bend irreparably under the strain
when inching past a paltry 60psi. The only down side to longer models is
storing them when parking in the street along with lights, computers and other
lovely gizmos.
Elsewhere, Chicken cycles
(www.chickencyclekit.co.uk) have sent me these lovely Flinger disc compatible
stays, meaning the neighbours will (hopefully) be spared agricultural
utterances and I the effort of contorting others to fit.
Unexpected sponginess
had crept into the Jagwire/Avid system, spoiling that stop on a sixpence dependability. Introducing a different
cable ferrule restored fierce disc typical bite-just the way I like it.
Since
opportunity presented, I also popped a rubberised cuff to the outer. Not that
the housing was making any inroads into the clear lacquer topcoat but
prevention is so much more convenient than cure.
I’ve often talked about the importance of continuous development and
transferable skills (Though frankly these have been buzzwords within human resource
management for three decades) in a rapidly changing economy.
The past eighteen months has seen steady evolution of my photographic
port-folio. Products and technical work remain very close to my heart but
demand has been tailing off in recent years as more firms streamline their
budgets and scoop things in house.
Nonetheless, word of mouth and nerves of steel have resulted in much
broader horizons, including social/portraiture. Traditional wedding photography
is another genre that has become increasingly competitive, almost to the point
of saturation. It’s not something to be dabbled with either.
I’ve heard from some devastated couples who entrusted theirs to “arty”
friends with disastrous consequences. Emerging interest from NRI (Non Resident Indian) audiences is certainly tempting me along that particular niche and I’m increasingly
invited to capture other significant social events.
Eager to capitalise upon this, I’ve built a dedicated website to attract
further business in these and other fields. While the importance of pushing
oneself should never be underestimated, the “Jack of all trades, master of
none” tag must be avoided at all costs, hence my specialisms.
The leap between this and learning Punjabi is not a difficult one.
Indeed, I am also confident on current projections that India and Brazil will
overtake China as a global economic powerhouse, meaning that command of Punjabi
and possibly Portuguese will become increasingly desirable. Then of course,
there’s the simple satisfaction gained from learning a new skill.
Over the past week or so,
I’ve had several enquiries from aspiring models, although have been unable
to accommodate them for a variety of reasons.Sometimes this has been down to availability, others expectation i.e.
that I would be willing to work for free AND surrender the images to them for
commercial purposes.
There has been some asking about glamour, which is not a particular field I wish to
be associated with. Not so fine art and implied nudity, which for me; are an
interesting marriage of erotica, fun and imagination. www.stenningphotographic.com
