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.
