Sunny Days, Soma Bars

The continued heatwave brought with it, a palpable spike of aggression, on the roads. It is of course, the peak of CHAV mating season, characterised by older Vauxhall Corsa and similar hatchbacks. 

Loud, badly fitted (back-firing) exhausts mandatory, to attract a mate. Presumably, this, coupled with the thumping base will induce the female’s rapid climax and validate the male’s masculinity.  

Those with more cash dress them in badly fitted body kits and spoilers. Insurance is another optional extra, since any unfortunate road user they hit, will be able to absorb the cost and any subsequent rehabilitation.

However, while an easily identifiable and somewhat predictable group, I’ve had several close encounters with others-in the saddle and behind the wheel, this past week, or so.  

It is tempting to suggest legislating against callousness and stupidity. However, compulsory driving assessments (not tests) may prove a more pragmatic solution.

However, to some extent, you can only teach those, who are willing to learn. If the UK’s systems of education, focused on attainment, rather than passing tests, maybe we’d see enlightenment.

On the flip side, this weather has provided ample opportunity to fettle and put miles on my fair-weather builds. My Holdsworth’s urban pursuit style bars, have been substituted for these 46cm Soma Highway1 drops. Made from 6061 T6 aluminium alloy, these are a compact design, which permit more time on the drops, and bring the brakes closer.

Other vital statistics include 75mm reach, 130mm drop… They’re also available in widths between 38 and 46cm and black, or silver finish. An obvious choice for riders with small hands. Less, for a rider, such as myself, with long, willowy digits. However, a deeper drop would’ve positioned me uncomfortably low, given the stem height and head tube length.

This also presented a few considerations, brake-lever wise and provided an opportune moment to replace the cable. I had pondered going the traditional drop and dummy lever route, thus giving me a cruising position.  Some older Tektro (Campag patterns) were holidaying in the spares drawer. A Dirty Harry BMX lever, mounted along the tops, was another option.

Ultimately, I plumped to keep the ACOR reverse action TT lever. Nice, smooth action, low weight, sleek looks. Upgrading to this Jagwire pro road cable https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/jagwire-pro-road-brake-kit has also brought stopping up a notch or two. Good thing too, judging by several heart in mouth, emergency stops, demanded during the first few miles, of our first outing.

A bare chested, breast-beating male, piloting a 2003 Corsa, being the main offender…

With the mercury cruising into 30 degrees, I’ve also been struggling to maintain 20mph and keep pace with the increasingly maddening four wheeled crowd.

The Gods were merciful. I got the miles in without further incident and found some, suitable photographic locations for Wednesday’s shoot. (I spent several days, the previous week, building a new, photographic website https://michael-stenning.format.com/#1 ) I digress.

Back to the Highway 1 bars and drops generally. These not only offer a lower crouch, for more spirited, faster descending but also alternative hand positions, than the otherwise venerable BBB. Thus far, the Soma seem reassuringly stiff. Even with my full weight, bearing down, on the drops.  

The finish is a mixed of polished and shot-peened. Now, the latter serves two purposes. Cynics will point out, that shot peening is a cheaper, less labour-intensive process than polishing. However, it also serves a structural purpose. Those tiny dimples are deployed to help counteract stress fractures, that would otherwise, lead to structural fatigue over time.     

These were dressed in some used, though solid, Guee silicone bar wrap, previously adorning my Univega’s moustache bars. I’d put these to one side, when some Lizard Skins DSP 2.5 bar wrap arrived, for testing. https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/lizard-skins-dsp

The Guee have a very different texture to the red Genetic silicone bar wrap (link). This provides superior purchase in wet/foul weather Despite the thinner density, I was still able to strike a decent balance between coverage, bulk and damping.

In amongst all this excitement, I also found myself in Skegness. One of those notorious places, I’d never been. Aside from the usual sea-side attractions and stag night shenanigans, a Sinclair C5 and very friendly pilot!

Now, the rains are back, presenting an ideal opportunity to see how these Vee Tire Co City Cruz cope, on waterlogged roads. https://www.facebook.com/Sevendaycyclistmagazine/videos/2030308033666784/

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

Realisation & Continued Rationalisation

Sometimes ablutions induce inspiration. Unleashing Godzilla upon an unexpecting sewer system, I suddenly realised the Dawes mtb frameset and Driven, road crankset, would be incompatible. 

No idea, why this Eureka moment hadn’t dawned earlier, but crucially, it did.

Mid Purge, those hairs-breadth memories, of Stronglight 100 arms and Univega chainstays, roared past at light speed. 

Simplest thing all round…Sell the Sun Race unit, a Shimano Tiagra double, buy a Shimano Zee and turn a modest profit. Found the latter for £68. 170mm, 5 mm short of ideal but I’ll raise the seatpost by 5mm to compensate.

Right part, space reclaimed and monies recouped.

No faff, no fuss and the 36 ring, mated to a 13-27 cassette would give a decent spread of ratios. Time is another resource, to be factored into this and frankly, any build/project.

Wasting it, on the wrong people, or indeed, component is frankly, foolish.  Well, that’s not entirely fair. Indeed, conversely there is sound argument for sticking with something, until you have it sussed. Learning how to strip and rebuild a bike/engine, or similar task is invaluable, in many respects, and closely linked to personal discipline.  

However, the point I am making here is a cost-benefit-efficiency analysis. For example, I can weld to a satisfactory, basic standard. One, which is adequate for my needs and pays for itself, within those designated limits.

Undertaking a certification-based course would certainly improve my welding skill and with it, a tremendous sense of satisfaction. Another course of study might, be a more efficient use of resources, fiscal and personal.

Back to project gravel, a fair bit of rationalisation is needed before I am at the stage, where I can commence phase 2. Laying out and designating parts proper.

Rationalising equipment also applies to photography.

Another rule of mine. Any upgrades must run in parallel, with selling on unwanted/unused equipment. I recently acquired this Samsung NX300, which, is primarily for street photography, where compact dimensions don’t draw the same sort of (unwanted) attention from would be subjects. Or confrontation with, heavy handed and/or misinformed security personnel.

Why the NX300? Well, I found myself erring dangerously close towards one of Fuji’s X series. Undeniably pretty, this would’ve meant another system of lenses and yes, unnecessary outlay.   I already had the NX1000 and lenses, which were interchangeable and still in great condition.

However, my NX100 (originally launched to compete alongside Sony’s NEX3 and 5) was doing something close to nothing, wasn’t of the same calibre and bought during a difficult divorce. Served its purpose, needed to go.  

This Mayo Jaune polish is proving more versatile than I first expected, achieving impressive results on polished and plated surfaces too. Consistency and smell are rather reminiscent of another, almost ubiquitous, yellow cutting compound. Polishes and waxes are two very different products but often confused. For example, common or garden polymer-based car waxes will remove traces of oxidisation and mask swirls/scratches.

However, a polish is designed (in this instance, chemically) with abrasive particles. These cut into the top layer, removing oxidisation, light corrosion, dulling etc. That said; they aren’t a magic bullet. Brushed and matt finishes, such as titanium or matt carbon surface will become shiny, if its been polished, in the traditional sense. Hence the importance, of using matt-specific products.

Given a harsh winter and early season, the “Teenage Dream” has been hibernating far too long. Fancying some variable gear fun, I swapped the Schwalbe Lugano, for a lighter, faster 25mm section Vee Tire Co Rain Runner (Now known as Rolldiac, remember). 

Its widget bar wrap was looking a little grimy in places, so gently cleaned with some Duck Smart Black Stuff Degreaser gel. I stripped chain and cassette of pre-existing, residual lube, using the Crankalicious Gumchained remedy.

Predictably, a wash n’ polymer waxing followed. Last; but not least, some chain lube. Dry/Wax…Plumped for TF2 ultra dry chain wax https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/tf2  , which runs super clean but requires several hours curing time.

I discovered its long serving wireless computer wasn’t registering. Tried the usual diagnostics; proximity of sensor to magnet, changing the sensor battery etc, just a big fat zero…. A flash of inspiration saw me try this fuchsia Knog NERD- bingo!     

Retro Flavours & Reckless Behaviour

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.

Derelict delights & Other Developments

Had an extremely creative location shoot with Krystal over in Tendering, using derelict farm building, church and petrol station as our backdrop. Aside from some rubber-necking and quizzical glances from passers-by, we were largely (and thankfully), left to our own devices.

For me, it is imperative that models feel completely comfortable with the briefing and location. Krystal and I share a mutual love of derelict buildings and reminisce about those, lost to widespread gentrification and development, in Hackney and elsewhere in London’s East End.

Continued, summery conditions have meant plenty of miles, at full pelt aboard the Holdsworth. There’s something very satisfying about its simplicity. Blinkies and bar mounted computer and Stem captain clock aside everything about the build is strictly functional. Enough parts to make it stop, go and handle in great proportion but otherwise, completely pared to the essentials.

Then of course, there is my feline who seems to take great exception to and seemingly assassinates anything that isn’t Schwalbe. Those likeable 42mm Maxxis Roamer https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/maxxis-roamer-tyres being the latest casualty, so I’ve reverted to Schwalbe Marathon GT https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/schwalbe-marathon-gt-tyres  up front. 

Hopefully, said feline will approve. Perhaps it was the lack of absolute uniformity that fuelled his latest bout of contempt.  

Passed by John Moss’s house, while out running an errand, only to be distracted by his friend’s Newton trike.

This one was made from Reynolds 525, featured hope hydraulic brakes and a Shimano LX drivetrain. Another thing that caught my eye was the wheel choice- 700x28 at the rear, 26x1.5 up front. The rear Vittoria was showing obvious signs of perishing around the sidewalls, prompting a quick dash to a well-known and in my experience, justly popular French superstore.   

After some experimentation, John has commissioned a machine shop to make a crank spider, compatible with his Mango’s Sun Star system and of course, the additional ring. This leaves him free, to engineer a suitable chain tensioner system. This is to prevent derailment/jamming at a crucial point.

Staying with chains, we’ve just received these from Crankalicious. The Gumchained remedy, is basically a high performance solvent degreaser, used in their K wipe chain cleaner sachets https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/crankalicious-kwipe-chain-cleaner .

This breed of gunk gobbler pretty much evaporates-a quick clean rag once-over is all that’s required, before fresh lube can be introduced. No rinsing with fresh water/similar faff.

There are several ways of administering it. Chain baths are the most obvious, mess free option but I’ve gone the old school team mechanic’s route. Having poured a little into a plastic tube, I brush it into the links, holding the tub beneath to catch any overspill. Though chains, cassettes and derailleurs are the obvious candidates, I will also be testing its prowess, as a degreaser.  

The fleet has been fed dry and wax based lubes given summer’s here and these months are, afterall, the fairest measure of their performance (That said; it’s still relevant to see how well they endure cold and wetter conditions).  The Joe’s dry lube is behaving in very much the same fashion as other PTFE infused blends, including the Finish Line dry. https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/finish-line-dry-bike-lube

Unlike Squirt and other “flake away” types, which “ingest” grime before falling away from the chain, these just run a bit cleaner and remain slightly tackier to touch. No transmission branding on the calves, as yet, which bodes well for commuters who scoot to work in smart, pale trousers.

One quirk, seems to be the residual waxy film that builds up around the inner ring. Even after I’ve given the side-plates and ring(s) a quick, clean rag cat-lick, the milky fluid seems to collect and ultimately congeal. Experimentation suggests it’s possible to reclaim and redistribute the residue to cables, lock and cleat mechanisms. Waste not, want not and all that.

In common with the Finish Line dry, curing times are around the 15minute mark, which is also a boon, given some otherwise excellent competition can require several hours. Hardly convenient when you’re running late on Monday morning, or a mate’s dropped by, inviting you out for a spin. I’m expecting around three hundred miles per application, through a predominantly dry, though occasionally moist June/July.

We also received this Crankalicious Mayo Jaune frame polish, which they describe as a “Deep cleaning polish and glaze, for removing scratches and marks in all frame types”. We’ll see. Now, remember the blasting and prepping last week...Sparked your curiosity? Well, click this link https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/gravel-bike-on-a-budget , and wonder no more!  

Gravel Rash

No, I’m not referring to a fast and painful encounter with terra firma (although back in the late 90s, I sported acres of asphalt and slag burns). I am of course referring to the genre of off roading aboard rigid bikes with cyclo cross DNA, bigger clearances and more bottle bosses.

 

This sense of escape is the same as that first imagined as a callow youth, reading mountain bike magazines during geography classes. Back then, I had no money. These days, projects need to pay for themselves and any new one, MUST coincide with schematic and continuous clear outs.

Enter this frameset. It’s a 19inch 631 Dawes from the early 1990s, complete with 1- inch threaded fork. It belonged to Paul Vincent and run by him as a cyclo cross bike, hence, the cantilever mounts were moved to accommodate 700c wheels.

It had been refinished in a rather fetching, although slightly battle-scarred grey. The project brief is to build a fat tyre, pared to the essentials 700c gravel flyer for virtually nothing.

Reclaiming space and cash is imperative. Otherwise, thee comes a point where friends’ garages and loft spaces have also been colonised…Next thing you know, they need these spaces back and, you’re presented with an almighty storage crisis. Things turn decidedly awkward for all concerned.

This sense of panic also means, you cannot separate what is valuable (whether that’s measured in sentimental, or monetary terms).   

I’m a creature of sentiment but there comes a point where three, maybe four saddles, is fine, ditto six sets of (different) condition specific tyres. Ten saddles, 15 sets of tyres and it’s time to rationalise.

Context established, little surprise that I dropped by Maldon Shot Blasting & Powder Coating http://www.ctc-powder-coating.co.uk/  for a chat. Graham seemed quite excited by the project. He gently steered me away from a classic red and toward a candy teal.

Candy finishes though beautiful, are tricky to apply and, even applied by the most experienced sprayers, there can be some very slight variances in the overall effect. I was told by Paul, that the frame had been powder-coated. Hence, I was expecting it to need a dunk in the methyl-chloride tank. This softens the paint, before it can pass to the iron oxide cabinet.

Closer inspection and a knowing sniff; revealed it was our old friend, wet-spray 2K. Hence, having masked the threaded areas, Graham whipped it into the iron oxide blaster. It took twenty minutes to remove every. last trace. However, good, sympathetic preparation and a correctly keyed surface is essential. No dings, dents, or similar imperfections, which was pretty much my expectation.  More next week…

 

Like big tyres? Well, I reckon Vee Tire Co Zilent https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/r  give Schwalbe’s long running and justly revered, Marathon Plus https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/schwalbe-marathon-plus-tyres  a good run for our hard earned. For me at least, working bikes need to be practical but also fun to ride.

Arguably, if a bike isn’t fun, then its not actually that practical. I’ve had a quick switcheroo of my Ilpompino’s front tyre, exchanging the Continental Contact plus https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/continental-contact for the lighter, faster rolling 42mm Maxxis Roamer https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/maxxis-roamer-tyres

I’m a sociable loner and an introvert by nature. Characteristics, which are frowned upon in a society, that favours extroversion. However, many, introverts, myself included, are very capable of holding our own in a professional context. I can interview people and network with suppliers all day long.

Cycle and motorcycle touring teach a myriad of skills. Self-sufficiency and resourcefulness being the most obvious. Forging constructive relationships quickly is another. Crashes can be painful.

The best maintained machines can fail unexpectedly. The skills to repair that broken rack are academic, if you can’t persuade a local mechanic, or blacksmith to lend you their welder. Then of course (As my late father was fond of pointing out) you might want to eat!

No, I didn’t learn to read people’s minds, or perform some Vulcan-esque mind moulding technique. (More’s the pity!). Nonetheless, I can identify whether someone’s intentions are good, or otherwise.

Working with models demands the ability to quickly put people at, and moreover, maintain that ease. My shoots are renown for being very chatty. Unlike extrovert personalities, outside of these contexts, I require a lot of time to myself, contemplating ideas and mentally recharging.

Most recently, I’ve worked with Tom Collins, seen here modelling our Seven Day Cyclist T shirt and the lovely, ultra-professional Amy JR Jones. Amy and I hard originally planned a duo-shoot, with an aspiring male model but he backed out, without notice.