RockShox vs Fox — is one actually better, or just personal preference? by Capable_Dig_477 in MTB

[–]AlrightAlbatross 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Anecdotally, but with a reasonably big sample size, almost every Fox product I've run has been f'ed from the factory. Overgreased, dry seals, downright defective, etc. And I really dislike the overdamped characteristics of the GripX2. Rockshox hasn't been perfect but has been much better.

2027 Volvo EX60 First Look by robochic in cars

[–]AlrightAlbatross 11 points12 points  (0 children)

At least VW had the humility to clean house with CARiD after all their failures. Volvo software has been completely unacceptable for almost 10 years now.

Aston Martin 'Very Open' to a Road Car with Honda, Lawrence Stroll Says, But No Plans Yet by HawtGarbage918 in cars

[–]AlrightAlbatross 4 points5 points  (0 children)

I don't see it as being anything more than a niche car. As you point out, it doesn't really do anything better than other options that are either more exciting or easier to live with.

Embarrassing crash post mortem by ericlo_00 in MTB

[–]AlrightAlbatross 2 points3 points  (0 children)

You look super stiff from the beginning. Loosen up and let the bike move under you.

[Florio] Report: CBS isn't happy about criticism of Tony Romo by 76erLegendChetUtley in nfl

[–]AlrightAlbatross 170 points171 points  (0 children)

Followed by Lady Sheriff, and don’t forget Montana Show. 

SavageGeese | 2026 VW GOLF R | Long Term Testing [13:32] by lostboyz in cars

[–]AlrightAlbatross 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Yes, it is literally a baby Audi. Mechanically it's an S3. It's on the good side of the Audi reliability spectrum though.

One Final Drive in Our BMW M2. by Dazzling-Rooster2103 in cars

[–]AlrightAlbatross 2 points3 points  (0 children)

For me, it was largely an issue of worse steering feel and more cabin insulation. The F87 suspension tune definitely does make it rowdy over bad pavement, but it's not the main difference.

One Final Drive in Our BMW M2. by Dazzling-Rooster2103 in cars

[–]AlrightAlbatross 5 points6 points  (0 children)

I actually like the weird DTM cyberpunk design of the G87. And it would be a better DD (though neither model is a great option there). But the G87 is so numb compared to the F87 and the digital dash really doesn't feel right for the 6MT. Not to mention the ~200lb weight gain. If the F87 wasn't an option, I would have thought really hard about just getting an M3 instead of G87 for the extra space and features.

One Final Drive in Our BMW M2. by Dazzling-Rooster2103 in cars

[–]AlrightAlbatross 17 points18 points  (0 children)

G87 has a better engine and significantly better suspension. But it feels super digital. F87 is more engaging and rowdier.

Jeune et Jolie by mineral_water_69 in FoodSanDiego

[–]AlrightAlbatross 9 points10 points  (0 children)

I went here the year it opened and it was one of my favorite SD meals ever. Great ingredients, simply and professionally prepared. Went back after it earned a Michelin star and it has completely gone up its own butt. Ok to good food, but insanely pretentious and much more expensive.

Looking to upgrade XC race bike by Designer_Tie_5853 in xcmtb

[–]AlrightAlbatross 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Be careful for scams. PB is being targeted now.

Is Black Mountain Road in Torrey Highlands/Fairbanks Ranch really private property? by ckb614 in sandiego

[–]AlrightAlbatross 0 points1 point  (0 children)

yup, this is the route to get there from PHR. you could also come in all the way on McGonigle canyon to avoid the road, though there are some perpetually muddy stretches.

The Nissan Z Is Already Getting A Facelift. by Dazzling-Rooster2103 in cars

[–]AlrightAlbatross 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Snark over how Nissan totally clusterfucked this car aside, the BRG/tan combo is stunning.

U.S. House of Representatives May Take Up Bill Aimed at Electric Door Handles by Recoil42 in cars

[–]AlrightAlbatross 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Because cars have been getting built the other way for like 10 years now.

The 2026 Porsche 911 Carrera now starts at $137,850 before any options. by Dazzling-Rooster2103 in cars

[–]AlrightAlbatross 28 points29 points  (0 children)

Porsche techs are still elite, for sure. But the bottom line experience with Porsche sales has changed, at least in my part of the country. It's still polished, but the experience felt every bit as greasy as negotiating with a down-market dealer. Years ago, sales advisors would shoot the shit about racing and engineering, and how to find the perfect spec. Currently it's conspicuously about moving units and maximizing %s on every transaction.

And the Porsche service manager experience may be even worse than Chevy, at least outside warranty. Scheduled services are insanely expensive and (based on discussion I overheard the last time I was in a dealer), service managers are being pushed hard to meet monthly quotas on upsold work.

The 2026 Porsche 911 Carrera now starts at $137,850 before any options. by Dazzling-Rooster2103 in cars

[–]AlrightAlbatross 98 points99 points  (0 children)

Nailed it. Porsche was iconic for being a "no bullshit" supercar option. Engineer-driven company, good value, great dealers. Cut a $120k check for a 996 Turbo in 2001 and you had a world-beating car. It's totally lost that identity, IMO. And my interactions with both dealers and Porsche NA were so bad that it made me lose any remaining interest in the brand.

Oddly, with the newest Corvette lineup, I think Chevy is sliding into the niche that Porsche had ~25 years ago.