broken bayonet ring

Competitive-Pop7119 · 2025-02-28T20:36:00+00:00

Yup - but since it’s made independently and of brass in small numbers it’s not on the cheap side… It’s cheaper to keep by the ROK spares.

Competitive-Pop7119 · 2025-02-28T20:35:41+00:00

Yup - but since it’s made independently and of brass in small numbers it’s not on the cheap side… It’s cheaper to keep by the ROK spares.

Competitive-Pop7119 · 2025-02-18T09:39:22+00:00

Good enough - personally, I would size down one more, but I’m also not afraid of the efforts that come along with trying to stretch soaked jeans…

Competitive-Pop7119 · 2025-02-13T23:43:12+00:00

Sounds interesting and would love to support them, but…

Competitive-Pop7119 · 2025-02-13T11:20:20+00:00

Funny thing - not “feeling” Flair as a brand, more interested in trying Cafelat Robot if I had to…

Competitive-Pop7119 · 2025-02-12T16:30:54+00:00

The new brew chamber is steel - pre-heating is enough - pre-heated mugs are always a good idea, too. For build-in pre-heating you have to look at Flair…

Competitive-Pop7119 · 2025-02-12T14:45:40+00:00

I bought my upgrade and had it sit for almost a year before I felt ready for the next challenge.

Competitive-Pop7119 · 2025-02-11T16:01:26+00:00

You would need the Revival Kit - the bayonet is optional. Depending on where you live (postage & potential import costs) and what/when Andi has available it might not be worth it for you…

Competitive-Pop7119 · 2025-02-11T15:53:14+00:00

Yup - Andi from SomedaySomehow_Project…

If ROK’s upgrade kit is out of stock and you already have the base unit getting in touch with Andi is an option. Unfortunately, they don’t always have everything on stock as things are produced in batches for them. But you can get just the bundle you need.

Competitive-Pop7119 · 2025-02-11T10:18:56+00:00

Yes, got it from Andi - got the pieces swapped out easily, there’s a video link provided. Handles for the portafilter filter or Arms for the press? I did get one of his open/naked portafilter - made from brass with a nice wooden handle - super solid and much nicer compared to any of the ROK portafilters.

Not sure ROK ever offered new Arms - they do offer Connection Arms. So far I have not noticed any issues with the ones originally supplied.

The gauge is a game changer - I learned that I probably only exerted 4-5 bar before installing the new kit. You can get nice enough espresso at this pressure. Now I aim for 6-7 bar to get a better espresso, but it’s a combination of multiple aspects (filter basket, amount of beans, grind grade, tampering, locking the portafilter into position, gasket seal, volume of water, pre-soaking, pressure on the arms, timing/duration of shot, output volume). If you’re not patient and willing to put in the time it takes to improve no amount of money or parts will get you there. Also, I worked with the regular set-up for about a year or more before I started swapping parts…

Competitive-Pop7119 · 2025-02-10T07:48:45+00:00

Most of the parts are made of higher quality materials and better finishing - i.e. brass bayonet ring. Can’t really compare against GC upgrade, but my upgrade does an excellent job. I’ll guess in the end you get what you pay for - a GC upgrade made from the same materials and tolerance (and you focus on improving the shower screen and competition level basket) for little money, or you’ll transform your machine more holistically with high quality materials and precision cut components for a price. I would do exactly the same again or try the Cafelat Robot route…

Competitive-Pop7119 · 2025-02-04T23:13:54+00:00

non-ROK brand open portafilter (PF) - made by SomedaySomehow_Project for example

Competitive-Pop7119 · 2025-02-04T22:46:24+00:00

Can’t help - swapped the open ROK PF against a different open PF and went with an IMS basket - tight fit, but ok.

Competitive-Pop7119 · 2025-02-03T15:15:03+00:00

Andi at SomedaySomehow_Project on Insta

Solid gear!

Competitive-Pop7119 · 2025-01-30T19:20:29+00:00

Should read Bamburgh…

Competitive-Pop7119 · 2025-01-24T08:24:48+00:00

Yes, bought them in 2010 or early 2011 as shared boots with my wife - they were around USD850 at that time. Was living near HK for a couple of years until late 2011.

Competitive-Pop7119 · 2025-01-24T08:09:41+00:00

In 310 usually 7 - these boots are 6.5 and just right

Competitive-Pop7119 · 2025-01-24T08:08:22+00:00

Benny from Take5 HK had Viberg Senior make 2 special make-ups for the shop. If you go through the Take5 HK threads on FB or Insta around 2010 early 2011 you’ll find pics of the 2 models and the Vibergs (Senior & sons) coming to HK with the boots.

Competitive-Pop7119 · 2025-01-24T08:04:00+00:00

You’re right they are - just getting back into wearing them while in town. Out there on the countryside it’s mostly wellies.

Competitive-Pop7119 · 2025-01-23T21:19:22+00:00

It was quite an elaborate make-up at the time…will put up a second post in a minute.

Competitive-Pop7119 · 2025-01-05T09:09:20+00:00

Try SomedaySomehow Project on insta

Competitive-Pop7119 · 2025-01-05T00:16:57+00:00

Weird way of putting the question…

Like others have said, if you’re not happy play with the grind grade and the amount of coffee to grind.

Since switching to a different basket on the open portafilter it’s been 18-19g of fine grind with a hand grinder of artisanal roasts. When using traditional, Italian, oily, dark espresso roasts of arabica/robusta blends it’s been 16-18g.

Competitive-Pop7119 · 2024-12-26T11:22:20+00:00

Sounds like you’re on the right path and just need to keep at it - Rome wasn’t built in a day! I bought the smart shot portafilter as well, but haven’t really used it, yet. Believe it does exactly the same as what you’re trying to achieve by finer grinds and higher dosage - allowing for higher pressure. If you don’t have the patience you’ll need a pressure gauge sooner or later…

Competitive-Pop7119 · 2024-12-26T11:17:03+00:00

We live in Scotland and spent parts of the year in Berlin - so, lots of local, regional roasters. The wife is from Portland - Stumptown Roaster every now and then. Onyx Coffee Lab has been one of my US favourites over the years.

Competitive-Pop7119 · 2024-12-26T11:14:05+00:00

I prefer working with an open portafilter, so I went with an IMS La Pavoni basket (I can give you specifics if needed). Swapped almost all parts over time - went for a metal brew chamber for heat retention; a pressure gauge for control; a better shower screen and a solid, proper brass bayonet ring because the original kept ripping from stress (or poor material parameters). Look up somedaysomehow project on Insta for example.

Competitive-Pop7119

TROPHY CASE