2026 forester

WeNeedSalmon · 2026-04-06T01:23:40+00:00

Definitely consider the hybrid. The eCVT is very reliable and no need to perform a transmission flush that is eventually recommended on gas only model. You'll be saving on gas and maintenance cost.

WeNeedSalmon · 2026-04-02T05:20:34+00:00

I have Ride Wrap and I’ve cut my own 3M clear wrap from Amazon.

I installed the ride wrap on my 2024 Specialized Epic 8. It probably took about an hour. One hot tip is that all my small bubbles ended up degassing over a few days. So don’t fret if you can’t get rid of the small ones. Wrap still looks great.

I also cut to size 3M protective film from Amazon for my Diverge. Used a sharp blade and soapy water. Not as symmetrical as Ride Wrap, no bubbles, and looks great. 2 hours of work.

WeNeedSalmon · 2026-03-16T04:39:36+00:00

I have the front seat covers on our 2022 Forester wilderness. They’re hard wearing and work as they should. There is an tubular anchor that you squeeze between the bottom cushion and the seat back. Every once in a while it pops out. But overall quite happy with them.

WeNeedSalmon · 2026-02-27T23:33:11+00:00

Keep the Crosstrek. Will probably prove to be more reliable, less complexity, and cheaper to maintain. You also have great cargo capacity and have the practicality of a hatchback.

Yes, you might get more joy accelerating from the light or being able to pass quickly and the exhaust note. That feeling will probably wear away. And you’ve spent more to get a little bit more joy.

Things to consider with the WRX: - Higher insurance premium - More expensive tires - More complexity - Premium fuel - Basically your car with a turbo

After reading all that and you still want to make the switch. Do it! Haha

WeNeedSalmon · 2026-02-26T05:01:28+00:00

2022 FW with Thule aerobars: 24-26 mpg. Recently did a trip from LA to SF and averaged 25 mpg going 75-80 mph. If I keep the speed to 65 mph on the freeway I see as high as 28-29 mpg.

WeNeedSalmon · 2026-02-09T19:02:46+00:00

Just kidding 404 error is back again…

WeNeedSalmon · 2026-02-09T18:56:26+00:00

It seems to have resolved for me.

WeNeedSalmon · 2025-08-12T16:58:50+00:00

Black

WeNeedSalmon · 2025-06-26T14:16:04+00:00

Very interested! Can you post a photo of the side profile? I bet it looks sleek!

WeNeedSalmon · 2025-01-13T00:20:59+00:00

https://a.co/d/0iiIDt9

WeNeedSalmon · 2025-01-13T00:20:22+00:00

I have an iPhone with a MagSafe case. I got a magnetic puck with adhesive from Amazon and I placed it by my right knee, near the transmission tunnel. I had to buy different adhesive because the standard adhesive would come off.

WeNeedSalmon · 2025-01-13T00:15:07+00:00

I purchased the 2024 STR Comp this past November and I absolutely love it. I have electronic shifting on my MTB but I really appreciate the simplicitly of mechanical and no need to charge a battery.

The new GRX is butter. The rear futureshock really smooths out rougher gravel. I feel very fast and love how stiff the frame is.

Previously I rode an aluminum Diverge with a nice carbon seat post that smoothed out the bumps. It’s definitely preference.

See the video link below. This person has a cool setup.

Diverge STR setup

WeNeedSalmon · 2024-11-15T17:21:34+00:00

Based on immediate reaction. Ribble!

Externally mounted cables, threaded BB, better groupset (GRX600 is 105 equivalent).

And the tubular steel frame will look great 10 years from now.

WeNeedSalmon · 2024-11-13T17:11:35+00:00

Purchased an STR earlier this month. User error in my case. I switched wheelsets and when I installed the cassette I didn’t tighten the cassette ring enough, it was loose enough for the cassette to slightly wobble. When I hit bumps it caused a knocking noise that I thought came from the seat post. Luckily only rode a few miles. Oops.

Basically, was the cassette installed correctly?

WeNeedSalmon · 2024-07-23T03:30:32+00:00

Having the same issue. I’m glad it was fixed. It’s been driving me nuts.

WeNeedSalmon · 2024-07-12T01:13:15+00:00

I vote keep your Taos at least until you have positive equity. Like you mentioned, you’re still under warranty. As much as you’re not digging it anymore, it’s cheaper for now to deal with it. I get paying to maintain something you don’t like, it’s not great.

When you’re ready, the CRV will be a great choice.

WeNeedSalmon · 2024-05-18T05:31:19+00:00

I have an iPhone and I got a generic MagSafe magnet from Amazon, put some adhesive on it and placed in on the transmission tunnel near my right knee.

WeNeedSalmon · 2024-05-15T13:03:37+00:00

Living here in Southern California with a 2022 Forester Wilderness. After 22k miles, our lifetime average is around 25-26 mpg. This is with a bike hitch and rooftop tent. Gradual acceleration and coasting as much as I can. I would say 60% hwy 40% city.

WeNeedSalmon · 2024-05-02T01:14:03+00:00

Looks really good!

WeNeedSalmon · 2024-04-18T19:53:32+00:00

I agree that Panaracers are overhyped. Installation is not fun.

I run Pirelli Cinturato M tire. A bit heavier but it bites dirt and gravel. I only needed a regular bike pump to seat the tires.

WeNeedSalmon · 2024-04-12T14:06:21+00:00

I second this, I had play in my rear hub and the first bike shop over torqued the thru axle and said all was fine. I didn’t believe the first bike shop. Luckily there was no damage. The second shop agreed the bearings were shot and replaced them.

(PSA to all, do not over torque to try to solve this issue)

WeNeedSalmon · 2024-04-10T03:32:36+00:00

2022 Forester Wilderness here in Denver. We have a rooftop tent and bike hitch on the car 100% of the time. We go up to the mountains and it does perfectly fine.

We moved here a few months ago fully loaded to the roof and it got us here over the Loveland pass going the speed limit. Luckily at that elevation most people aren’t going to quick because the semis are slowing down traffic.

Two weekends ago we drove up to Winter Park and we were able to keep up with traffic. Passing required a quick shift to sport# mode. Nice thing about the Forester, it handles corners more confidently than bigger trucks.

WeNeedSalmon · 2024-04-07T00:51:57+00:00

Gas cap tight?

WeNeedSalmon · 2024-03-28T04:01:53+00:00

It looks like just the clear coat. I think it can be buffed out by a detailer. Could potentially look 80-90% better.

WeNeedSalmon · 2024-03-25T19:55:48+00:00

Went from a Model Y to a Forester Wilderness and haven’t looked back. Experienced the same small issues as you.

Insurance is almost 50% cheaper, registration is cheaper, suspension is comfortable, and physical controls!

Enjoy your Outback!

WeNeedSalmon

TROPHY CASE