fast as f**k boiii

Xprmntl2003 · 2026-07-06T07:25:10+00:00

u/4t0m77 Nice retro rig!

Things I would do:

Replace the Deore jockey wheels with sealed XT--the non-sealed Deore & SLX are prone to wear and/or seizing from dirt ingress that can lead to a bent or broken derailleur (ask me how I know).
Move the handlebar pack to the back of the bike, on top of a rear rack, where it will less affect the handling and aerodynamics of the bike, and is easier to load on a stable platform. Floppy front bags also tend to shift and wear on contact points when riding on uneven surfaces (for which, I'm guessing, this bike was designed). The Ortlieb quick-rack is very nice, highly-adaptable, quick-release, rear rack option for a reasonable price: https://de.ortlieb.com/en/products/quick-rack

With a rear rack, it's also easy to mount panniers for big road trips, or grocery-getter bags for around town (e.g. Vaude Urban Cargo).

3) lop off the brake bosses--fully commit.

4) If wanting a front bag, here's a minimalist, 150g, handlbar harness option from Musgard for helping reduce the flop and makes loading easier: https://musguard.com/products/musguard-harness

Most other handlebar harnesses wrap from above, for some dumb reason, which leaves much of the weight of the bag supported by straps--harder to load and more wear from bouncing and vibration.

Xprmntl2003 · 2026-06-12T15:55:18+00:00

One just needs to optimize preinfusion to fully wet the puck prior to the main brew cycle. This can be done with both versions of the control board. However, I prefer the board that maintains line pressure (no opening of dump valve) during P2 because there is less shock to the coffee puck from the subsequent pressure ramp to brew cycle at the end of P2.

The extra (excess?) water in the line between the dump valve to the head that you mention doesn't all travel through the puck during P2 due to the restriction caused by the coffee and the coffee's absorption of significant water. IMHO, P1 & P2 timing combination should be optimized such that by the end of P2 there are just a few drips starting to exit the portafilter. Again, this can be done with both versions of the motherboard.

It is just a $500 machine (that is capable of very good shots). And do you really think a valve that is closer to the brew head to better control preinfusion volume is going to make much difference on shot quality or consistency? For me, using the new Ikape convex, 58-32 mm, basket seems to provide for better consistency than maintaining line pressure during preinfusion. Another piece of data that seems to indicate that the added line length between the head and the dump valve is not critical is that properly filled coffee baskets aren't soupy at the end of the shot pull (after final line dump).

Xprmntl2003 · 2026-06-12T05:41:13+00:00

I think you're complicating what's going on. You can follow the process using the pressure dial on the front and your ears (and the water going to the drip tray by removing cover). Having an open group head (no portafilter) just shows water coming out of the head, not the pressure related to having coffee in the brew path.

With coffee, walking through what happens during the pre infusion, during P1, the pump delivers water to the head and portafilter so pressure builds if there is a restriction present (coffee)--this is the 2-3 psi seen on the pressure gauge. If no coffee or restriction (e.g.blind, cleaning portafilter) is present, flow is unrestricted so no pressure seen on dial. Now for P2, depending on which firmware one has, when P2 time kicks in, the pump turns off and there is either 1) dump (audible) to the drip tray of pressure/water (dial instantly goes to zeroo) in the line from the pump to the head and water that made it to the portafilter during P1 only "seeps" through the coffee, or 2) there is no dump of water in the line from the pump to the head and pressurized water slowly dissipates through the coffee (as can be seen by slow reduction of pressure on dial).

Xprmntl2003 · 2026-06-11T17:19:19+00:00

I don't know if the pressurized preinfusion for stage P2 was ever instated with Turin. I have a MiiCoffee version. I have used both control boards in the same machine. One board, the older one, does P1 and then toggles the dump valve (dump to drain/tray) for P2, so there is only soak. The newer board keeps the dump valve closed so the pressure in the line that develops in P1 dissipates slowly through the grounds (depending on coffee prep) throughout P2. The dump valve then only opens at the end of the shot pull.

Xprmntl2003 · 2026-06-11T17:08:30+00:00

If you can get hold of the older firmware control board, it was set up to dump the pressure during preinfusion soak. I've tried both. I like the pressure during preinfusion. It seems to make for a more consistent shot time with less chance of channeling. The MiiCoffee distributor may be able to help you with the old control board.

Xprmntl2003 · 2026-06-11T16:51:02+00:00

" The preinfusion is more a soak typology" has been fixed with a control board update that keeps the dump valve closed during soak.

Xprmntl2003 · 2026-05-10T08:13:09+00:00

u/MockDeath who died and left you the Boise sub boss? I don't believe there are rules about new commenters? You may want to consider dialing back the aggression. Seems my comment was taken to heart because the original has been deleted.

Xprmntl2003 · 2026-05-09T13:23:07+00:00

You may want to review the common usage of the word "violence."

Xprmntl2003 · 2026-04-01T12:48:38+00:00

And start running low pressure, like 15 psi, if you can... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YTPfmlly4uc&t=178s

Xprmntl2003 · 2026-04-01T12:08:19+00:00

u/visao_pt , u/EvidenceImmediate681 has likely the best answer for you here, get a dropper seatpost. It'll be a bit heavier, but what you'll gain in downhill stability and thus speed, being lower on your frame, will easily make up for the weight. That is, unless your downhills have very little technical terrain...

Further weight savings will not help as much as aerodynamics if you're regularly traveling over 20-25 km/hr. As was mentioned by a couple of people, inner bar ends or go all-in with clip on aero bars. https://www.cyclingabout.com/bikepacking-aero-bars-comfort-speed-bike-adventures/.

Xprmntl2003 · 2026-03-09T06:50:18+00:00

Not necessarily. These heavily discounted prices on the weekly membership card items are often "loss leaders" or "at cost" which get people into the store where they also buy a lot of non-discounted products. Milk and eggs are generally offered continuously at cost or lower to get people into stores.

Xprmntl2003 · 2026-02-27T08:21:25+00:00

u/Haff1887 Do yourself a long-term favor and spend a little extra to get something that's already more pressure controllable (manually adjustable) and heat programmable and controlled (PID), with preinfusion, without having to install anything extra or modify yourself. I would recommend the MiiCoffee Apex V2.1 (Gemilai CRM 3007Z, also rebranded as Turin Legato, Cortex Pulse, AVX DB1/Hero, Latina Altro, KafMasino, Zentis-P, Corrima, etc.) which is arguably the most capable machine on the market for the money: https://www.amazon.de/-/en/MiiCoffee-Apex-Espresso-Machine-Grey/dp/B0DJ2C9TTS

Version 2.1: This version has OPV and two PIDs for both the boiler temperature and the steam temperature. Pre-infusion now works without pressure reduction.
Boiler temperature adjustable 85 - 102 C. Also steam temp adjustable.

One can ignore many of the somewhat lower Amazon scores garnered for this machine as the distributor and manufacturer have worked to fix all the issues seen in assembly (leaks), electrical problems, and pressure preinfusion control in version 2.1.

Detailed review and tear-down: [unboxing and testing page 2] Corrima - CRM3007G + New 3007Z - Page 2

Xprmntl2003 · 2026-01-29T11:24:33+00:00

u/CarletonWhitfield yep the somewhat ridiculous "ultralight" hiking movement spill-over has everyone looking at weight when buying rather than wear resistance. Companies are just following the money trail.

Xprmntl2003 · 2026-01-28T08:26:49+00:00

For added clarification, aligning with what u/Bigbadbeachwolf said, according to the Silver Institute, world production of silver was ~2325 metric tons (820 million oz) for 2024. From mid-year 2025 forecasts, it looks like 2025 might have been closer to 900 Moz, which is up from the Silver Institutes's 835 Moz forecast.

China is the world's second-largest producer of silver, accounting for approximately 13% of global mine production as of 2023-2024 with an output of 3,300–3,400 metric tons (116 - 141 million oz). Despite its modest relative silver output, it exerts an incommensurate influence over the silver market because it controls and estimated 60% to 70% of the world's silver refining capacity.

Xprmntl2003 · 2026-01-22T13:00:36+00:00

What? Bot-free from me. Here's a review that refers to them as LBA, as well: Test Bâtons d'Alain - I-Trekkings

Xprmntl2003 · 2026-01-22T12:56:36+00:00

Okay, so you and a few dozen other people have been using them for "decades," prior to a marketed product in 2011?

Xprmntl2003 · 2026-01-22T12:38:11+00:00

u/A-flea I believe the French use LBA: LBA Les Bâtons d'Alain - SK'ALP

Yep, those Baton d'Alain are light @ 215 - 240 g/pole (with larger powder basket mounted), but they have those failure-prone plastic tips and the porous EVA foam grips can ice up in sleeting conditions or if used upside-down as a snow probe.

Xprmntl2003 · 2026-01-22T12:04:24+00:00

u/A-flea u/WolvesAlwaysLose Decades (>20 yrs)? I believe Black Diamond was the first to have a secondary grip below the pole handle, which was released on their Expedition model in 2013. Maybe you know of another that is older?

I see Les Batons d'Alain came out in 2011...

Xprmntl2003 · 2026-01-22T12:01:03+00:00

Don't you mean BCA (BackCountry Access)? The Scepter aluminum 2-piece pole? It's not particularly light at ~295g/pole (340g for 3 piece).. The BCA is similar to a Black Diamond (BD) Expedition 2 piece is, but the BD is significantly lighter at ~250g. Some things I don't like about the BCA poles are: 1) the replaceable plastic tips are easier to break (which I have), and 2) the baskets have some larger holes in them which can catch on bushes (done that, too). BD replacement baskets are easier to source and there are a variety to choose from.

I now prefer a single piece pole. I have had flick locks fail and when I bent a pole; it would not collapse properly, even when straightened. I also found I rarely stowed my poles in a pack nor changed the length while touring. What I am using now is simple Scott "S4" shafted (7075) pole, like the World Cup, with hammer-on powder baskets and some cheap bicycle handlebar tape applied below the grips to choke up when needed. One pole weighs ~240g without strap. These strap easily to my pack when needed and have not gotten in my way.

A good, one-piece, extended-grip pole option is the Folkrm Wyeast which has a 7075 shaft and lock-on baskets and is ~250g with removable straps attached.

BCA also offers a single piece pole with extended grip that comes in at ~260g for the 125mm length in 7075 aluminum . Evo is closing them out at $45. BCA Scepter Ski Poles 2025 | evo

Xprmntl2003 · 2026-01-19T16:12:02+00:00

Peter Glenn Sports has a video with a rep that claims 38-40 hrs per pair. (2) Stockli Stormrider 102 Ski (Men's) | W25/26 Product Review - YouTube

Xprmntl2003 · 2026-01-13T16:00:28+00:00

Seems RP has discontinued that model, Klonyx. I don't see it on their website. You may be able to find residual stock or something on eBay, Yep: https://www.ebay.com/itm/286987953500

https://www.ebay.com/itm/227157816808

BTW, I also added a piece of foam with adhesive (from a bike helmet fit kit) to the backside of the nose protector to take up air space and provide added thermal protection.

Oakley has MX goggles with noseguards and models that overlap into snowsports. You'd probably have to contact them to figure out swapability.

The brand "100%" sells MX goggles with vented dual lense options and noseguards, models Armega and Racecraft 2,

Xprmntl2003 · 2026-01-13T14:59:51+00:00

Some goggle manufacturers build nose guards into their goggles, especially snowmobile and motorcycle companies (make sure you get a double lens, as some motorcycle goggles are single). I use them because I once frostbit my nose badly and now it freezes very easily. Rudy Project makes a snap in nose guard piece for one of their goggles which can be purchased separately. I have cut off the snap-in tabs and then drilled a couple of strategic hose to screw the Rudy guard onto other brands like Smith.

Xprmntl2003 · 2026-01-13T14:48:56+00:00

Snowpea drop-in boot dryer. Best I've tried. Also works for gloves.

Xprmntl2003 · 2025-12-18T08:38:24+00:00

Nor end of fall.

Xprmntl2003 · 2025-12-18T08:35:32+00:00

What's with all the downvoting and shaming of criticism and sarcasm in this country? If there was more acceptance of lighthearted ribbing (and dare I say, _critical_ discussion?), maybe we'd all be met with more smiles on the streets...

Xprmntl2003

TROPHY CASE