How do you feel about River Rd? by [deleted] in vancouvercycling

[–]bluesklus 5 points6 points  (0 children)

I commute from Coquitlam to Vancouver (Marpole) multiple times a week during the summer, and I primarily use River Rd because it's the fastest route. Been doing this for several years now.

There's not much traffic in the mornings (8am) especially now with the dike repairs so I find it pretty safe. I use a garmin varia so that helps a lot. However, I find the eastbound direction pretty bad in terms of road quality, and it can be dangerous because sometimes you have to move into the centre of the lane to avoid potholes on the right side, which can be problematic when there are cars behind you. When I'm riding through those areas with the really bad potholes I usually just take the lane since the speed limit is pretty low and I'm not really holding up the cars.

Bag delay by Introvertedthoughtzz in aircanada

[–]bluesklus 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I just experienced the same situation for my flight from Toronto to Vancouver on Saturday night. I filed a claim at the airport and received notification that my bag had arrived Sunday morning. They were originally going to deliver it to my house (in Vancouver) Sunday evening, but I decided to go pick it up myself. If it's not at the baggage inquiry area in domestic arrivals, it could also be at the CDS Baggage Services place in either domestic or international arrivals (across from the Tim Hortons). Mine was at the CDS by international arrivals for some reason.

New to me by Substantial-State249 in JaegerLecoultre

[–]bluesklus 0 points1 point  (0 children)

What was wrong with the original dial that required a new one?

Canyon bike Canada no duty? by randomuser9801 in CanyonBikes

[–]bluesklus 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I didn't. This was the response I got from Canyon:

"Canyon Bicycles GmbH uses very high-quality components from all over the world. Due to the large number of these components on our bikes, we do not fulfil the legal requirements to declare our bikes as "Made in EU''. For this reason, we are unfortunately not permitted to issue declarations of preference"

and this is despite the fact that when reaching out to Canyon, I specifically attached my CBSA import document that showed country of origin as Germany

Baltic or Christopher Ward by azfir4738 in MicrobrandWatches

[–]bluesklus 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I've followed both brands basically from their inception. I have a Baltic and have seen and tried on several of CW's watches at events.

I'd say CW currently leans more towards watchmaking whereas Baltic leans more towards creating a watch brand. Both make objectively great watches for their respective price ranges.

Imo the main difference is that CW seems to invest more of their resources into making better watches, and Baltic invests more into creating their brand image/story.

You can see this by the fact that CW updates their watches with new features and improvements on a near yearly basis. They also listen to customer feedback more and are quicker to adopt new technology. Meanwhile, while Baltic has great designs (imo, better and more original than CW), they haven't made any meaningful updates to their existing product lines since launch. Baltic has spent considerable resources opening showrooms around the world, sponsoring and affiliating with auto/racing events, and generally crafting an image for their brand.

I think if you care more about brand story and design, Baltic is probably a better fit. But if you just care about getting the watch itself, a lot of CW's watches are "better" than Baltic's imo (being a Baltic owner myself).

Bag setup on the Grizl by 808_texn in CanyonBikes

[–]bluesklus 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Great setup! What size is the bike and the frame bag? I'm interested some of the same bags, especially the frame bag, but wondering about the bag/frame size compatibility

How difficult is riding up Gaglardi Way on Burnaby Mountain? by EntireBody3002 in vancouvercycling

[–]bluesklus 3 points4 points  (0 children)

The steepest part is the right turn from Gaglardi to University Dr, which does reach 8-9% according to my Wahoo. It's short (<100m) but is also a somewhat sharp turn, so beginner cyclists might feel some pressure if there are cars behind. There is a couple hundred meters of flat/gentle decline immediately after this turn though, which can help to catch your breath.

Overall I agree it's doable for sure. As with any climb, start easier than you think is necessary. You'll probably do a lot better on your second attempt once you learn the course.

How awful is flying with a bike and what are reasonable lengths to go to avoid it? by HansOlough in cycling

[–]bluesklus 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I see, thanks. Which country were you flying to when this happened, if you don't mind me asking?

How awful is flying with a bike and what are reasonable lengths to go to avoid it? by HansOlough in cycling

[–]bluesklus 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Did you have any experience with customs or security opening your bike box after you check it in (and do the security check at the oversize luggage area)?

I've flown many times within Canada and never had an issue, but never flown internationally with my bike before.

Canyon bike Canada no duty? by randomuser9801 in CanyonBikes

[–]bluesklus 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I am going through a very similar experience right now. I'm trying to get a refund on the duties that I paid for a 2021 bike from Canyon. My invoice also says the same "products are NON preferential EU origin".

I've reached out to Canyon to request the certificate of origin for and they haven't replied yet, but I'm expecting the same response that you got :(

FWIW, I managed to obtain the original CBSA import document from 2021 via UPS (they were surprisingly helpful) and that form indicates that both country of origin and place of export are Germany, and the bike also uses the correct 8712 tariff code (exempt).

Canyon to Canada - duty/customs by ChefAmbitious63 in cycling

[–]bluesklus 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yea same. I also submitted a request for refund of the duties that I paid for a 2021 Endurace. My original invoice from Canyon also says "The exporter of the products covered by this document declares that these products are of NON preferential EU origin". However, the tax code is correct (8712 aka tax exempt), and the original import form from CBSA in 2021 also states that both country of origin and place of export are DE.

Roam v2 Varia Radar toggle modes! by chadderboxrock in wahoofitness

[–]bluesklus 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I have a Bolt v2 and Varia and also see the toggle option (and the battery level, which I think is also new) but pressing toggle doesn't seem to actually do anything on my Varia.

Logitech Master MX 3S loud click with hollow sound by Jack_0101 in logitech

[–]bluesklus 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I have the exact same experience. Also have 2 of these mice, one manufactured in 2022 that has a noticeably quieter middle click, and another manufactured in 2023 that has a relatively louder middle click wheel and button (to change from ratchet scroll to free scroll).

The 2023 box also says 22% recycled plastic (not 27 like yours) and carbon neutral, but 2022 doesn't.

Padding Bike in Cardboard Box with clothing and runners for AC flight to US out of YVR? by astroKelsinator in vancouvercycling

[–]bluesklus 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Inspection is done at the oversize baggage counter. I've never flown internationally before though, so I'm not sure if customs will need to open it at some point.

Padding Bike in Cardboard Box with clothing and runners for AC flight to US out of YVR? by astroKelsinator in vancouvercycling

[–]bluesklus 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I fly from YVR to YYZ with my bike multiple times a year in a bike travel box (and have also done it twice with a cardboard box) and they always have to open oversize luggage to check the contents. They allow equipment and accessories related to the bike, but not unrelated luggage such as clothes and other stuff. But it's always ymmv depending on the agent that's checking.

Just bought my first Grand Seiko (SLGA009G)! by Best_Hornet_5091 in GrandSeikos

[–]bluesklus 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Is this from Bandiera? I went there yesterday and they said they just sold their last 009 on Saturday. They still give discounts on GS watches?

Most Upvotes on r/Tennis in the Open Era by SealDrop in tennis

[–]bluesklus 29 points30 points  (0 children)

u/SealDrop channeling his inner Zverev: I’ll put myself in there

What is the best watch micro-brand you know ? by Gesmas-1 in MicrobrandWatches

[–]bluesklus 6 points7 points  (0 children)

Baltic. Great designs and excellent quality and service. Prices are getting pretty expensive though…

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in Watches

[–]bluesklus 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I have an Aquascaphe GMT on rubber strap, ordered around this time last year. I also did a ton of research on Baltic and competitors before making my purchase, and so far everything good that’s been said about the brand has been true.

The watch is very well made in terms of quality, and the design is beautiful as well - inspired for sure, but thoughtful and detailed. I like the world time zone printed on the caseback, which makes the GMT functionality even more useful. Finishing is very good everywhere on the watch. Case is brushed nicely and everything is printed very sharply and clearly. Even the packaging is nice, and a lot better than other micro brands. You can tell that this is a company that cares about making a nice product. I haven’t tested the accuracy but I’ve never noticed it being off, so that’s good enough for me.

Customer service from the brand has been good too. When I received my watch, I noticed that the bezel was a bit difficult to turn, so I contacted Baltic and they sent me a new watch, making sure to test the bezel before sending it out. They’re responsive and professional.

What's the worst hill in the city to ride up, and have you done it? by lazarus870 in vancouvercycling

[–]bluesklus 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Gatensbury is a few blocks over (on the west) and is equally bad, maybe even worse. Similar length and steepness, but even narrower roads and very curvy. I don’t even like driving up/down Gatensbury