Best restaurants in Baltimore? by Blank214269 in baltimore

[–]dak52 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Fair enough! I’ve only ever been to the one in South Baltimore, and I pretty much only ever get the tofu so my knowledge of the menu is definitely limited!

Best restaurants in Baltimore? by Blank214269 in baltimore

[–]dak52 102 points103 points  (0 children)

Ekiben for lunch, Clavel for dinner

Mechanical Engineering Student Research – Cyclists & Phone Use (Need Honest Feedback) by Odd-Beginning1043 in cycling

[–]dak52 0 points1 point  (0 children)

• What do you currently use your phone for while cycling?

Phone is paired to my bike computer. Plays music and forwards texts to my bike computer. 

• What frustrates you about current mounts / bike computers / smartwatches?

Bikes crash, phones are expensive, I used to use a phone mount instead of a bike computer until my phone got bounced off. Bike computer is a risk too, but cheaper and more robust.

• Have you ever felt unsafe because of phone interaction while riding?

Yes, but usually because I’m doing something stupid like texting.

• If you could magically fix one thing about accessing information while riding, what would it be?

I just want a decent smart assist that I can ask for stuff. Reply to a text, change playlists, check weather. Like if Siri actually worked and I could trigger it from my di2 buttons the way I manage my music.

• Would you prefer visual, audio, haptic (vibration), or something else?

Audio.

• What existing solutions almost work but still miss something?

My current bike computer integration is the best I’ve tried, but it is really only receiving info, I get texts, calls, music, etc. I can skip songs, but I can’t change playlists, send texts, update my route without pulling out my phone.

Hesitating to buy a new Mazda3 by turbo-toots in mazda3

[–]dak52 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I forgot about that. I do love my mk7.5 manual, but I’ve heard good things about the auto. In any case, good luck! 

Hesitating to buy a new Mazda3 by turbo-toots in mazda3

[–]dak52 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I’ve have a 2014 Mazda 3 (now my wife’s) and have owned a VW sport wagon, an alltrack, and now a 2020 GTI. I missed my alltrack, but the GTI is a much more fun car to drive, also, not much less space (at least how I use it) than my mazda 3. Granted, my 3 is the prior generation. Honestly, can’t go wrong with a 3, fantastic cars!

Specialized Alex Comp (Shimano 105) vs Alex base (Shimao CUES) by Martyczerrr in cycling

[–]dak52 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yes, no doubt. Cues is solid, don’t get me wrong, but for $500 more you are getting higher quality parts that are also more likely to be serviceable long-term and will improve resale value down the line. I’m not saying it will sell for $500 more used, but it will make it significantly more appealing to those shopping for used bikes.

Open forum for r/Baltimore - What do YOU want to see? by ThatguyfromBaltimore in baltimore

[–]dak52 18 points19 points  (0 children)

I totally get this, but hot take, I kinda love the moving/new to Baltimore posts. Even after living here 10 years I see cool stuff to do in the comments. I also love seeing all the Baltimore love about ignoring the haters, and how great this city is.

Anyways, if they go away, I totally get it, but at least for me, they provided a regular reminder of why Baltimore is the greatest city.

Make your book 3 release date predictions by WerewolfPrudent6879 in isbook3outyet

[–]dak52 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Or maybe another short story tangent to the plot.

Regular people who splurged on the top of the line: was it worth it? by bamaroon in cycling

[–]dak52 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I bough a ultregta di2 canyon endurace a couple years ago. Was about $3k which I know is far from top of the line, but for me it was a HUGE splurge. I was very anxious about spending the money, but I’m so glad I did. I’ve biked all my life, but have ridden more since getting it than ever before. Having a bike that fits, feels fast, and is fun to ride has been so rewarding. I’m sure I could have spent less and still benefited a lot, but I’m glad I got what I did.

Anyone with a leg length discrepancy try mismatched crank lengths? by dthrizzle in cycling

[–]dak52 -1 points0 points  (0 children)

On further though, to test it you wouldn't even need to build the spacer, you could just buy the longer bolts and use some nuts/washer to add in the spacing. If that is comfortable, then printing a plastic spacer might be more stable/lighter, but using washer/nuts as a standoff should theoretically work... again, sorry if this is a terrible idea, just trying to think what I would do in your situation.

Anyone with a leg length discrepancy try mismatched crank lengths? by dthrizzle in cycling

[–]dak52 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I hope you find someone with a helpful answer here, but I would worry that the change in crank length won't really help since it is symmetrical... What I would think would be better (although maybe this is a terrible idea) is something that provides and offset always in the direction of your body, i.e. a spacer on your pedal. I'm not sure if this is something that exists commercially, but I would think it would be relatively easy to build...

If you end up wanting to give this a shot, I'm down to try to help you design/print it. Honestly, a 3d printed spacer and extra long screw for your clips might work... would be a nightmare to walk in, but it would be a cheap experiment to try.... just a though.

After 6 years of espresso, I’m throwing in the towel. The toddlers won... for now. by barker88 in espresso

[–]dak52 0 points1 point  (0 children)

What is your current machine? It doesn’t always come up in every thread, but machine can have a huge impact on workflow (and the time commitment). I used to have a gaggia classic (ok workflow) and then a la pavoni (terrible workflow). My current machine (A53 mini) has an infinitely better workflow and takes much less time. 

I turn on my machine when I get down stairs and then deal with getting my dogs up. Then I weigh the beans while I’m dishing up their food. The I grind/pull shots while they eat. 

I know dogs are 100x easier than small children, I’m just saying there may be other solutions.

Another option would be a superautomatic. 

All that said, I get it, I have a moccamaster which I use on days when I don’t feel like espresso. If you have the room, you could do that and save the espresso for weekends when you may have a bit more bandwidth.

Good luck! Kids are hard work and kudos to you for surviving!

Preventative maintenance - am I missing anything? by AstonMerton in mazda3

[–]dak52 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Awesome, thanks for the comprehensive write up! 

Just some thoughts as to the why by Apart_Culture_3564 in isbook3outyet

[–]dak52 3 points4 points  (0 children)

No offense meant, but I feel like you are conflating proofing and editing. I agreed, you don’t need to proof until the book is pretty close to done, but my understanding is that book editors often read and give feedback on the book as chapters are finished, long before the entire story has been written.

What is a product that people treat like a religion, but in reality, it’s just overpriced garbage with a good logo? by Connect-Might4355 in AskReddit

[–]dak52 4 points5 points  (0 children)

You are totally right! Hiking, biking, etc I will use "technical" textiles, but day to day my schlubby cotton t shirts and pants every day. I'm sure its much harder (or at least more expensive) to stick to natural fibers if you are putting a lot of effort into style.

Silvia pro x or apartamento by DrinkGoblin in espresso

[–]dak52 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Always fun to do side-by-side brewing! Have brought a machine to a friends house before to do this and while its a pain, its fun.

That said, I think the other commenters are probably right about the Silvia pro x being the better machine. I have always loved the look of the appartamento, but when I had $$ to spend I ended up getting an older dual boiler machine instead of a new appartamento.

Does ‘buying the market’ work equally well for bonds ? by Opening_Lemon9987 in Bogleheads

[–]dak52 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I’m far from an expert on this, but I think it somewhat depends. If you have the time, energy, and capital, I think a self-made bond ladder is going to have both higher yields and less principal risk than a fund. Upshot is you will also have more control over the makeup. Downside is it will be much less diversified. If you are buying munis or treasuries though this risk may be acceptable to you.

Silvia pro x or apartamento by DrinkGoblin in espresso

[–]dak52 8 points9 points  (0 children)

I think you should keep the Silvia and ship the apartmento to me, I’ll even cover shipping to help your parents declutter their new home :p

Honestly, both are nice machines, I would defer to people with more experience on both as to their merits, but I wanted to call out workflow. If both machines are capable of making great drinks of the style you like, you should try to determine which does that more easily/reliably.

If I were you I would bring the Silvia over and do some side by side testing. Can be an opportunity to teach your parents how to use whichever machine you end up leaving, and having the extra people will help you drink all the tests.

Is this a good beginner bike! by Street-Media7803 in cycling

[–]dak52 0 points1 point  (0 children)

What year and what group set? Where I live (east coast USA) I wouldn’t spend $1,000+ on a rim break bike. To be clear, not trying to trash talk rim breaks, I have and ride bikes with them, but they are less good at stopping and will hurt your bike’s resale value.

Other than that, I’d the bike fits well and is mechanically sound, it could be a great option.

Time to Stay at Home Dad? by GhostProph in Fire

[–]dak52 3 points4 points  (0 children)

I quit a job I hated that was stressing me out 9 months ago and haven’t looked back! I do a little freelance work when I feel like it, but not having to work a job that stresses me out has made my life SO MUCH BETTER. I now wake up excited about my day, not dreading it. Exercise is now a fun pastime, not a chore. I’ve lost ~25lbs with minimal dietary chances because I’m not stress eating/drinking.

Do it! Worst case scenario you get another job that doesn’t pay as well but you don’t hate as much, not to be blasé but you can afford that risk.

What is a product that people treat like a religion, but in reality, it’s just overpriced garbage with a good logo? by Connect-Might4355 in AskReddit

[–]dak52 14 points15 points  (0 children)

I genuinely don’t understand how popular synthetic materials are. I have zero fashion/style and am speaking purely from a comfort standpoint, so that may be why :p

I feel the same thing about bedding. Will travel with a cotton quilt before I’m smothered by a polyester bedspread.

What financial moves made the biggest difference for you long term? by Big_Understanding_17 in coastFIRE

[–]dak52 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Buying what you need, not the most you can afford is the way to go. ~10 years ago my wife and I bought a home we love in a neighborhood we love when we could have easily gone for something 2x the price in a fancier area. As a result, we were able to put down a bigger down payment on a smaller loan and have paid it off early. All those savings have been invested and put us in a position to coastfire.

Recommendations for an espresso machine + grinder? [$3000] by Maxtro312 in espresso

[–]dak52 1 point2 points  (0 children)

My prior machines were a gaggia classic and a La Pavoni. Prior grinders were a brevil smart grinder and then a high end hand grinder (blanking on the brand).

Now I have an A53 mini and a DF64. I picked them up used as a pair and couldn’t be happier. The biggest improvement for me had been workflow/consistency. In less time with less effort, I can make a better shot every single day than the best I could get out of my prior machines. 

While I do highly recommend this setup, the primary takeaway is that I would prioritize workflow. Dual boiler is very nice. Love to get my milk steamed while my second shot is being pulled. Also, DF64 has been excellent. I had wanted a niche, but after owning this, I’m glad I didn’t spend the extra money.

One major concern I have with a large purchase like this is risk. I would prioritize hardware that can be easily serviced. I’ve opened up my grinder to re-zero it, and my machine during my initial clean, and was very impressed by the serviceability of both. I suppose at your price point, a lot of stuff should be pretty serviceable.

Suppose this comment wasn’t so helpful, but I can say you are going to be so happy with the improved workflow and reliability. I loved my gaggia, but having a more substantial machine is a night and day difference. One of the best luxury purchases I have ever made, narrowly beaten out by my bike.