WhyFi

Come now, for $300 for a grinder and $600 for a machine, you could have a nice little budget system.

RPK79

Oh? Is that what an entry level system costs?

WhyFi

I guess that it depends on how you define "entry level." In terms of a grinder, I would say that "entry level" would mean a burr grinder, at a minimum. You can find burr grinders at $50, though the build quality (reliability/life expectancy, precision) will be poor. For an espresso machine, I would consider "entry level," to mean something that doesn't rely upon the heat of the boiler to build up the pressure necessary to pull the shot (so something with a pump, whether electrical or hand lever); I haven't looked recently, but these will probably start in the $300-400 range.

The $300/$600 figures that I gave earlier are like the 105-level of the home espresso world, if that makes sense.

FLvector

So what would an Ultegra-level expresso system cost? And would you be able to taste the difference?

RPK79

It would likely just be a little lighter.

RPK79

Weather is turning. Down pouring now and there is a second string coming through. I'm guessing the ride is going to be cancelled.

FLvector

Same in my corner of the country. Going to the gym instead.

WhyFi

Grinder: $500-700
Espresso Machine: $1500+

Sure, you'll get better and more consistent results the more accurately you can control brew temp, pressure, grind uniformity, etc.

WhyFi

Did you already have a system move through about an hour ago? We did and the ground is already good and soaked. If any more comes through, it'll mean standing water pretty much immediately.

rpenmanparker 

Imagine if that had been going on for two months solid like here. Yesterday was supposed to be all of TS Bill, but today has been much worse both in wind and rainfall.

RPK79

I'm in West St Paul right now so I'm catching what you had an hour ago. The ride is down in the Burnsville/Rosemount/Lakeville area and it looks like the second string is going to hit right about the time the ride is scheduled for. Even though they're out of the brunt of the current storm front.

One of the club riders is a "transient cyclist" from Argentina who lives in ... I think Houston, and then is up here in Minnesota every other week or so for work. Nice guy. Strong rider.

rpenmanparker 

Does he bring a break apart bike with him each time, or does he leave a bike in MN?

RPK79

He rides a Cervelo. I'm not sure if it travels with him or stays here in MN. I meant to ask.

Bah Humbug

I just use an Aeropress to make coffee so strong it fights back as I drink it. When I was home last month I had to use Keurigs and the only way they were vaguely drinkable was to make two small doses cups into a single large cup. Even that was kinda sad though. Coffffffeeee....

Bah Humbug

Literally five minutes ago or so it started raining and now it's pouring.

Bah Humbug

Those are fightin' words coming from upstate NY.

RPK79

I actually don't like Keurigs for the opposite reason. I think they make the coffee too strong and I'll even reuse a cup. At home I use a french press.

Bah Humbug

Weird. To me it's like... light brown water.

In other news, the retention pool behind our condo is filling up, again. Rain has calmed down a little though.

RPK79

I think I'm going to throw in the towel on riding and grab some BBQ and beer on the way home.

Trsnrtr

It drizzled here most of the day. I snuck out for 18.5 miles around 2:30 and barely made it back in before it started drizzling again. My wife and I had hoped to go out on our tandem tonight but it's looking pretty poor.

RPK79

I need to replace my trainer...

Trsnrtr

I use an Aeropress, also, both for an espresso grind and also for a Swiss water decaf in the evenings. Nice little machine.

Trsnrtr

Depends on what you buy. Some K-cups skimp on grounds to keep the price down.

Bah Humbug

Ick. I throw three heaping scoops of grounds into the Aeropress for a 12oz mug. That's quality.

Bah Humbug

And the rain has already given up. Pathetic.