Posted Wed Oct 10, 2012, 10:05am Subject: Re: Technivorm KGBT741 or other suggestions ?
Eiron Said:
I much prefer the unique design of the TechniVorm over the too-streamlined Bonavita or the too-techy BraZen. But then, I also prefer the unique look of my Swedish 'classic' Saab 900 over most other cars, & the unique look of my hand-made lugged steel randonneur bicycle.
You probably never had to work on a Saab! The engine/tranny design can be a nightmare- even the mechanics at a Saab dealer called them "SLaabs." Besides, I really dislike front wheel drive. But then again, I would not trade my 1990 Volvo 240, 5 speed stick, for a Saab. Form follows function as in, how a thing works takes precedence over what it looks like.
Looks aside, I drink my coffee and the priority is how the coffee tastes and not how the machine which makes it looks.
Don't get offended. I do own a Trek 770, lugged Reynolds Pro tubing, made in the USA frame with Campy Record/Super Record groupo from about 1984, and no index shifting. Function and simplicity.
Eiron Senior Member Joined: 12 Nov 2007 Posts: 332 Location: Loveland, Colorado Expertise: I love coffee
Espresso: Quick Mill 0930 Grinder: Quick Mill 031, Solis 166 Drip: TechniVorm KBTS Roaster: frying pan & wooden spatula
Posted Wed Oct 10, 2012, 10:36am Subject: Re: Technivorm KGBT741 or other suggestions ?
frcn Said:
You probably never had to work on a Saab! The engine/tranny design can be a nightmare- even the mechanics at a Saab dealer called them "SLaabs." Besides, I really dislike front wheel drive. But then again, I would not trade my 1990 Volvo 240, 5 speed stick, for a Saab. Form follows function as in, how a thing works takes precedence over what it looks like.
Looks aside, I drink my coffee and the priority is how the coffee tastes and not how the machine which makes it looks.
Don't get offended. I do own a Trek 770, lugged Reynolds Pro tubing, made in the USA frame with Campy Record/Super Record groupo from about 1984, and no index shifting. Function and simplicity.
:-D No offense taken! I actually do about 95% of all of the work on my Saab (but only about 60%-70% of the work on my wife's '02 Saab 9³ SE). I've replaced the clutch & entire hydraulic system, CV joints, crank position sensor, replaced the brake accumulator & repaired relays for the ABS system, & most of the other PITA jobs on the car. The three local Saab dealers don't know their *** from a hole in the ground when it comes to working on these cars, so the few things I don't want to do, I take to a reputable independent Saab-specific garage. And I agree with you, I would not trade my '90 Saab 900 5 sp for a Volvo. Form should follow function. Unfortunately, Volvo stopped at function & completely ignored form! ;-)
Yes, taste is why I bought my TechniVorm, but it wasn't the only deciding factor. Functional simplicity was a consideration, as well as other things I've listed in other threads here. The unique appearance of the brewer was simply a 'fringe benefit' of the purchase. My comment was really directed solely towards the remark that one brewer has a more pleasing appearance than another. It's completely subjective, as I mentioned previously.
I also have an '84 Trek - a 'road sport' model 400. :-) I love the appearance, but not the ride. I'm restoring it to as close to showroom configuration as I can, & then it's going up on Craigslist. The unique investment-cast lug design, classic appearance & Made-In-The-USA pedigree are not enough to keep a bike I don't like to ride.
"Just what I need - another 'geek' label..." - my friend Mark, on being told of Coffee Geek's existence
Posted Wed Oct 10, 2012, 10:46am Subject: Re: Technivorm KGBT741 or other suggestions ?
Eiron Said:
:-D No offense taken! I actually do about 95% of all of the work on my Saab (but only about 60%-70% of the work on my wife's '02 Saab 9³ SE). I've replaced the clutch & entire hydraulic system, CV joints, crank position sensor, replaced the brake accumulator & repaired relays for the ABS system....
How about that! Me too. I rebuilt the front suspensions on my '90 245 as well as on my wife's '93 Volvo 965 which I wish I had not bought (both bought used). The 960 really moves, but all the plastic and technology is just too much. My '90 with 220,000 miles has been rock solid dependable. The brishes finally wore out on teh alternator a few weeks ago, and I replaced the AMM once. That has been about it.
I also have an '84 Trek - a 'road sport' model 400. :-) I love the appearance, but not the ride. I'm restoring it to as close to showroom configuration as I can, & then it's going up on Craigslist. The unique investment-cast lug design, classic appearance & Made-In-The-USA pedigree are not enough to keep a bike I don't like to ride.
I use to work at "Cycle World," a bicycle shop in the San Fernando Valley, and we sold Treks. My wife has a 720 touring bike- about a 48cm frame iirc. The chainstays are so long that I can get my XL-size fist between the front of the rear tire and the seat post. We also have a Landshark TwinShark that John Slawta built me back when he was still in So. Cal. He was our go-to guy for custom work. That will probably be sold in the near future. I built it up from the frame. I even built my own wheels. Also have a set of old sew-up wheels with campy record hubs with the oil cap over the center of the hub.
Eiron Senior Member Joined: 12 Nov 2007 Posts: 332 Location: Loveland, Colorado Expertise: I love coffee
Espresso: Quick Mill 0930 Grinder: Quick Mill 031, Solis 166 Drip: TechniVorm KBTS Roaster: frying pan & wooden spatula
Posted Wed Oct 10, 2012, 12:03pm Subject: Re: Technivorm KGBT741 or other suggestions ?
frcn Said:
How about that! Me too. I rebuilt the front suspensions on my '90 245 as well as on my wife's '93 Volvo 965 which I wish I had not bought (both bought used). The 960 really moves, but all the plastic and technology is just too much. My '90 with 220,000 miles has been rock solid dependable. The brishes finally wore out on teh alternator a few weeks ago, and I replaced the AMM once. That has been about it.
Man, are we out in the weeds for keeping 'on-topic' or what?? (Sorry popcorn1!!) :-D My '90 900 has 272,000 on it so far. I bought it nearly 14 yrs ago with 113,000 miles on it, & it passes emissions (and performs) better now than it did then. I replaced the alternator & rebuilt the hot lead to the starter (from 10 ga to 4 ga) about 4 yrs ago. I too have replaced the 900's springs & shocks with factory 'sport' suspension bits. The 9³ uses MacPherson struts & they're a lot more work to R&R than the 900's suspension, that's for sure!
frcn Said:
I use to work at "Cycle World," a bicycle shop in the San Fernando Valley, and we sold Treks. My wife has a 720 touring bike- about a 48cm frame iirc. The chainstays are so long that I can get my XL-size fist between the front of the rear tire and the seat post. We also have a Landshark TwinShark that John Slawta built me back when he was still in So. Cal. He was our go-to guy for custom work. That will probably be sold in the near future. I built it up from the frame. I even built my own wheels. Also have a set of old sew-up wheels with campy record hubs with the oil cap over the center of the hub.
I grew up in the SFV!! Granada Hills & Chatsworth! Where was Cycle World located? I got my randonneur (frameset only) from a local builder named Mark Nobilette. He's been building for 30 yrs & does all of the Rivendell and Rene Herse full-custom bikes. I used a NOS 7sp XT mtn rear hub to get the extra durability I wanted on the wheel build for this. I had to respace the axle from 135mm to 130mm by replacing thick washers & locknuts with thinner ones.
(Click for larger image)
"Just what I need - another 'geek' label..." - my friend Mark, on being told of Coffee Geek's existence
Yes, back on topic please guys (& I've done my share of this too no problem lol!)., or you could take this to the "General Off Topics" forum if you'd like.
Tiny little world, it is.... I graduated from Poly High in '69 and then L.A. Valley College before getting married to my High School Sweetheart and headed off the San Jose for the remainder of my college days. Came back and taught at a few schools in the Valley. AHh.. Cycle World- Reseda Blvd. near the RR tracks, south about 2 miles of CSU Northridge. I was the Asst. Sales Manager for a couple of years.
Although I have yet to read about any TechniVormers actually purchasing a Behmor BraZen, and then ultimately not preferring it (i would like to know)!
EricBNC
I recommend tho Bonavita again then - cup quality similar to the other two mentioned, a cheaper price than either, a more proven track record than one, and a nicer look on the counter than both.
That much is indisputable, as the BV is the best looking machine by far... though I have to say to everyone suggesting something other than the braZen, you're kind of missing the point here. This post was a waist high meatball right over the plate, obviously intended to elicit only the most braZen of responses- OP even precluded the Bonavita specifically! (BTW Eric, OT, but do you mind letting me know whether one could buy the thermal BV, & use the shorter non thermal glass pot with it, or does the pot have to be tall enough to interface with the basket in order for the coffee to drip?)
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