Coffee

[alanmcorcoran]

With apologies to WW, this is a stub for any further discussion, flamery, responses to flamery, etc. on the Starbucks/Peets/Seattles Best/Caribou vs Duncan Donuts/7-11/AM-PM relative coffee merits. I am on the record as pro Starbucks (and pro coffee in general.) I think their coffee is generally superior to the convenience marts, in quality, consistency and presentation and, for the regular coffee at least, I think $1.60 is a fair price. I also would like to say they have excellent restrooms - especially if you want a little privacy to mess with motorcycle gear/peeing complications.

Others have weighed in with their favorites and I got a little testy when a certain doctor in florida dared call SB's appeal mostly "image and hype" or something like that. Sarris gave us a handy solution to ensure your coffee never tastes like crap.

I considered that any further examination of this topic is probably beyond overkill, but, it occurred to me that Starbucks is often my default destination on any pointless MC rides to nowhere in particular, and for that, I figured it was worth at least one more post (but not in WW's hijacked thread.) Fire away!

[alantf]

What about a nice mug of Tetley's or P.G. tips TEA. Much nicer than that awful coffee, don't ya know! :whistle: :2tup: :2tup:

[JWR]

Wrong country for tea ol'chap.

There is a SB's a mile from my house, I have never been in the place.

I do the French press at home. I like coffee black and strong.

[alanmcorcoran]

Anybody successfully transport the stuff on a bike? I've carried some to the office in a jerry rigged (is that a word?) saddlebag setup - one config didn't work and I had to bailout the bag when I arrived. Is there such a thing as a cup holder for bikes? (I only gotta go about 6.5 miles and sometimes I have a half a press of joe I don't want to abandon.)

[dhgeyer]

Yes, there are cup holders available for motorcycles. I have seen them on bikes, but I have no idea where to find them. On the web somewhere, I'm sure. I'd love to be able to drink while riding, but it's tough with a full face helmet. I really should get one of those water bottles with a built in straw for water at least.

[JWR]

Uh, all the HD riders have beer holders, I guess that would work for coffee???

:poke2:

[mrlmd1]

Those things mostly are chromed, I may have seen one of plastic, and they cost $50 and up. They fit on the bars. It's just a cup holder, so you need a top on the cup or the coffee or whatever's in there won't last too long.

[Sarris]

Here you go Alan. The aren't cheap, but I have a pal that has the coffee cup model and it's the MAC.

(Do you really want to drink coffee and ride????)

http://www.eglidegoodies.com/id228.html

Enjoy!

:2tup:

[Water Warrior 2]

Cup holders. Try Cycle Giant and it's affiliates on their web site. Probably start with WingStuff.com They are pretty good folks from our experience.

[alanmcorcoran]

(Do you really want to drink coffee and ride????)


Thanks - these look like they might work with the Strat but are a little much for the GZ.

I don't think I'd have much opportunity to drink and ride, but two situations come up a lot:

1) I've made a multicup brew at home and want to take the last 12-16oz's into the office (my office coffee is not the greatest and is usually gone or cold by the time I show up. For those keeping score, the gals use an electric percolator. It's not bad if you drink it right away, but it has the same overcooking problem if it's been sitting. We've been through about ten devices in the last five years.) My commute is only about 10-12 minutes.
2) I want to stop by Starbuck's on the way in.

Neither of these is currently a viable option, although I have successfully transported a few cups in the Strat saddlebags.

I think some kind of a clip-on would be good - so it don't clutter up the works when I'm out shooting zombies.

[Sarris]

Why not on the GeeZer?? They make a 7/8" bar mount, as well as 1" & 1-1/4".

And, the cup holder part clips on & off the mount. Sounds ideal for your need.

I say go for it!

:)

[alanmcorcoran]

I was thinking the snap 'n go was priced below Absolutely Ridiculous, but its 1" and the Geezer is 7/8" right? I guess I could cough up the $90 for the fancy ones, but I'm supposed to be selling this thing at some point (when, I don't really know... at this point someone has to walk up to me on the street and spontaneously give me an envelope of cash for the keys I guess.)

Maybe the SG snap on for the Strat. I will measure the bars tonight. "Honey, I have to take the Strat today, I'm gettin' Starbucks!"

[Sarris]

It's on sale for $69.95 (+ shipping) as we speak.

The cup retaining ring removes from the bracket.

Also, you could use the leather saddlebag mount for the Strat (on the previously mentioned site)

Good luck!

:)

[Water Warrior 2]

Strat has 1 1/4 inch bars according to my info chart.

[mrlmd1]

Maybe you could finally sell the GZ in California if it had a Starbucks coffee holder on it. :roll: :poke2:

[plskthompson1]

Check this one out. Good for hot or cold drinks.
http://www.glassact.com/gallery1.htm

[music man]

[quote="Sarris"]
(Do you really want to drink coffee and ride????)



My sister Drinks coffee when she rides to work quite frequently, she has a cup holder on her bike by the way, of course about half the time she doesn't wear a helmet either. :crazy:

[alanmcorcoran]

Now, if she prefers Starbucks to that Duncan Donuts dishwater she might be the perfect woman!

[burkbuilds]

You may be able to get your Starbucks at Burger King real soon!

Can new coffee perk up BK's breakfast biz?
Burger King is waking up to Starbucks, but will it be enough to rule the breakfast world dominated by McDonald's?
Posted by InvestorPlace on Wednesday, February 17, 2010 12:29 PM

InvestorPlaceBurger King (BKC) has been sleepwalking through breakfast sales for a long time, and a new partnership with Starbucks (SBUX) announced on Tuesday isn't likely to be the wake-up call the company needs to catch archrival McDonald's (MCD).



By September, Burger King said it will replace its current BK Joe coffee line at some 7,250 locations with Seattle's Best Coffee, the former hometown rival that Starbucks acquired in 2003. Prices for the 100% Arabica-bean coffee will range from $1 to $2.79, with the option to add some of Starbucks' bells and whistles like flavored syrup and whipped cream.

[alanmcorcoran]

We'll see how that goes. Given my propensity to apply anything consumed at McD's or BK directly to my gut ("FatOn: Apply directly to the gut! Apply directly to the gut!") I try to keep my visits there to a minimum.

Speaking of my gut, it tells me that BK will likely reduce the quality of the coffee down to the level of their other fare, but, when you think about it, if you use the right ingredients, most of preparing coffee is boiling the water. I guess the key is - will they be distilling the unsold brew down to asphalt filler in those glass carafes sitting on electric burners.

Guess I better get crack-a-lackin' on that cup holder.

[alantf]

will they be distilling the unsold brew down to asphalt filler in those glass carafes sitting on electric burners.



I know I'm preaching to the converted, but, the manufacturer's instructions on my home coffee maker says that coffee left sitting on the hotplate should be consumed within one hour. :)

[alanmcorcoran]

Even that is too long in my opinion. Ideally, you pour in the boiling water, let it steep for four minutes, compress and drink. Insulated containers can keep it hot for up to an hour (or more) without any burner. Occasionally, rather than make a fresh brew, I will microwave cooled off coffee. I don't do this often enough to judge it's effect on caffeine or taste. Doesn't seem to burn it though.

Obviously, individual preference is based on what one is used to. I am sure that there are people that will order a steak at Denny's, and enjoy it.

[bonehead]

Even that is too long in my opinion. Ideally, you pour in the boiling water, let it steep for four minutes, compress and drink. Insulated containers can keep it hot for up to an hour (or more) without any burner. Occasionally, rather than make a fresh brew, I will microwave cooled off coffee. I don't do this often enough to judge it's effect on caffeine or taste. Doesn't seem to burn it though.

Obviously, individual preference is based on what one is used to. I am sure that there are people that will order a steak at Denny's, and enjoy it.
I just threw up in my mouth a little :puke:

[mrlmd1]

You can get a RAM mount with a gimbaled cup holder, and if you want to mount a GPS or cellphone or something else at another time, switch it out, change the top mount. Much less expensive than those $90 chrome things.

[5th_bike]

I will microwave cooled off coffee
Starbucks, McD, 7-11, truck stop, it's all the same to me. At home we have an espresso maker - just a few seconds of hot water pushed through the grains ... nothing compares.

It's like you say - obviously, individual preference is based on what you're used to. I'm quite sure that when you get coffee at Starbucks, you actually enjoy it.

[alanmcorcoran]

Hey fifth, haven't seen anything from you in a while. Thank you for your support.

[5th_bike]

You're welcome. Just couldn't resist... :poke2:

I hope your back is OK.

[mrlmd1]

No comment, just FYI. OK to wear your gun into Starbucks.

http://articles.moneycentral.msn.com/In ... =1,1669277 (http://articles.moneycentral.msn.com/Investing/top-stocks/blog.aspx?post=1669277&_blg=1,1669277)
and
http://www.azcentral.com/news/articles/ ... ee-ON.html (http://www.azcentral.com/news/articles/2010/02/28/20100228-Guns-Coffee-ON.html)

[alanmcorcoran]

Well, I see LEO's in all kinds of coffee establishments with pieces strapped to their hips and that's been okay. But...

I'm sure I will get some crap for this, but i have found that gun owners run the gamut from super safety conscious hyper responsible types to complete idiots (See Plaxico.)

As soon as some overcaffeinated cowboy blows away a barista because his foam was too dry the party will be over.

[Water Warrior 2]

Let's just hope cowboys never want a coffee at Starbucks. As for the debate about open and concealed carry there are many opinions. All I really know is a great defence with a firearm will probably deter a lot of would be offenders. From what I have read in the past few years the crime rate goes down when the prey is armed and won't take it anymore. Criminals will always have guns and not play by the rules.

[burkbuilds]

I personally know several friends who were attacked or someone tried to carjack them and when they pulled their pistol out and pointed it in the assailants face he left without any further incident in each case. I don't usually carry my firearms around with me, but I've got no problem with someone who feels they need it for protection. The neighborhood I worked in just south of Atlanta around Christmas was more than a little dangerous and my employer handed me a loaded 9mm to carry while I painted, inside a locked house! I'll have to admit that I was glad I had it while we were there.

[alantf]

the crime rate goes down when the prey is armed and won't take it anymore.

Wish the lawmakers in England understood that. ALL handguns are banned, even legitimate gun clubs were forced to disband.(actually, this means that the only people allowed to carry guns are the criminals!) If an armed response police officer shoots someone who is pointing a gun at him, he will often find himself in court, charged with murder, because he didn't have time to shout "armed police - put down your weapon!" before he shot him.

Recently, in England, when several burglars broke into their house, two brothers woke up & chased one of them into the street, where they subdued the violent robber with a baseball bat until the police arrived. Later, in court, the burglar was let off free, while the brothers got two years jail each, for assault. Is that crazy, or is that crazy. The robber wasn't even punished for the burglary. :bang:

[Water Warrior 2]

Alanf, the Canadian laws are much the same. You can't defend your own home and family without being prosecuted. The police themselves have their hands tied by law makers who are afraid to offend some one.

Sign on a fence post in US of A. " Trespassers will be shot ". I like that, it makes sense to me.

[bonehead]

Well, I see LEO's in all kinds of coffee establishments with pieces strapped to their hips and that's been okay. But...

I'm sure I will get some crap for this, but i have found that gun owners run the gamut from super safety conscious hyper responsible types to complete idiots (See Plaxico.)

As soon as some overcaffeinated cowboy blows away a barista because his foam was too dry the party will be over.
Don't worry, cowboys don't buy coffee from coffee bars.

[dannylightning]

McDaniels coffee is good stuff. you could buy it at save a lot and i imagine you still can. for regular non fancy coffee that is way better than folgers and such crap that cost way more

[dannylightning]

McDaniels coffee is good stuff. you could buy it at save a lot and i imagine you still can. for regular non fancy coffee that is way better than folgers and such crap that cost way more

[burkbuilds]

Hey Danny, good to see you posting again! Never heard of McDaniels coffee, sounds Irish!

[dannylightning]

Hey Danny, good to see you posting again! Never heard of McDaniels coffee, sounds Irish!

it may be Irish but I'm not sure, it came in a dark red can that was not decorated much. its a value brand coffee but its good.

as far as star bucks and all that i did hear on the radio that all these places sold mid to low quallity coffee. and this came from coffee orginization that went around and tested coffee. i think duncan donuts had the best score out of all the places you could go and it was less expensive.

[mrlmd1]

In today's paper
http://s2.postimage.org/kCzh0.jpg (http://www.postimage.org/image.php?v=TskCzh0)

[alanmcorcoran]

Is it just me, or does it seem like it would be very easy for a thug to help himself to your Glock when you have it strapped to your waist like that. An (armpit?) shoulder holster or calf/boot seems to offer a more secure way of toting these things around. But I guess those are considered concealed?

Whenever I see these open carry guys, the thought "He's basically got a gun in a fanny pack" crosses my mind. I'm in California, so I doubt I'd ever be able to legally walk around with a .45 on my fanny, but even if I could, I probably wouldn't for fear of some nut behind me in line relieving me of my piece.

[burkbuilds]

Love the Doonesbury's! When I was in high school (late 70's early 80's) somebody cut out and laminated an entire book full of doonesbury cartoons and donated the book to our school library, good reading!

[mrlmd1]

Most of the holsters have some sort of strap that clips over the handle/hammer of the gun so it doesn't fall out and is not easily removable by a bystander. Ever see a gun in a cop's holster on his belt? I don't think you could get that out of there that easily.

[alanmcorcoran]

Some of them do look a little beefier than others, but many just seem to have nothing more than a "snap" holding them in place. I think cops have far more awareness, training and quicker reaction time than the public. (Some of them are even in pretty good shape!)

I will not be surprised when I read the first story of an open carry wannabe getting held up, or worse, with his own gun.

Speaking of holster's, I still haven't broke down and picked up my $90 chrome cup holder. Lately I've mainly been riding the GZ to work, so now maybe I'll have to get one for each bike...

[Sarris]

You feeling bad for the old girl??

:poke2:

[dhgeyer]

I will not be surprised when I read the first story of an open carry wannabe getting held up, or worse, with his own gun.

As you say, it'll be the first such story either of us has ever heard of. And people have been open carrying in NH and Vermont since forever, since it has never been illegal here. I've heard anecdotal stories of cops "eating their own gun", but have never heard a verifiable account of it happening, and have never even heard any account of it happening to a civilian.

Some folks don't like guns, and aren't comfortable with others owning and/or carrying them. They can think of all kinds of things to worry about. And they all seem to have a friend who had a cousin who knew somebody that had some bad experience related to guns. Of course bad things do happen with guns. But by and large gun ownership and open/concealed civilian carry has been shown in the largest and most comprehensive studies to be socially beneficial on balance.

Ask yourself how many mass shootings have happened in places that were not "gun free zones"?

I've carried concealed most of my adult life, legally in states where that was possible, otherwise not. I'm pretty familiar with the range of equipment available. Some holsters have nothing keeping the gun in place other than friction. Others have varying degrees of security. A lot of police use a "triple lock" system. I don't know exactly how that works, but I don't think I'd care for it. I like what's called a "thumb break" system. It holds the gun securely, but a quick flick of the thumb releases it.

Lately I've let my license lapse and haven't been carrying. I should fix that. It's on my to-do list.

In the meantime, with or without a license, in NH I could carry openly if I wanted to. I've only done that once, at an organized event to advance second amendment civil rights. The only advantage to open carry is that, if enough people do it, people will get over their irrational fear of guns. It'll work the same way the other civil rights movements have worked. The disadvantage of open carry is that, with all the armed citizens carrying concealed, the crooks don't know who's an easy mark and who can fight back, so everyone is safer.

[alanmcorcoran]

You feeling bad for the old girl??

Maybe a little. There's a couple of other motivators - the thing runs like crap if I don't ride it regularly, it's only 6.5 miles to work and I can go backroads all the way (15 lights, though) and, recently, there has been heavy traffic on the way home and the GZ splits lanes more easily than the Strat (esp on the backroads.) Before I put the saddlebags on the Geezer, I had to bungee my lappy to the bitch seat, a strategy with a single point of failure. Now I have to buckle up the stupid bags I bought, but it feels a lot less risky. It still struggles with the uphill climb and I don't exactly look like a badass (I got pwned by a dude on a Ninja 250 today taking off from a red light [got me to thinking about maybe getting one of those as a replacement...]) but it's probably the best tool for the commute job.

[alanmcorcoran]

people will get over their irrational fear of guns.

I'm neither pro nor anti-gun myself. I am anti-authority, so my attitude is that if cops and security guards and TSA guys, etc. can own guns, then I should be able to own one too. (I don't actually own any real guns yet - been in my "someday" list for a long time. I do own a BB gun! Seriously!)

I don't have a fear of guns, but I do find the lethality and power of them sort of fascinating.

When I was a scout I shot .22's and revolvers and earned the Rifle merit badge. There's a local indoor range where I learned how to handle various makes of 9 mm's and .45's and two years ago I learned how to skeet shoot (shotgun.) I think I'd like to get a .45 and a "home defense" style pump shotgun someday, but the background check and concern about theft has dampened my impulses. The reality is that unless my home gets invaded, I really can't shoot anywhere but at a range.

When I used to camp, I often thought it'd be nice to have something in the glove box. But then, having a gun might also get me in trouble (I tend to have a low level of tolerance for outdoor idiocy and it would be pretty stupid to go to jail for shooting drunk boom boxers keeping me up all night.)

[patrick_777]

(I got powned by a dude on a Ninja 250 today taking off from a red light [got me to thinking about maybe getting one of those as a replacement...])

You got pwned because the Ninja is faster than the GZ. But your ass and back didn't hurt as bad as his though when you reached your destination.

[dhgeyer]

You got pwned because the Ninja is faster than the GZ. But your ass and back didn't hurt as bad as his though when you reached your destination.

Actually, that's only true for some people. For me, the riding position on the Ninja 250 was more comfortable on longer rides. The seat on the Ninja is certainly no worse than the seat on the GZ250. At least that's true for the Ninja we had, which was the old style. The Ninja 250, as you know, isn't an extreme crotch rocket configuration. The riding position is only slightly forward, and your feet are under you. For me, that is a lot easier on my back, which is what tends to hurt first on long rides. I think it all depends on how we're built. Both of those bikes could do with a better stock seat, especially since they have no aftermarket support. It won't happen, though, since most people get bigger bikes if they're going any distance.

[mrlmd1]

Another one today since we're on the topic of guns and coffee
http://s3.postimage.org/b_a1A.jpg (http://www.postimage.org/image.php?v=Pqb_a1A)

[diffluere]

http://www.barefootwillies.com/index.ph ... ex&cPath=2 (http://www.barefootwillies.com/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=2)

This cup holder is only $22. I also found instructions on how to make one out of a bicycle bottle holder if you're handy:

http://www.gadgetjq.com/drink_holder.htm


My opinion of Starbucks: Don't particularly care for it. I like making coffee. I wake up, do my little coffee-making routine, and I'm ready for the day. If I go somewhere else and have to buy coffee, my day just isn't the same. Is that OCD?

I just drink the Folgers Columbian coffee. I don't like other kinds of coffee, really. The coffee at Cracker Barrel seems okay, but I hate drinking half½ I like French vanilla creamer (yes I put French creamer in Columbian coffee - I'm multicultural). I like the coffee from the 7-11 if you get there at the right time and it's freshly made. I enjoy the creamers and sugar they have. It also really annoys me that the ONLY COFFEE at school is Starbuck's. It's always way too hot!! By the time I can drink it safely, my classes are over and it's time to go home.

The best way to transport coffee, IMO, is to get a backpack with cup holders on the side. Marvelous! Water on one side, coffee on the other. This also works really great if you have a full-face helmet that flips open! =)

[Water Warrior 2]

Hmm. Maybe about time to use that bracket and water bottle I bought for the mountain bike 5 years ago. And I agree with 7-11 coffee. Irish Cream flavoring and life is good.

[blaine]

I am a sucker for "ROBINS" coffee,love the stuff!!!!

[alanmcorcoran]

To me, putting those flavored creamers in good coffee is like steak sauce on aged beef or pinot noir over ice. Obviously people like it or they wouldn't sell it, but I don't even put sugar in mine (I'll do half and half in regular, when it's available - and real - prefer my espresso black.) As, we often say on here - to each his own.

Thanks for tips on the holders. I do have some bicycle drink holders - but they are still on the bikes! So far I haven't gotten the motivation to seriously pursue it (after all, it's only a 15 minute ride to work.) But, then again, I never thought I would mess with my windshield, or get saddlebags, or... hmmm, I guess that's really all I've ever done!

[alantf]

Coming from a nation of tea drinkers, I've been watching this discussion with interest. I like coffee - but with no "experts" to advise me, I've had to find MY ideal mug of coffee by trial & error. I've finally settled on Colombian blend (arabica beans) taken black, with the merest hint of sugar.

Have I hit on the perfect drink, or can anyone from a nation of coffee drinkers offer me any tips to improve upon it. (One of my ways of improving it in the evening is to add a good dash of rum - but that's another story) :2tup:

[bonehead]

Crown Royal perks it up too!

[alanmcorcoran]

Coming from a nation of tea drinkers, I've been watching this discussion with interest. I like coffee - but with no "experts" to advise me, I've had to find MY ideal mug of coffee by trial & error. I've finally settled on Colombian blend (arabica beans) taken black, with the merest hint of sugar.

I think we're pretty much in agreement, although I gave up the sugar years ago (part of a diet, then, I got used to it and preferred it.) I think from here on out, you have to look at how you prepare it.

My preference for regular coffee is French Press. Grind the beans immediately prior to putting them in the press and use 2 tablespoons of grinds per 6 ounces of water. Use a Burr grinder and select the "Press" setting (usually the coarsest.) Never use a coffee bean "chopper." Boiling hot, filtered water and let it steep for 4 minutes before pressing.

I also like espresso. I have a Starbucks Barista Espresso machine - it's cheap and somewhat inconsistent, but if you baby it you can get a good pour. Make sure you set your grind to espresso and use the darker roast (espresso) beans. Espresso tends to be the finest grind. I run plain hot water through it first to warm up the shuttle and test the pressure seals.

To me, once you start dumping flavors and sugars etc. into the brew, you can't really taste the coffee. Again, a lot of folks like it that way, to each accordingly.

[magnum44270]

its called a thermos.. $20 at wal/k mart

[alanmcorcoran]

its called a thermos.. $20 at wal/k mart

Good point. Not convenient for a sip at a light, but probably best for transporting the home brew to the office. And it will stay hot longer. Thanks!

[BillInGA]

I like the idea of the cup holder. I actually saw one for the first time a few weeks ago on a Goldwing at the local used motorcycle dealer. It would be great to pick up a cup on my way to wherever from Starbucks, QuikTrip, etc.

Sipping at a stoplight, however, is problematic for me since I wear a full-face helmet. I have used a CamelBak for hydration on longer trips. It's a little awkward feeding the tube up under the helmet and getting the bite valve positioned correctly, but it's doable. Plus it's nice to be able to get a drink on the fly rather than have to stop an take off the helmet.

One might be able to do the same thing with a flexible straw, but I'm not sure how well that would work with hot coffee.

[Water Warrior 2]

Red light, coffee, modular helmet.