Categories: GeneralLa Vie VelominatusReverenceThe RulesTradition

Cult of the Bean

The aroma. The taste. The ritual of the preparation, and the anticipation. It’s more than just a drink.

Coffee is an integral part of cycling and cyclists lifestyles. But, like Campa versus Shimano, or white socks versus black, the way we imbibe the magic bean can be just as polarising.

We received an email from a reader with a suggestion for The Rules. Rob infers that anyone partaking in a soy-based brew, or a ‘lite’ milk additive, should be ceremonially beaten. “Harsh but fair” he believes, such as we always imply with The Rules.

Already I am receiving unflattering, downright tempestuous emails from my fellow Keepers regarding my soy intake confession. Yes, I unashamedly admit to this ‘foam pas’ and will accept any abuse like a man. A soy-drinking man, dammit!

But no matter how you enjoy your bean, there’s one thing for certain; coffee is good. Some say it should only be consumed black, sans sugar, in a ceramic cup. Others, like Rob, suggest it can be enhanced with a small amount of milk, i.e macchiato. While everyone has different tastes, I’m sure most of us would agree that caramel, butterscotch and excessive amounts of foam, sprinklings and flavourings have no place in any cup.

Brett

Don't blame me

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View Comments

Gianni says:

Dec 16 2011 at 1:05 pm

@doubleR
Oh yes, PID temp control, one wand for steam, one for hot water. It's the Thor of espresso makers. Actually it's Spanish, so maybe the Indurain of brewing machines. Daddy wants very much.
doubleR says:

Dec 16 2011 at 1:41 pm

@snoov

Ah this is the thread I was looking for months ago. you guys might want to rustle up one of these.

I love the way the copper contrasts with the polished steel. I am puzzled, however, exactly what it is? Maybe some sort of improvised filter holder?
snoov says:

Dec 16 2011 at 3:12 pm

It's a stencil for cappuccinos.
doubleR says:

Dec 16 2011 at 3:37 pm

@snoov

It's a stencil for cappuccinos.

Oh, yeah...it makes sense now! Thanks.
itburns says:

Dec 16 2011 at 11:26 pm

@Gianni

@doubleR
Oh yes, PID temp control, one wand for steam, one for hot water. It's the Thor of espresso makers. Actually it's Spanish, so maybe the Indurain of brewing machines. Daddy wants very much.

E61 group head with preinfusion, a group head pressure adjustment screw behind the drip tray, double boiler - one boiler for group head and one boiler for steam and micro temperature group head adjustments. Took me a long time to get to this but it's nice to know I am done with upgrades. Current version has added manual control of preinfusion time and an option to switch off steam boiler if you are just pulling espressos. Thing is a beast. Weighs 62 lbs/28kg empty.

Also highly recommend the Compak K3 Touch grinder.
doubleR says:

Dec 17 2011 at 7:32 am

@itburns

@Gianni

@doubleROh yes, PID temp control, one wand for steam, one for hot water. It's the Thor of espresso makers. Actually it's Spanish, so maybe the Indurain of brewing machines. Daddy wants very much.

E61 group head with preinfusion, a group head pressure adjustment screw behind the drip tray, double boiler - one boiler for group head and one boiler for steam and micro temperature group head adjustments. Took me a long time to get to this but it's nice to know I am done with upgrades. Current version has added manual control of preinfusion time and an option to switch off steam boiler if you are just pulling espressos. Thing is a beast. Weighs 62 lbs/28kg empty.
Also highly recommend the Compak K3 Touch grinder.

Holy crap....with boilers filled, it would be a two-man lift just to reposition the thing on your kitchen counter!