Holden Wright

Think zone 2 like good exposure, not blown highlights. Warm up 5 minutes, then 20 minutes where you could chat, then cool down 5 and call it a clean frame. On the bike aim for a smooth spin around 80 to 90 rpm with the seat high enough that your knee stays slightly bent at the bottom. Walk on the softest path in the park and let the talk test be your metronome. If your heart rate monitor argues with you, trust breath and conversation over the gadget.

I had a bottom leak that turned out to be a loose hose inside. Unplug it & dump any water, then flip it over and remove the base screws which, yeah found it by tipping it on its side. There are usually two small silicone hoses going to the heating block and one had worked itself loose from heat cycles, so water was running straight to the drip tray area and out the feet. I pushed the hose fully back onto the barb and snugged the clamp, then checked the rubber seal where the tank feeds the machine and the little valve under the brew basket. After reassembling, no more puddle. If you are not comfortable opening it, at least press around the tank outlet seal with a fingertip and see if it weeps when the tank is installed. That will point you to an external seal instead of an internal line.

I noticed thumb grip caps were the main problem not the case. With caps on, the inner flap started pushing and I could feel resistance closing the lid, without caps it shut smooth. Screen protectors add a hair of thickness too, so keep the pocket light and flat and do the press test before tossing it in a backpack.