Rob Roy group buy

[shapelike]

Any swatches of the orange/green/(gee, what's black look like?) colours that will be options?

[bward1028]

I think it's looking like orange, green, or black? (someone correct me if I'm wrong.)

sorry, i got my Bike Forums IRO Group Buys confused...:lol:

[climbhoser]

Any swatches of the orange/green/(gee, what's black look like?) colours that will be options?

A few pages back there were some links posted on the colors. Just page back til you see them and take a look!

[bward1028]

what are the odds that we can get the complete build without having tony build it? or am i the only one that gets more pleasure from building it up myself?

[dirtyphotons]

what are the odds that we can get the complete build without having tony build it? or am i the only one that gets more pleasure from building it up myself?

i'd say the odds are pretty good. the other group buy shipped out build kits, not built bikes. even if he's doing it differently this time he'd probably oblige you if you can get a hold of him.

in other news, i don't believe anyone's mentioned the possibility of one of these guys:

http://aebike.com/images/library/catalogs/soc/p350X350m/DP1071.jpg

i believe there may be one in my rob roy's near future. i'll post a review if it happens.

[bward1028]

whatsat? where may i find one? that would be so much cheaper that a nexus hub

edit: nevermind, didn't see the QBP stamp on the photo

[dirtyphotons]

it's a sunrace index derailleur hanger (http://www.bikemannetwork.com/biking/p/DP1071).

they're made for forward facing horizontal dropouts but i think i can make it work with track ends. if i do i'll be sure to post pics and a description.

[Elisdad]

Dirtyphotons, you just made my day! That hanger is the answer to my not yet existent problem.

[climbhoser]

bward, I am continuously horrified at your avatar...watching a dog's rectum pulled inside out is truly a wonderful accompaniment to my breakfast.

I, too, like to build my own bike. I'm also curious about some things...and I'll have to ask Tony for finality. I want Brooks on all my bikes and he sells them at a great price. I want to put On One Midges on at least one of the bikes with cane creek interuptors, so I'd like everything from Tony except the bar on one bike, and everything from Tony on another.

I just don't know how it would effect the cost of the bike...cheaper if I build it myself? I have to think it would be, but I don't know...if you go to his site and you add up a frame, build kit and wheels (everything on the complete build) it's way more expensive...so, you get a good deal doing the whole thing, I just wanna know what the deal would be if I did the work!

I'll ask him next time we chat and let y'alls know. If you guys call him first then please let me know.

[cnickgo]

bward, I am continuously horrified at your avatar...watching a dog's rectum pulled inside out is truly a wonderful accompaniment to my breakfast.

I, too, like to build my own bike. I'm also curious about some things...and I'll have to ask Tony for finality. I want Brooks on all my bikes and he sells them at a great price. I want to put On One Midges on at least one of the bikes with cane creek interuptors, so I'd like everything from Tony except the bar on one bike, and everything from Tony on another.

I just don't know how it would effect the cost of the bike...cheaper if I build it myself? I have to think it would be, but I don't know...if you go to his site and you add up a frame, build kit and wheels (everything on the complete build) it's way more expensive...so, you get a good deal doing the whole thing, I just wanna know what the deal would be if I did the work!

I'll ask him next time we chat and let y'alls know. If you guys call him first then please let me know.
+ 1 for the seperate build kit. I think it's a deer by the way, part of instructions for gutting a deer maybe?

[dirtyphotons]

not sure what's included in the build kit but you need:

wheels
headset
stem
handlebars
brakes
brake levers
cranks
chainring
bottom bracket
pedals
cog/lockring or freewheel
chain
tires/tubes/rim strips

even at shop cost that stuff would be more than two hundred. at retail it's probably more like four.

[climbhoser]

not sure what's included in the build kit but you need:

wheels
headset
stem
handlebars
brakes
brake levers
cranks
chainring
bottom bracket
pedals
cog/lockring or freewheel
chain tires/tubes/rim strips

even at shop cost that stuff would be more than two hundred. at retail it's probably more like four.


IRO build kit incl. everything but wheels and saddle: $189

Crank...................IRO 130bcd with alloy 46 tooth ring
Bottom Bracket....IRO 68X110
Chain...................KMC Silver Track/Single Speed
Cog......................IRO
Lock Ring.............Steel
Headset................FSA Orbit Threadless
Stem...................100 or 110 mm
Handle Bars..........42 or 44 mm
Seat Post..............Alloy 27.2

IRO wheelset: $194

Cold Fusion Rim
14g Sapim Stainless Spokes
IRO Front hub and flip/flop Rear Hub

Brooks B17 from IRO: $54

Total for parts listed on IRO's site: $437
+ Frame ($160): $597

Tony's quote for build: ~$350+

Somehow I wonder how he'll make that happen. It's a damn good price, and if that is the price I'm getting two built bikes and two frames. It's just too good to pass up!

Edited to add: There are no brakes in the build kit. I want to mention though, that Tony is a pleasure to deal with. Instead of being a big box company that only has prepackaged items I'm sure he would be happy to add and remove items to a build kit and do it just the way you want it. How it works out in cost is the question.

[publius]

I'd like to buy a build kit and then swap out accordingly. Is there any resale on the IRO stuff on ebay so I could make some of my money back on it?

[climbhoser]

I know their hubs are Formula, so those would definitely have resale. They're bars are generic, and might make you a few bucks. Brakes are Tektro Vs which have some resale, but not much...mostly for fixie riders who want a front brake. BB is good, I would keep that until it breaks. Headset is generic and good...I've heard good things about them, but I don't think they have much resale. If you wanted a Cane Creek I don't know if you could sell the FSA Orbit. You CAN get a Chris King put on by Tony, but it's spendy. Seatpost is generic. Cranks are good, IMHO, and worth keeping, but if you want something special you can sell them. I bet you'd get a buyer on those. Wheels aren't bad, especially with the good hubs, and could resell for full price or maybe a few bucks off. Only reason to trade stem out would be size, and I think you could probably just trade it with your LBS or sell it for a few bucks. Saddle is good, and someone might buy it, but people are particular about those. Better get the Brooks and resell if you don't want it, but you won't make a profit..you might break even as they're in very high demand.

The most resellable piece of it is the frame! I don't mean to be the kind of guy that rips people off, but I think you could fetch $250 for one after the group buy. That's $90 cold profit! I don't know where you live, but in Denver there's no IRO dealer, so I think tons of people would be happy to get an IRO locally, not pay shipping, and still for a $50 discount off of IRO's listed price!

[cnickgo]

Tony's quote for build: ~$350+



Are you sure that the $350 includes the frame or is that a price for the build set and saddle/wheels?
P.S. I've been wondering the same thing because my planned build comes out to over 700 using mostly IRO parts.

[publius]

I know their hubs are Formula, so those would definitely have resale. They're bars are generic, and might make you a few bucks. Brakes are Tektro Vs which have some resale, but not much...mostly for fixie riders who want a front brake. BB is good, I would keep that until it breaks. Headset is generic and good...I've heard good things about them, but I don't think they have much resale. If you wanted a Cane Creek I don't know if you could sell the FSA Orbit. You CAN get a Chris King put on by Tony, but it's spendy. Seatpost is generic. Cranks are good, IMHO, and worth keeping, but if you want something special you can sell them. I bet you'd get a buyer on those. Wheels aren't bad, especially with the good hubs, and could resell for full price or maybe a few bucks off. Only reason to trade stem out would be size, and I think you could probably just trade it with your LBS or sell it for a few bucks. Saddle is good, and someone might buy it, but people are particular about those. Better get the Brooks and resell if you don't want it, but you won't make a profit..you might break even as they're in very high demand.

The most resellable piece of it is the frame! I don't mean to be the kind of guy that rips people off, but I think you could fetch $250 for one after the group buy. That's $90 cold profit! I don't know where you live, but in Denver there's no IRO dealer, so I think tons of people would be happy to get an IRO locally, not pay shipping, and still for a $50 discount off of IRO's listed price!

Very useful post, thanks! There aren't many things I'd like to change, except for the bars, brake levers and possibly the wheels (depending).

[climbhoser]

Are you sure that the $350 includes the frame or is that a price for the build set and saddle/wheels?
P.S. I've been wondering the same thing because my planned build comes out to over 700 using mostly IRO parts.

Y'know, that's a very good question! The fully built Rob Roy from Tony is $599. Take off ~$150 and you come in at $450. Even if he's asking for $450 that's still and unbelievable price. If you add $350 to $160, however, you come in at $510 which isn't that good, so I think he's gotta be doing the whole bike for $350. I'll be calling him Tuesday as is, so I'll ask him.

[cnickgo]

Y'know, that's a very good question! The fully built Rob Roy from Tony is $599. Take off ~$150 and you come in at $450. Even if he's asking for $450 that's still and unbelievable price. If you add $350 to $160, however, you come in at $510 which isn't that good, so I think he's gotta be doing the whole bike for $350. I'll be calling him Tuesday as is, so I'll ask him.

Well i knew college was good for something. Or at least I learned questioning while trying to save $ for school and other college related activities.
Even $450 is a frigging sweet price. When the time comes for the build I might talk to Tony about swap or two...aka Deep V's.

[Blais]

I think I'm buying the whole kit. If it stays around $350, it's a $%^&ing steal.

[exfreewheeler]

You know, I wasn't really feelin' the whole curved seat-stays look.

But it's kinda growing on me.

[TimJ]

I have a request:

If the deposit page could be up until or after the 15th that'd be great. This month has been nasty on my funds and if the deposit page doesn't stay up until my next paycheck I may not be able to swing even one deposit.

[climbhoser]

I have a request:

If the deposit page could be up until or after the 15th that'd be great. This month has been nasty on my funds and if the deposit page doesn't stay up until my next paycheck I may not be able to swing even one deposit.

I hear ya, dude...things happen. I think I might only be swingin' two bikes, myself. Actually picking up a temporary second job to try and swing two extras. We'll see how it goes down, and I'll ask Tony. Only problem I see with that is there are people who want this to go as quickly as possible. But, we'll see.

[bonechilling]

Any word on when the page goes up?

[climbhoser]

I'll be calling Tony tomorrow morning.

[sfcrossrider]

I'd like to be put on the list for a complete 56cm.

[shapelike]

You know, I wasn't really feelin' the whole curved seat-stays look.

But it's kinda growing on me.

Swing stays are the jam. Plus, they give the Rob Roy "its look" ala the Surly Karate Monkey's curved seat tube.

[MUDDY88YJ]

Hi if i am 5'6'' and ride a 52'' road bike what size Rob Roy should i buy. thanks

[fat_bike_nut]

Hi if i am 5'6'' and ride a 52'' road bike what size Rob Roy should i buy. thanks

http://www.irofixedgear.com/index.asp?PageAction=Custom&ID=4

Scroll down to see the Rob Roy frame specs. I normally ride 54cm for road/touring bikes, and 52cm for cyclocross. The Rob Roy however, requires me to get a 56cm, based on the way it's sized.

[Billygoat]

http://www.irofixedgear.com/index.asp?PageAction=Custom&ID=4

Scroll down to see the Rob Roy frame specs. I normally ride 54cm for road/touring bikes, and 52cm for cyclocross. The Rob Roy however, requires me to get a 56cm, based on the way it's sized.

FBN, are you sure? Have you checked with IRO, I would...

[fat_bike_nut]

Well, the TT lengths on the smaller sizes are too short for my tastes.

[climbhoser]

FBN, are you sure? Have you checked with IRO, I would...

FBN if you normally ride a 52 'cross then you should look at the 54 Rob Roy. As I'm hearin' ya it sounds like you enjoy smaller 'cross frames.

A good way of thinking about it is my specs: I'm 5'10" with a 33-33.5 cycling inseam. I normally ride 56 or 57 depending on the bike (I have REALLY short arms and I like a more upright position) and I'll be ordering a 58...so just one size up.

Look at the top tube because you don't want to be scrunched up...the Rob Roy's TT is way shorter than you would expect for the height. You can lengthen your seatpost and your stem to a certain degree, but if the frame is REALLY short then you'll be lacking, even if the seat tube length seems normal.

Remember what you're trying to accomplish with the size...because it really is irrelevant what length the seat tube is. Most people size based off the seat tube due to a pretty consistent geometry throughout the road biking world. However, if the geometry is slacker with a short tob tube then we have to readjust our specifications for a good fit.

I know with sizing I'm trying to accomplish a reasonably comfortable position while still being able to achieve efficient pedal strokes. I don't want to be scrunched, I don't want to be stretched out, I don't want my yarbles sitting on the TT and don't want to be unable to get my feet to the pedals (or not have a full leg extension). With a shorter top tubed bike I would size up one as long as standover isn't an issue. You'll still get to your pedals, will still reach the ground, won't be scrunched and won't be stretched out.

[exfreewheeler]

Hi if i am 5'6'' and ride a 52'' road bike what size Rob Roy should i buy. thanks

I'm 5'6" and I can ride up to a 54-55cm.

It depends on how stretched out over your bike you want to be.

You can utilize stem length to your advantage.

Standover height is not an issue unless the bike is really too tall.

You should be fine with either 52cm or 54.

I would personally go with 54cm.

[sfcrossrider]

I'm 6,1 and will be ordering a 56. I'll also be using mine for ss cyclocross racing, so the smaller frame is a good idea. It's better to have a cx bike on the small side than too large.

My RIDLEY supercross race bike has a 55cm tt and a 58cm st. Most cx race bikes have a shorter top tube than most would expect.

[Old Dirt Hill]

Hmm...I'm 6'0" and am planning on ordering a 58.

[rocks in head]

hmm... I'm 6'0 and I was planning on ordering a 60 as that's closest dimension-wise to my volpe. I won't confirm anything until I ride my friend's 58 though.

[climbhoser]

Rocks in Head, let us know how it feels. The only one I've ridden was a friends 54 that felt WAY too small. FWIW, he rides a 54 across the board and didn't upsize and felt it was the right fit. By calculation I should get on a 57 in an ideal world (were we to base the sizing off of Lemond road bike geometries), but I usually ride 56 due to short arms. Tony told me to get a 58, but I hate bikes too big...so let us know how the 58 rides.

[sfcrossrider]

For racing the 56 would fit me like a glove (56cm tt with a 120mm stem = cyclocross race bike). If I wanted a touring bike I'd get a 58 or 60.

BTW... my SURLY crosscheck has a 60cm tt and it sucks as a cross racing bike.


edit. Since the 58 has a 56tt I might be tempted to go up a size. I'm going to ride a friends this weekend to be sure.

[Retem]

For racing the 56 would fit me like a glove (56cm tt with a 120mm stem = cyclocross race bike). If I wanted a touring bike I'd get a 58 or 60.

BTW... my SURLY crosscheck has a 60cm tt and it sucks as a cross racing bike.


edit. Since the 58 has a 56tt I might be tempted to go up a size. I'm going to ride a friends this weekend to be sure.

the tt on the 56 isn't 56cm

[Grasschopper]

I keep looking on the IRO site for a GB sale page (well they have one but it is blank)...am I just missing it or is it not posted yet?

[climbhoser]

the GB page isn't up yet. I called Tony yesterday twice only to get VM and e-mailed him. He's known to be hard to get to (at least by me), so we'll see if persistence pays off today.

[pcop]

GB is now up...

[TimJ]

From the site:

We are offering a Rob Roy Frameset as a group buy. The total price for the frameset ( frame and fork ) is $160.00.

A $60.00 deposit will reserve a frameset for you. We will take deposits for the frameset until October 5th 2007.
At that point I will start the order process. It could take up to 3 months for the frames to be built and painted.
It takes about 30 days for shipment. The framesets will be available in 3 colors Black,Dark Green and Orange and 6 sizes 52cm,54cm,56cm,58cm,60cm,62cm. Please check the sizing chart to make sure you order the right size frame.

[bward1028]

anyone understand how to make the shipping go away?

[fat_bike_nut]

climbhoser, I am looking at the top tube when sizing. In fact, that's the primary measurement I look at when sizing a frame for myself (that and stand-over height). I prefer riding bikes with 55cm top tube lengths (or thereabouts), and that's the TT measurement on the 56cm Rob Roy. When I mentioned 52cm, I was thinking of the Surly Cross-Check and SOMA Doublecross. Those frames have long top tubes for their sizes. On the other hand, I did test ride a 52cm Bianchi San Jose once, and I felt squished, even though the clerks at that bike shop thought that the frame was correctly sized (stand-over height wise). Turns out the TT on that thing was 538mm, plus a 90mm stem, it made me feel too squished to enjoy the ride, plus the saddle height was too low, so my knees were aching.

Edit: Hey, sweet, 3 colors to choose from :D

[SeanBonham]

thanks god it is going to be up until Oct.
fundage is low until next friday...

[Psydotek]

Sweetness. I'll be putting down a deposit for two in a week or two. One for me and my brother-in-law. Hopefully it'll be here by christmas. His favorite color is orange. :)

[Fishy]

bward - just pick the free shipping option and the rest of the signup goes fine. Whatever shipping will cost will obviously be figured down the road.

When I placed an order about an hour ago for a black 60cm, it looked like there were ten other frames already ordered.

[bonechilling]

Just to be sure, the 100 listed is just for the first batch of orders, it's not actually limited to 100, right?

[Elisdad]

I want to order a full build. Should I put my order in now, or wait for a full build option?

[climbhoser]

full build options will be dealt with when the frames arrive.

So far not the best news, though, but I'm waiting to hear from Tony on this. I asked him about the $350 he quoted me before, and it was my folly thinking that would be the total...he got back to me and said it was for the build kit, and did NOT include the frame and fork price. Oh yeah, and he bumped it from $350 to $380. Doing the math in my head, that means I did a buttload of work to get a full Rob Roy for exactly $59 less and I have to wait 3 months. Granted, it'll be a unique color, but I was expecting at the least $140 off the fully built bike price and not just $60. If the price was $460 I'd think it was a deal, and worth doing, but as is I'm just going to buy one frame and build it with cheap stuff I find around the net. Obviously I'm kind of pissed.

I did e-mail Tony back, twice now, asking him if there was any maneuverability in that price at all. I lobbied on behalf of those who would rather pay $59 more to get a bike now, but I haven't heard anything back. I also asked him if he could discount it for just sending a box full of parts instead of a built bike, as I know many of y'all wouldn't mind putting it together yourselves.

So, I'm bummed because I'm really stoked on the RR and I feel like it was kind of a bust. For those of you who just wanted the frame anyways I'm super glad that you get a great deal on that, at least. Looks like I'm going that route, too.

All I can say is those of you who want a build can lobby Tony all you want. Previously I worried about overwhelming him, but I think he's gotta still be making money on the frames, even a little bit, and even if we're getting them at his cost there's no way the math adds up for a fully built bike at $540. So, I think there's something funny and I want to know what. Not saying he's doing ANYTHING dishonest at all, but he's either taking a huge hit on the full Rob Roy or he's making a mint on us.

Anyways, give me your thoughts...