View Full Version : New Rob Roy Group Buy Thread.
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l33twarezhax0r
03-26-08, 11:06 AM
For her, she saw a picture of the green and isn't crazy about it either.
I wasn't crazy about it either when I saw the pictures. From looking at the pictures, I would find it hard to classify the color as a "dark green" at all. I think that's a flash effect though. I got mine yesterday:
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2079/2364475472_32186f86d0.jpg?v=0
And i'm much happier with the color.
Yeah, the green looks much better in person. It's basically a forest green.
slopvehicle
03-26-08, 11:48 AM
Has anyone had chainline problems after respacing their 120mm hub to 130/135? I haven't installed my chain yet, but it definitely looks like I'll need to run my chainring in the inside position for sure. hopefully that's enough. I'm using the 107mm bb from my Angus.
The green is weird. In incandescent lighting it looks more "forest" green, but with a flash it looks almost turquoise. I'm curious to see how it looks in the sunlight...
with flash. notice that my "camp stove" Karate Monkey is a totally different shade of green.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3155/2360789272_da05211729.jpg
Chuckie J.
03-26-08, 12:15 PM
I wasn't crazy about it either when I saw the pictures. From looking at the pictures, I would find it hard to classify the color as a "dark green" at all. I think that's a flash effect though. I got mine yesterday:
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2079/2364475472_32186f86d0.jpg?v=0
And i'm much happier with the color.
Well that doesn't look too bad at all. So what is the procedure for sending back a frame? Call up IRO first? Does the customer have to pay for the shipping?
(I've ordered bike parts over 100 times over the internet and have never had to send something back.)
mihlbach
03-26-08, 12:19 PM
Has anyone had chainline problems after respacing their 120mm hub to 130/135? I haven't installed my chain yet, but it definitely looks like I'll need to run my chainring in the inside position for sure. hopefully that's enough. I'm using the 107mm bb from my Angus.
The green is weird. In incandescent lighting it looks more "forest" green, but with a flash it looks almost turquoise. I'm curious to see how it looks in the sunlight...
with flash. notice that my "camp stove" Karate Monkey is a totally different shade of green.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3155/2360789272_da05211729.jpg
If you have the same number of spacers on each side, the chainline should be exactly the same, regardless of whether you have it spaced to 120, 130, 135 or whatever.
slopvehicle
03-26-08, 12:23 PM
If you have the same number of spacers on each side, the chainline should be exactly the same, regardless of whether you have it spaced to 120, 130, 135 or whatever.
Oh, duh. I wasn't thinking.
Chuckie J.
03-26-08, 12:34 PM
Geez, some of you people are sooo fickle. $160 pays for some guys in Pennsylvania to assemble a huge order, then a bunch of guys in Asia to make the tubes, then another set of Asian dudes to weld them, another set to paint them, then ship them to the other side of the world to have it boxed up and sent to your very own door. What did you expect for a price that is about the same as a heavily used Ebay frame. I expected a half assed frame with a half assed paint job that will basically work as a beater for riding in the rain and thats what I got. Thats IROs niche..not high performance racing frames for you to worship and post pictures of on the internet. Considering the price, its a great buy, even if there are a few scratches, or some sort of imperceptible dent in the seat tube. If I wanted a really nice frame I certainly wouldn't have expected to get it on a bargain bin IRO group buy.
IRO did not advertise these as "factory seconds", "blemished" or the like. If IRO said ahead of time that there may be small but unimportant issues with the frames and paint, how many would have bought in? Still, I'm not a perfectionist and accepted my scratches and dents.
We payed less, yes, but we also waited longer. We put our money up front. We got a lower price by buying in volume, not by dipping into a lower quality control bracket.
IRO did not advertise these as "factory seconds", "blemished" or the like. If IRO said ahead of time that there may be small but unimportant issues with the frames and paint, how many would have bought in? Still, I'm not a perfectionist and accepted my scratches and dents.
We payed less, yes, but we also waited longer. We put our money up front. We got a lower price by buying in volume, not by dipping into a lower quality control bracket.
If I had scratches like on your frame I'd probably send it back or ask for some kind of discount/perk. I'm sure iro doesn't expect a customer to accept bad scratches like that.
mconlonx
03-26-08, 12:54 PM
Say...
BB on the RR is English threaded, but can someone with a frame in front of them tell me something? The threads--are they both regular threads or is one of the sides reverse threaded?
krayzkrn
03-26-08, 01:01 PM
Its fairly reasonable to think that perfectionism and mass-produced group buy frames are just not going to be compatible 100% of the time. If you paid full retain for an IRO frame, then I would fully expect a flawless frame, but considering the RR is already a low-end product, in my mind, the $X00 discount eliminates the guarantee of 100% satisfaction from the equation. At the very least, I would expect a frame that is the same size and color as ordered, consistent with claimed specs, is aligned and welded properly, and has no significant structural flaws....the rest (paint quality, water bottle alignment) is icing, but for $160 the icing is simply going to have variable thickness.
What exactly do you consider the difference between a full retail price IRO frame and a group buy dealio? I paid 160 for a supposedly retail 300 dollar frame but I was still expecting the same kind of quality or lack thereof. Just because IRO transferred the savings to the buyer does not mean we should be happy with a non-quality frame.
mihlbach
03-26-08, 01:44 PM
What exactly do you consider the difference between a full retail price IRO frame and a group buy dealio? I paid 160 for a supposedly retail 300 dollar frame but I was still expecting the same kind of quality or lack thereof. Just because IRO transferred the savings to the buyer does not mean we should be happy with a non-quality frame.
I'm not saying that you should or shouldn't be happy...thats entirely up to you. My point is that you shouldn't expect a completely bargain basement frame offered at a ridiculously low discount price to be absolutely flawless 100% of the time. Full customer service catered separately to each and every individual participant of the GB is not necessarily a part of the deal.
If you have a problem with that, contact IRO and see what they can do, and if they offer an exchange or refund thats great. And if IRO wants to keep its reputation they should attempt to keep its customers satisfied, especially those who will post their experiences here or on another internet forum....thats free advertising for them.
But, are you really surprised that a few of the frames have minor cosmetic problems? This was a bulk purchase of basically a generic frame with cheap paint and no graphics. Poor quality control comes with the territory of making and selling the cheapest most low end product possible, which is what this particular GB was about. If you want a guarantee of complete satisfaction 100% of the time expect to spend a lot more money, otherwise expect to occasionally get something thats subpar.
bonechilling
03-26-08, 02:45 PM
For the record, the green appears to be the exact same as the last group buy green. Lots of people loved it, but I thought it was ugly and stuck with my blue frame instead.
Am I the only one left at this point who has yet to have their frame shipped? I'm starting to get discouraged.....
Am I the only one left at this point who has yet to have their frame shipped? I'm starting to get discouraged.....
have you tried emailing Tony?
have you tried emailing Tony?
I've spoken to Tony several times, starting in February, about the fact I needed the frame before the end of March.
slopvehicle
03-26-08, 03:24 PM
I've spoken to Tony several times, starting in February, about the fact I needed the frame before the end of March.
I had a hard time getting a hold of Tony until the "frames are in" email went out. I'd been accidentally charged $60 x 2 back in September. Tony took $60 off the remaining $100, so all was well in the end. But I was getting very frustrated by his lack of response in the months prior.
I had a hard time getting a hold of Tony until the "frames are in" email went out. I'd been accidentally charged $60 x 2 back in September. Tony took $60 off the remaining $100, so all was well in the end. But I was getting very frustrated by his lack of response in the months prior.
I've always found him very easy to get a hold of, and I even paid for my frame in full in September. I guess it's a mute point now considering that there is no way it will be here before the end of the month. :(
period3
03-26-08, 04:16 PM
I still don't have my frame (green 56), and I haven't been notified that it's been shipped. I'm not in a big rush for it though - I still need to finish another one of my bikes anyway. I'll probably call Tony if I haven't heard anything by the end of the week...
I've spoken to Tony several times, starting in February, about the fact I needed the frame before the end of March.
slopvehicle
03-26-08, 06:01 PM
Remembered why I had 120mm spacing on my mind earlier today...
I assume my chainline would be wider / more outward if I had a singlespeed mtb hub (surly, etc) rather than my track hub. Perhaps that would be closer to ideal.
Ronsonic
03-27-08, 12:40 AM
Say...
BB on the RR is English threaded, but can someone with a frame in front of them tell me something? The threads--are they both regular threads or is one of the sides reverse threaded?
That's part of the British Bottom Bracket Bailiwick. Yep, both go in by turning toward the back of the bike.
Ron
mconlonx
03-27-08, 08:07 AM
That's part of the British Bottom Bracket Bailiwick. Yep, both go in by turning toward the back of the bike.
Ron
Sweet, thanks.
Anyone else having a problem contacting IRO....10 calls so far, 5 emails about a wrong part shipped to me with the group buy..
no response and has been over a week
mconlonx
03-27-08, 11:07 AM
I had a couple of tech-related questions. Called last week and then yesterday, still no response. No biggie on my end... I'd be pissed if it was over parts not shipped that was keeping me from riding.
I guess he and his family are just real busy getting the last of the orders out
I have no problem with
Tony, he is a stand up guy
this is the first time I haven't been able to get ahold of him, every time I tried before I immediately got him
oh well I will keep trying
just finished my build and waiting for usp on my final part...salsa lip lock seat collar :) and then going out for a ride
period3
03-27-08, 01:58 PM
I was sick today so I didn't go into work. Perfect timing - the post just arrived with my frame! The green looks great - the pictures don't really show it well. Time to start building
I guess he and his family are just real busy getting the last of the orders out
I have no problem with
Tony, he is a stand up guy
this is the first time I haven't been able to get ahold of him, every time I tried before I immediately got him
oh well I will keep trying
just finished my build and waiting for usp on my final part...salsa lip lock seat collar :) and then going out for a ride
Hmmm. It seems the post office won't accept the frame to be shipped to me because I'm in Latvia and Tony has to travel to another town to ship my frame. Totally bizarre.
matthew_deaner
03-28-08, 06:58 AM
My frame arrived a few days ago and it has three small dents and some scratches. I'm going to try to exchange it. A couple of the welds look really bad too.
Does anyone else think we got factory seconds?
My frame arrived a few days ago and it has three small dents and some scratches. I'm going to try to exchange it. A couple of the welds look really bad too.
Does anyone else think we got factory seconds?
No.
Old Dirt Hill
03-28-08, 07:08 AM
One of my frames (I ordered two) had three small dents on the seat tube. They're very small and I didn't notice them until I got the bike up on the stand and lights in the garage. I emailed Tony about it and sent him some pics but I'm not really expecting a refund/exchange/whatever.
I am a little bummed, but this bike is going to be my nasty weather commuter so I'm trying not to care. After all, it was a sweet deal.
Old Dirt Hill
03-28-08, 07:11 AM
Hmmm. It seems the post office won't accept the frame to be shipped to me because I'm in Latvia and Tony has to travel to another town to ship my frame. Totally bizarre.
I saw the message on the IRO site indicating this problem and thought of you immediately. ;)
I guess the bright side is that it wasn't lost in the shuffle/shipping. Hope you get it soon. :o
matthew_deaner
03-28-08, 07:27 AM
One of my frames (I ordered two) had three small dents on the seat tube. They're very small and I didn't notice them until I got the bike up on the stand and lights in the garage. I emailed Tony about it and sent him some pics but I'm not really expecting a refund/exchange/whatever.
I am a little bummed, but this bike is going to be my nasty weather commuter so I'm trying not to care. After all, it was a sweet deal.
Maybe I should look at it that way... I don't think the dents are too bad, but I'm a little concerned about one on the front side of the downtube. That's probably the worst place to have a dent, regardless of the size.
Old Dirt Hill
03-28-08, 07:31 AM
Maybe I should look at it that way... I don't think the dents are too bad, but I'm a little concerned about one on the front side of the downtube. That's probably the worst place to have a dent, regardless of the size.
Funny, I read your posting and wonder if I should expect a replacement/etc. :o
matthew_deaner
03-28-08, 07:35 AM
Funny, I read your posting and wonder if I should expect a replacement/etc. :o
I dunno... even if Tony doesn't replace my frame, I think I'll still have gotten my money's worth. As long as the frame doesn't buckle when I hit a large bump.:eek:
bonechilling
03-28-08, 07:46 AM
Hmmm. It seems the post office won't accept the frame to be shipped to me because I'm in Latvia and Tony has to travel to another town to ship my frame. Totally bizarre.
I've actually been to Middleburg, PA., and this doesn't surprise me. It's the part of the state that they call "Pennsyltucky."
My frame arrived a few days ago and it has three small dents and some scratches. I'm going to try to exchange it. A couple of the welds look really bad too.
Does anyone else think we got factory seconds?
My frame is in perfect condition, no problems whatsoever, took it for first ride last night..nice ride
well worth the wait, now that it's all said and done
it's also a pleasure dealing with Tony and IRO he runs a stand up business
mihlbach
03-28-08, 08:47 AM
Maybe I should look at it that way... I don't think the dents are too bad, but I'm a little concerned about one on the front side of the downtube. That's probably the worst place to have a dent, regardless of the size.
Cosmetic problems are one thing, but a dent in a structurally critical area is another. If there really is a significant dent in your frame in an area that would compromise its strength, I would expect a replacement.
mconlonx
03-28-08, 09:04 AM
I don't think we got seconds, but I do think we got bikes built during a manufacturer's busiest season during a season where all kinds of production was behind schedule. The Big Dummy was behind schedule, yes? And that other BD frame-only offer? The Alien bikes, new Surly frames, etc. I don't know for sure because I'm not an industry insider, but I bet Maxway and the other Taiwan production facilities were slammed through the Winter, with more demand than capacity. I'd be willing to bet that any frame defects--actual or perceived--are more because of rushed or possibly outsourced production than anything else.
sfcrossrider
03-28-08, 09:17 AM
Mine is 99% done. The quality lacks behind my Surly (and needless to say waaaaay behind my Steelman), but since this is a race build I don't care.
mihlbach
03-28-08, 09:21 AM
I don't think we got seconds, but I do think we got bikes built during a manufacturer's busiest season during a season where all kinds of production was behind schedule. The Big Dummy was behind schedule, yes? And that other BD frame-only offer? The Alien bikes, new Surly frames, etc. I don't know for sure because I'm not an industry insider, but I bet Maxway and the other Taiwan production facilities were slammed through the Winter, with more demand than capacity. I'd be willing to bet that any frame defects--actual or perceived--are more because of rushed or possibly outsourced production than anything else.
Were these frames really made in Taiwan or in a Tiawanese run factory in China? Its tricky that way. For instance, the Pedalforce group buy frames are made by a Tiawanese company, but in a China factory, but most people are dupped into thinking their bike was made in Tiawan. It doesn't matter to me at this point, the RR is what it is, but I'm still curious.
bonechilling
03-28-08, 10:05 AM
mihlbach, I can't find it now, but somewhere I have a link to a Taiwanese factory's catalog which shows what appears to be the basic IRO "track" frame. Granted, this isn't the same frame, but it stands to reason that it would be made in the same factory. Then again, I guess there's no guarantee that the catalog frame isn't actually made in China, as well.
So I got out a ruler, and my seattube is bent as well. So I got curious, and I went to look at some of the other bikes around my house. My roommate's Chicago Schwinn single-speed is also bent, as in the seattube of my Trek 420. Both are so minor that they're invisible to the naked eye.
I have no problem with the quality of my IRO, it's exactly the frame I expected for $160 + shipping, and I absolutely love the color. I can't wait to find the correct bottom bracket, so I can get mine on (and off) the road.
mconlonx
03-28-08, 01:55 PM
For them with "bent" seatposts--how are you measuring? Or rather, could external butting be mistaken for bent tubes?
mconlonx
03-28-08, 01:59 PM
[QUOTE=mihlbach;6420546]Were these frames really made in Taiwan or in a Tiawanese run factory in China? [QUOTE]
Well, I said, "...or possibly outsourced production..." and China was in the back of my mind. But maybe not even be China, rather another Taiwanese company not quite up to standards. There's a void at the top of the canti cable stop bridge on my frame that's annoying, but I'm not going to sweat it--probably just cover it with some silicone goop and call it a day, maybe get it brazed if I ever do a re-paint. Just got the final parts for my commuter build, will post pix before the end of the weekend.
For them with "bent" seatposts--how are you measuring? Or rather, could external butting be mistaken for bent tubes?
The seattube clearly appears to be externally butted to my eye.
sfcrossrider
03-28-08, 03:24 PM
Just took mine out to the local CX course. It's not a bad riding bike at all for the money. The performance is more than enough for SSCX racing. I rode my Steelman a few laps to act as a gauge of quality and the IRO held up better than I expected.
I'll post some pics this weekend.
Build:
Bullseye hubs.
Mavic reflex rims.
Ritchy comp stem.
Bontrager carbon post.
FSA cranks (42x17).
Eggbeater pedals.
Forte saddle.
Ritchy tires.
Deda bars.
20 pounds total.
dwainedibbly
03-28-08, 03:50 PM
My wife's frame came in perfect condition. We're 2 for 2 with IRO now. (I got one of the SSFG GB frames last year.)
Externally butted seat tube? Good eye! Grab the seat tube with thumb & index finger and slide them up & down the tube. You'll feel the tube get larger as you approach the top of the tube. It's subtle, but DEFINITELY there. On Mrs Dibbley's 56cm frame, you can feel it roughly of at the level of the rear brake cable bridge.
Build will be delayed. Not only is she getting it powder coated, but now she designed a custom headbadge that she's going to have made by headbadges.com. It's ok, she's a keeper.
bonechilling
03-28-08, 04:10 PM
Speaking of headbadges, does anyone know if Tony gives them out? I wouldn't pay for one, but if Tony wanted to mail me one, I'd slap it on the front. I think it's a pretty classy logo, and I don't mind a subtle endorsement like that.
The frame came today. It all looks pretty good except for a mark on the drop outs. My pockets don't feel the same as they did in September so I put the frame on ebay. I have to wander if tony will put the rob roy back up for sale when the group buy is over. A complete bike looks like a good deal now. Too bad about the logos though and I would still want flat black.
efficiency
03-30-08, 12:01 AM
I rode my Rob Roy today on my local trail. This trail includes a 300 foot climb, singletrack winding through bushes and trees, and a rock strewn descent. This bike is awesome. It's comfortable, and with the skinny cyclocross tires you can go really fast. The lighter weight and skinny tires made the climb much easier than I expected as compared to my hardtail MTB.
bward1028
03-30-08, 07:25 PM
don't think i posted this here yet
http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a108/upperclasstwit42/103_2005.jpg
rocks in head
04-01-08, 07:50 AM
haven't started building mine up yet, I need to get spacers for my rear wheel (I'm transferring 90% of the parts from my current conversion)
I was looking on the website to see if I could find the rear dropout spacing in print, but, alas, there is no more Rob Roy on the website. I guess I'll have to go down to the basement with a ruler.
Pics when I'm done...
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