I'm so confused now. When are the first backers getting bikes?

You are right of course. Still no email, but can now pre-order with configuration (choice of pedals, chain ring and disks) and 50% deposit. If you are already registered, you use the same email as previously, (presumably to keep your place in the queue?).

Backer update in 18th apparently showed high level timeline of backer delivery starting in early May and completing in July.

Pre-orders are advertised for July delivery, though assume later in July and staggered beyond then depending on volumes.

Slightly after hell freezes over, or maybe Mid-April to Late June. Helix continues to promise production is about to begin. Peter at Helix is his own worse enemy!

After all these, just curious, will the starters survive this episode?

Oh hell ya' .. stalwart group ... Don't rush things. Anything worth having is worth waiting for..

It's all good. I wouldn't even worry about it..

If you put the time, fees, taxes, lies, and empty promises together then the result is pretty obvious.

I really like the design and concept of this bike. I hope this project will materialize.

I'm very optimistic, and I'm a pessimist.

I've ordered a Helix, despite some reluctance born of the delays and lousy communication over the past year. Fingers crossed that it turns out worth the risk.

That's a super bold move... Quite the leap of faith. I hope your investment helps push the Helix over the goal line! I live in Toronto so I figure that I could potentially see and try the bike, if and when it releases, before buying. Let's hope.

Everyone else get the nicely worded email update?

Lovely fluffy confection isn't it?

It was adorable.

There is a saying, people play lottery for anticipation of winning. Maybe it's the same reason in your case.

**** it. I ordered one too.

If I get scammed, then hopefully the insurance on my credit card will cover it. This isn't Kickstarter any more, and after reading all the updates and information about this thing that I can, I am convinced I will get a bike by the end of this year, though I thinking it will arrive in July is a mite optimisitc.

That's an interesting point. CC insurance may not cover the kickstarter campaign, but it might cover a pre-order. It's almost Feb, and getting closer to the alleged goal line. I really hope this materializes for everyone.

Ehh... requiring the balance rather than a deposit on May 1, isn't the former actually worse ?

Its supposed to mean that full payments by May 1st right ? Or am I reading what you're saying here wrongly ?

check cc info, I think one can only dispute payment for a certain amount of time .... not years later

90 days may be the limit with credit card insurance on a purchase.

If I'm reading what you're reading, that's full payment months before a buyer would see a bike. And as we know, months with this guy can easily become years or never.

Yes .. that's what I was inferring.

There's no fixed dateline for delivery despite requiring a full payment requirement on May 1st.

I would say a deposit by the May 1st to get in queue for the pre-order. And full payment upon ready to ship. Shipment within like 72 hours of full payment would make much, much more sense looking at how things have panned out over the past year.

I can't remember for sure, but I think I paid for my 1st Brompton in full then had to wait the 3 months lead time for delivery.

The obvious difference here being that Brompton is a reputable long standing company with decades under their belts.