I’m getting very annoyed about these anti 50cycles threads. Most of the things that happened are out of control of 50cycles.

 

I'm a little loath to speak having got my Agattu almost as soon as I ordered it, but things have now come to such a pass that one feels bound to stand up and be counted.

 

This constant bitching at 50cycles is now not so much bathos as absurdity. There is nothing 50cycles can do; people have GOT to wait or cancel and have no other option; why keep endlessly on and on about it? It simply wears down everyone's nerves including the moaner's own.

 

We all feel for you. You have been unfortunate. Grin and bear it. There is nothing else you can do and acting up like silly kids helps neither you nor anyone else.

 

I will be leaving the forum as it is no longer a place where people can openly express their feelings without being told off.

 

Paul

 

Precisely.

 

Each time I protest about the unfairness of this witchhunt, it's me who's being criticised.

 

It's an atmosphere in the forum that I find unpleasant, but I'm told that's over reacting. No it's not, it's an expression of my feelings.

.

Steady chaps! As an ex-waitee for an Agattu and one of the original complainants re the attitude of 50Cycles, I do understand the increasing frustration of people who are still waiting with ever-changing deadlines. So, there they are, waiting for these quite expensive bikes, foaming at the mouth mainly because of the fact that the delivery dates keep changing all the time, as the weather gets better and better. So, they then post an irate thread about it and blow off steam. What's the problem with that? I thought people had said in the past that, if you don't like a thread, don't read it and don't contribute to it. It appears that people keep reading the threads, responding and now there's a mass hysteria about everyone leaving the forum.

 

I don't think it's a "witchhunt"... it's frustrated steam blowing by people who are getting fed up. I know.. I've been there and I had a terrible suspicion that this would happen, so I cancelled early on (comparatively) and got out of the whole thing.

 

As I think people keep saying.... most people waiting know it's not 50Cycles fault that no motors are available (or whatever). The cause of the irritation is 1. they keep selling bikes they don't have and don't know when they will have them 2. they don't deal with people properly.

 

Most people who comment adversely on the ire expressed by people who are waiting, already have a bike and aren't hanging on interminably themselves, getting one excuse after another.

 

May I offer a word of advice to those people who are getting more and more frustrated? Cancel your order, get your money back and get something else. Avoid all of this stuff completely. My own personal view.. and no, I really am not on a witch-hunt, is that no bike on earth is worth the hassle. It certainly wasn't for me. It's now 10 April and I bet most people haven't got their diamond frame Agattus. God help anyone waiting for a Pro-Connect. It would not surprise me one bit if people were still waiting (and steam blowing) in July or August.

Paul,

 

I welcome your contributions. You have been let down and it is valuable for us to hear about that. It is also perfectly legitimate for others to express their own opinions - including telling you off. If they were to be stopped from doing that the discussion would not be open and, under your definition, this would not be a forum.

 

The main objection seems to be that repeating the same complaint over and over again is not constructive. I agree with that, but those who criticise must appreciate that when 50cycles persist in writing on this forum things such as, 'we have had 2000+ (bikes) and kept every single one on the road satisfied', it is really difficult not to react to such ostrich-like nonsense negatively.

 

A second objection seems to be that people should take complaints up directly. Again, I agree with that. However, I found 50cycles almost impossible to get a response from on a number of very simple issues and I know others have a similar experience. Given that, this forum has provided . . . erm . . a forum where direct communication has failed.

 

I have said before that I wish 50cycles well and I repeat that here as I do believe they are honest, sincere and hard working, but I also firmly believe that this 'unpleasant atmosphere' is primarily their responsibility.

 

Django

So, they then post an irate thread about it and blow off steam. What's the problem with that?

 

None at all - the first time. It's when they blow off steam on here over and over again in exactly the same way that it gets irritating to say the least. And it does damage. It has already lost the forum one valued supplier.

 

If steam has to be let off every thirty seconds over a matter which is completely inevitable people should go into their gardens with a spade and dig. That will be useful as well as comforting.

people should go into their gardens with a spade and dig. That will be useful as well as comforting.

------------------------------------------------------------------------

 

 

or better still come to my garden..i will even supply you with spade, hedge cutter, lawnmower, and any other tools you need to vent your steam off

However, I found 50cycles almost impossible to get a response from on a number of very simple issues and I know others have a similar experience.

 

Possibly 50cycles too get fed up with exactly repeated moans and ignore them when nothing can be done. I have told of my own experience on here, which is one of fast efficient service, including the replacement of a faulty part without fuss on any sort. If people want smarmy salesmanship then it's true they probably won't get it from 50cycles and will need to go elsewhere. They should do so. They can get their money back immediately.

 

I know very little of 50cycles beyond my own satisfaction with them but I feel for them. They had a totally unforeseeable and fatal hitch with battery systems. They had a bad fire. They are trying to set up a good service as a Kalkhoff agency and run constantly into supply problems they are powerless to do anything about. They have apologised several times in a sincere and adult fashion. If they were to employ a telephone operator to croon sweet nothings into impatient ears would anyone be any better off? Of course not. There is nothing to be done. As you say those who must have instant satisfaction should cancel their orders and shop elsewhere.

 

I am speaking frankly and curtly in an intentional way. I believe this badly needs saying.

 

If a significant number tell me that my comments are unacceptable I will leave the forum but with much regret.

There’s rarely a day that I don’t come to this forum to see what every buddy is talking about:) , and to get and give advice were I can, since joining this forum I have learnt a lot and purchased 6 eclectic bikes all different, front wheel drive, rear wheel drive, geared drive, cross bar, step though foldable and kits. all different fun and enjoyable to ride, I see the people on this forum as friends most more than willing to give advice and help when asked for, I don’t like to see them threatening to leave over differences of opinion:( , all my electric bikes were purchased second hand so I don’t comment on retailers like 50 cycles or whisper although I do own there bikes, I think they are trying hard in a relatively new market and are improving the types of electric bikes that are becoming available to us all, without them and companies like them we would all be stuck with cheap heavy bargain basement ebikes off EBay:) .

It seems a shame that this issue has caused so much distress and ill feeling. I'm very new to the world of e-bikes and this forum, only deciding to go the way of a pro-connect after realising that a knee problem, after a serious accident meant I would never be able to properly ride again. The information on this very forum and the geniune way in which people seemed prepared to help complete strangers filled me with a real sense of warmth.

 

I could bemoan 50 cycles, as obviously I am now going to have a longer wait then the promised end of April, and as customer relations is my buisness, I would ask them to reflect on the fact that I learnt the fate of my order on this forum, would not a personal message to your customers first, not have been more polite?

 

But, heh Ive been to a funeral this week of a 52 year old friend, and learnt of another one passing away today. My bike being a bit delayed? So what the sun will come up tommorow.

 

I do hope that those who have, quite rightly, been stressed by this feel a cathartic release by letting of steam. But can we move on?

I don’t like to see them threatening to leave over differences of opinionEBay:) .

 

My offer was just that - not in any way a threat. I am of no importance but Flecc is vital.

 

I've now had my say and shall say no more.

 

Nobody has been hurt, nobody has lost money.

 

Small things like a fire at Panasonic or Derby cycles could see people still waiting this time next year, but not compelled to do so. On any sensible scale it's all a storm in a teacup.

.

.

Possibly 50cycles too get fed up with exactly repeated moans and ignore them when nothing can be done.

 

With respect, and as just one example amongst many of an ignored communication, how can:

 

----------------------

<snip>

 

Hi,

 

I have a few spokes out in the front wheel of my Torq and would be grateful if you could pop a few in the post. Fifteen would be good as that would leave me with plenty as spares.

 

If you are happy to enclose an invoice, I will send a cheque by return.

 

Many thanks,

 

<snip>

--------------------

 

be construed as anything other than a very polite request for essential back up to keep me as a satisfied customer on the road - something which I am now told I am?

 

I am glad your experience has been excellent and while I appreciate the 'possibly' at the start of your post, I am not happy with your negative implication regarding my own approach which has been considered and fair in all respects.

 

Cheers, (frankly but friendly)

 

Django

None at all - the first time. It's when they blow off steam on here over and over again in exactly the same way that it gets irritating to say the least. And it does damage. It has already lost the forum one valued supplier.

 

If steam has to be let off every thirty seconds over a matter which is completely inevitable people should go into their gardens with a spade and dig. That will be useful as well as comforting.

But Tony, it only gets irritating if one reads the thread, doesn't it? What I'm saying is that people who are waiting post threads and blow off steam but people shouldn't read them if they find them irritating. There is one particular member of this forum whose posts used to have me gnashing my teeth with annoyance. I now never read this member's posts, or respond to them, or comment on them....easy solution....

people shouldn't read them if they find them irritating. There is one particular member of this forum whose posts used to have me gnashing my teeth with annoyance. I now never read this member's posts, or respond to them, or comment on them....easy solution....

.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------

 

what we need is some computer buff to make us a programme where we make a note of any such said person.....and the programme automatically deletes that posting on just our computer...no more gnashing,irritation or annoyance..........and then that computer buff could help me sort my p.c as its sticking..:o

people shouldn't read them if they find them irritating. There is one particular member of this forum whose posts used to have me gnashing my teeth with annoyance. I now never read this member's posts, or respond to them, or comment on them....easy solution....

.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------

 

what we need is some computer buff to make us a programme where we make a note of any such said person.....and the programme automatically deletes that posting on just our computer...no more gnashing,irritation or annoyance..........and then that computer buff could help me sort my p.c as its sticking..:o

 

Keith, you can do this by using the ignore list. Go to UserCP and you will find it there. I have tried it with you and it does work but I have of course reinstated you now.

If you want the best, you're going to have to wait.

 

If you can't be patient, want something less.

oh i didnt know about that......i wouldnt want to ignore people who are annoying and pedantic and wingers and moaners,as reading their letters on here makes me feel right at home...cos i live in HULL..the capital city of procrastination and wingeing.....lol.....

As a recently frustrated poster, I feel obliged to join this debate, as follows:

 

1. the forum should allow people to criticise suppliers who don't perform and others have a right to know

 

2. it's been useful to squeeze the real story out and let off steam

 

3. 50C mean well and do deliver as soon as they can- my criticism is they're too ready to pass on each message from Derby without verifying it

 

4. the customer option for those who've ordered is to wait or cancel which is why I asked Flecc about alternatives when I got near the end of my tether

 

5. no-one has to follow posts they don't like

 

6. Flecc must stay!

I too am a relative newcomer to this forum and am also one of those with a Pro Connect on order. I agree with those who say that these daily assaults on 50 Cycles are boring and unproductive. I find it hard to believe that people are really so frustrated - I'm not. And yes - it does create a negative atmosphere.

 

The fact is that 50 Cycles are trying to bring what many believe to be the highest quality e-bikes currently available to the UK and are experiencing teething problems with the supply chain, which extends to Japan as well as Germany. I support what they are trying to do and am happy that they have given me a 20% discount on a highly desirable product - which I see as reasonable compensation for the delays (so far only about a month). They probably don't invest vast amounts of their limited resources in customer relations : if they did, it would push prices up and given that prices are already quite high, would probably mean that bikes like Kalkhoff would be beyond many of our budgets.

 

 

Keep up the good work 50 Cycles - thank you for making the Pro Connect available for me to purchase at a reasonable price.

 

Thanks too to Flecc - your Agattu write-up is one of the most thorough and informative technical articles I've ever read of any consumer product. It convinced me that a pedelec was the right choice for me and guided my choice of product. Your enthusiasm for e-bikes and the knowledge you bring to this forum, free of charge, is invaluable and indispensable.

 

Chris

Edited April 10, 200818 yr by Larkspur

Keep up the good work 50 Cycles - thank you for making the Pro Connect available for me to purchase at a reasonable price. Chris

Good work? You'll not be saying that once you've waited 4 months, like the people you're criticising. It's not good work at all, it's frustrating, a waste of time and money and intensely annoying for people who've waited so far a lot longer than you have.

I think anyone waiting longer than a month to receive a bike from any supplier would become frustrated, especially having parted with their cash. However, i feel that if a product is advertised as being available in say 4-5 months, from the beginning, prior to customer parting with their money, then they could decide whether to wait for the product or look elsewhere.

 

The due delivery date of my bike was updated constantly on the company website and the dealer kept me informed. There was frustration but only becasue i wanted to get out in the sun and ride, not with the supplier or manufacturer. Boiles down to honest business at the end of the day

Good work? You'll not be saying that once you've waited 4 months, like the people you're criticising. It's not good work at all, it's frustrating, a waste of time and money and intensely annoying for people who've waited so far a lot longer than you have.

 

 

Sorry to correct you Jimmy, but as the Pro-Connects were never advertised as being available until March, and I ordered my Pro-Connect in early February, nobody's Pro-Connect order has been delayed any longer than mine. That is, everyone who ordered before March has experienced exactly the same delay, so far about 1 month.

 

As far as I can see, 50 Cycles have simply been communicating the situation as they understand it at any point in time. The only alternative would be to say absolutely nothing and simply let us know when they arrive.

 

 

Chris

Edited April 11, 200818 yr by Larkspur

That's the way to do it.

 

http://grandads.googlepages.com/BoxingAnim.gif

Sorry to correct you Jimmy, but as the Pro-Connects were never advertised as being available until March, and I ordered my Pro-Connect in early February, nobody's Pro-Connect order has been delayed any longer than mine. That is, everyone who ordered before March has experienced exactly the same delay, so far about 1 month. Chris

No, I realise that. But most of the fuss on this forum is about the repeated delays of the diamond frame Agattu, not the Pro-Connect. When I ordered mine at the start of January, I was told delivery at end of Jan. Then Feb.... and so on. The size I ordered is still not available, 4 months later. Several people have been waiting months for them. Personally, I'm very interested to see if the same thing happens with the Pro-Connect.

http://grandads.googlepages.com/BoxingAnim.gif

 

Excellent Grandad! Can you put some mud in there please.

Excellent Grandad! Can you put some mud in there please.

Nah, mud is out of stock at the moment, expecting delivery in sixteen weeks