New Torq Trekking Downgraded?

[Bradwell]

Hi, I just emailed 50cycles today about the Kalkhoff Agutta and Torq Trekking as I was seriously interested in buying one or the other after a test ride.
The original spec in September included Schwalbe Marathon Plus tyres and a Selle Royale Freetime saddle, this has now been downgraded to Kenda puncture resistant tyres and a Velo saddle.
This may sound trivial to some, but I would expect the specifications so soon after launch to at least remain the same if not improve? Or am I expecting too much?

 

[Django]

At least you got a reply to your e-mail, which is more than I have on two out of the last three occassions I have e-mailed 50cycles.

If this is the case, it is certainly disappointing. One really doesn't expect e-bikes to get worse over time given that the whole impetus of the market is in the other direction.

Django

 

[Ian]

I would guess that due to the relatively small quantities involved, presumably just for the UK market, the costs of buying European components and then shipping them to China for fittment has proved uneconomical. The majority of potential purchasers are not as knowledgeable or discerning as most members of this forum and in their innocence would be perfectly happy with the standard parts.

 

[Bradwell]

Currently 50cycles have no availability of the Torq Trekking or Kalkhoff Agutta. Think I might be swaying towards a Wisper 905SE, but want to see independant reviews of all of the above 1st.

 

[flecc]

I know the Agattu is currently going through testing by A to B and will be reported on in the next (January) issue but I don't know if the intended Wisper 905se test will be in that, or whether there will be a separate review of the Trekking yet.

I'm not surprised by those expensive items being lost from the Trekking spec for the reasons Ian has given, and my only surprise was that they were going to be included in the first place, given their high cost.

However, the Agattu retains the equally highly praised Continental puncture resistant tyres, many ranking them as at least equal to the Marathon Plus in puncture resistance.
.

 

[Bradwell]

Hi

Surprised we have missed your email Django what was it concerning? someone is usually online all day. Usually someone answers in seconds unless, gone in to spam folder.

Most people reply saying how shocked they are getting a reply at midnight we pride ourselves on it.

Regarding specs I think there maybe some confusion, we are currently sold out of Torqs for the next 2 shipments arriving and they will not be available until Mid December and selling those numbers quite quickly so would suggest ordering soon to avoid disappointment.

I can ask our technician about ordering the specs you require if they are better suited to you or not already on the bikes.

This is a service we hope build on in the future.

Best Regards

Scott

Hi 50cycles, you have caused the confusion regarding the downgraded Trekking, please compare the spec from this section of your website Real electric bikes from 50cycles. New for 2008 season is eZee Torq Trekking electric bicycle - the latest version of the first electric bike race winner. with the spec from another section of your website Real electric bikes from 50cycles. New for 2008 season is eZee Torq Trekking electric bicycle - the latest version of the first electric bike race winner. Which is the true spec? In the 1st it comes with Schwalbe Marathon Plus tyres and Selle Royale Freetime saddle, in the latter it doesn't! Please end this confusion and let the customer know exactly what they are paying for.

 

[Ian]

It's true, there are two different web pages for the Torq. The one accessed from the recreational bikes link on the home page is different to that accessed from the electric bikes dropdown menu. An easy mistake to make when updating web pages.

 

[Bradwell]

It's true, there are two different web pages for the Torq. The one accessed from the recreational bikes link on the home page is different to that accessed from the electric bikes dropdown menu. An easy mistake to make when updating web pages.

Yes Ian, and easy mistake to make, but which is the real spec? Call me 'picky', but the right spec just might make me buy one! We are talking over £1200 and when paying that kind of money for a bike I want the best spec.

 

[Django]

Hi

Surprised we have missed your email Django what was it concerning? someone is usually online all day. Usually someone answers in seconds unless, gone in to spam folder.

Most people reply saying how shocked they are getting a reply at midnight we pride ourselves on it.

Hi Scott,

I too am surprised as I have often praised your usually excellent service on these pages - have a look back at my profile for evidence of that. Still, in the interests of balance and fairness, if things at times are not quite right I am happy to point it out.

As it is, I have sorted the problems I had and am now building up a good relationship with a local bike shop, so all is well.

(The latest query was whether you could bung a few spokes in the post as I was losing them left right and centre in the front wheel - now fixed. A 'no' would have been fine.)

Love the Torq, brilliant bike!!

Cheers,

Django

 

[ITSPETEINIT]

Torq Downgraded

Hi Scott,

I too am surprised as I have often praised your usually excellent service on these pages - have a look back at my profile for evidence of that. Still, in the interests of balance and fairness, if things at times are not quite right I am happy to point it out.

As it is, I have sorted the problems I had and am now building up a good relationship with a local bike shop, so all is well.

(The latest query was whether you could bung a few spokes in the post as I was losing them left right and centre in the front wheel - now fixed. A 'no' would have been fine.)

Love the Torq, brilliant bike!!

Cheers,

Django

yes, the Torq is a brilliant bike. Not perfect, but.....well, it goes at 22 mph, illegal or not.
Those who find difficulty in understanding why there are two specs published should read my commentary on my experiences:
http://www.pedelecs.co.uk/forum/50cycles-clinic/790-product-service-issues.html

I have asked before: others should also ask "Who takes responsibility for what is published on 50Cycles Ltd website?"
It was ages before the details of the "Guarantee" was published. Even as I type, there is no clear distinction on the specs that the battery warranty (Oh, yes they have changed it from Guarantee after much badgering from me) is only six months - the implication (unless you read every page and every line on the web site) is that the battery guarantee (oops, warranty) is 1 year.
So for your pains in pointing out the contradiction you got a bit of PR and a touch of advertising. Take care you do not incur their wrath: you could be denied service "so that you cannot take advantage of our good nature".
It's about time they sorted out their Spam Filter - they will find many messages in "there" from me over the months since August 2006 when I asked " Would you consider part exchanging a Chopper for a Torq". There was money in it for them but I got no response - not even in the middle of the night.
They might consider this: Every page on a supplier's website should show the VAT Registration Number. I could not find it on ANY page.
P.

 

[Bradwell]

Hi Bradwell

Both Specs are correct,

The current shipments underway will have the spec you require, and there are only a few left of this batch and will be delivered end of December.

After that shipment they will revert back to other spec.

Hope this helps

Scott

Can you please be specific about the spec of the "current shipment", what exactly is the spec? What will the delivery date be? What does the guarantee cover and for how long?
Do you require a deposit if I place an order?

I sent 2 emails yesterday and have not received a reply to the 2nd one?

Thanks

 

[davidro]

I also think 50 cycles need to examine their 'spam' folder more often. I have emailed James repeatedly and after the first reply his lack of correspondence has been conspicuous by its absence. The last time I tried to email again, his googlemail inbox was not accepting messages.

Not exactly the instant response that is being promised!