Waiting for a Croix de Fer

Woodcutter

Hello, I'm a long time lurker on the forum that informs and amuses in equal measure and the time to make my first post has come...

I ordered a Genesis Croix de Fer from my LBS on the C2W scheme exactly four months ago. I keep checking with the shop, but they have had no deliveries of the CdF despite having several on order for months. They were hinting that Genesis might have a technical problem with that model.

I'm getting worried because my Cyclescheme voucher says it is valid for 60 days (so strictly speaking has elapsed) and is for a specific bike, I've paid a £100 deposit and been paying installments from my wages for four months with no bike.

Has anyone ordered and taken delivery of a Genesis CdF this year?
What would you do if you were in my position?

I look forward to your words of wisdom...

ugo.santalucia

I have ordered and got delivered the last available croix de Fer 2010 back in January from Harry Hall Manchester. I think the new ones should arrive in April.

No major issues with mine, beside a rather difficult to remove front wheel (I think the fork dropout is a bit tight). Saddle was a bit crap, very squeeky, I've changed it with a Brooks. I've done about 800 hilly miles with it and I'm very happy. Just did a hilly 100Km Audax in Kent with it today. With 28 mm road tyres is very good on rough roads and lanes.

Have you been charged for it?

Woodcutter

Started paying for the bike as soon as I got my Cyclescheme voucher.

Glad you like yours. Fat tyres are a good idea until they fill the pot holes.

Got a revised delivery date from the bike shop (they were open today) - the middle of May. That'll be 6 months since I ordered. What's going on at Genesis?

The bike shop are very understanding - they've said I can choose another bike to the same value or with the agreement of my work Cyclescheme, cancel the order and go elsewhere to get another bike.

Thing is when you take a shine to the CdF there aren't any close alternatives...

ugo.santalucia

Woodcutter wrote:

Started paying for the bike as soon as I got my Cyclescheme voucher.

Glad you like yours. Fat tyres are a good idea until they fill the pot holes.

Got a revised delivery date from the bike shop (they were open today) - the middle of May. That'll be 6 months since I ordered. What's going on at Genesis?

The bike shop are very understanding - they've said I can choose another bike to the same value or with the agreement of my work Cyclescheme, cancel the order and go elsewhere to get another bike.

Thing is when you take a shine to the CdF there aren't any close alternatives...

It's a winter bike. In May you won't do much with it, other than commuting or going offroad. It's a 12 Kg beast and when roads get dry and potholes filled (?) I feel I won't use it as much.
Of course the market is full of cross bikes, but this one has disc brakes and eyelets for a rack and mudguards, so , yes, there aren't many others like the CdF. The Genesis Vapour is a good solid crosser, as a cross bike it's superior to the CdF and it's cheaper if that's what you're after.
I think the CdF must be seen as the ultimate bike, the one that does everything. If you could only have one bike and would like to do it all, that's the one you should have.