As some regulars might remember, back in mid-January after much deliberation I ordered myself a shiny new Rose Pro DX Cross 4400:
[img] 
[/img]
Before I ordered it I asked if it could be fitted with the [url= http://www.sram.com/news/sram-force-stiffer-faster-better ]2013 SRAM Force groupset[/url], rather than the 2012 Force that was listed. Rose agreed to do this for no extra cost - which pretty much cemented the sale.
The bike arrived on Feb 15th - but had the stock 2012 groupset on it. 🙁
I called Rose, explained the situation and got a reassuring
[i]"Jah. For sure. Return it for free and we will replace it"[/i]
So I did.
And I included a cover letter explaining the situation and that I wanted the 2013 groupset, with the new WiFLi deral and a wide cassette.
The "fixed" bike arrived today.
On first glance it looked good. But the work order revealed all...
[img] 
[/img]
They've replaced the rear deral, cassette and chain. Splendid. But they've left the rest of the 2012 groupset on as it is apparently "identical" to the 2013 one.
Except... it's not really is it?
The chainrings are different. And the 2013 shifters have the Zero-Loss tech that used to only be on the high-end SRAM Red stuff.
[b]So what should I do next?[/b]
I [i]really[/i] don't want to ship the entire bike back to Rose [i]again[/i] for them to sort this out cos that will take around 3 weeks.
But I'm pretty pissed off that they got this wrong again and didn't even call or email me to ask if it was okay to ignore half my instructions; instead just adding a little note on an invoice and hoping I wouldn't question it.
👿
That's a Rival cassette as well although it's an upgraded chain.
I think communication is the best way to approach this. You are obviously not happy at the moment, but its easy to over react when in an emotional state. The emotional side of the brain always dominates over the rational side.
I would first make sure you are right about the new groupset (perhaps they don't know) and provide them with some evidence if necessary and communicate your expectations. Also weigh up what the benefit of the new group set is and determine if its worth proceeding or just accepting as it is.
It is probably just a misunderstanding that will be cleared up with a very simple telephone call with the right person.
Wise words chief.
Here is SRAM's spiel about the 2013 groupset:
http://www.sram.com/news/sram-force-stiffer-faster-better
And here is Cycling Weekly's take:
http://www.cyclingweekly.co.uk/news/product/535059/sram-force-update.html
So the groupset is definitely different.
Now to be honest I doubt I'd really notice that difference at my level (though the zero-loss shifters do sound good) but I feel like I've been fobbed off and lied to.
Worst of all my "lovely new bike" excitement has been tainted by a rather sour taste. 🙁
Have you had a chat with the UK rep, Finlay Paton?
I can't remember if he was the guy I dealt with re some stuff about 15 months ago, but whoever it was ended up being pretty on the ball.
Not sure how much influence he has. Probably enough for you to have a rantette and see if he can pursue your cause in some way ...
Rose UK Sales, Media and service:
FINLAY PATON
Phone +44 7775 786709
If it helps at all my 2012 force groupset is great on my rose pro rs 4400. until I read this I didn't even know that there was a significant difference, now of course I want to upgradE
Cheers spacemonkey. You're right it may be worth giving him a call.
DT78: Of course 🙂 As I say I doubt I'd notice the difference, but I don't like how they've handled this.
Call him now. He'll love it!
Nah... I'll wait till 3am when I've had a few more shots...
Now?
[i]*checks message history*[/i]
Hmmm.. perhaps sending him selfies of my genital area at 3am was a little childish.. 😉
Nah, I've gone for the polite but firm [i]"Disappointed of Northumberland"[/i] type letter. I'll update on any reply.