Brand new broken Schlumpf

[tholub]

Originally Posted by lunicycle

For sure yeah, the buttons aren't compatible. Florian mentioned the diameter of the shifter shaft ends was reduced from 5mm to 4mm in order to get more material for the button i.e. make the buttons more robust.

No doubt it's a bummer there have been some glitches with hubs along the way but in my view Florian has been more than generous in how he has handled that. Be patient. Once you start to get uptight about unicycling stuff, it's probably time for a reality check.

I think people have a right to be uptight about failures of a $1,300 piece of equipment when four or five good unicycles can be purchased for that price.

[lunicycle]

Originally Posted by tholub

I think people have a right to be uptight about failures of a $1,300 piece of equipment when four or five good unicycles can be purchased for that price.

I guess to a point... but the temptation is to go too far, too fast, do a Micheal Douglas and 'stand up for your rights as a consumer' without giving due consideration for the people behind the products.

I've been as a guilty of that as anyone at times but am working on it. It was disappointing to have problems with the hub initially - buying it was a big $ deal - but hey I chose to buy the hub knowing its complexity, and chose to support a small company making custom low volume products. If that means waiting and inconvenience sometimes, then really I've got to roll with it.

I can't point the finger at anyone for delays in answering emails, my inbox has stuff from 2007 I haven't even read yet and probably never will!

Anyways, my hub #226 is going great ATM. My left leg is a bit beaten up though so I haven't ridden for a couple of weeks and am starting to get cabin fever. I wish I could buy four or five spare legs!

[napalm]

I admire Florian for the way he is dealing with the hub upgrades. I understand that there are teething problems with the first generation of any product and have been willing to go through the process of shipping it half way around the world to be fixed. I am disappointed, however, with his communication on repairs. According to my shipping tracking code my hub arrived in Switzerland a month ago and i have not heard anything form him at all. You must admit that is a little disconcerting when it is something that I have spent my years savings on. It would only take a minute or two to allay peoples concerns about their investment. I really love the Schlumpf hub and want them to sell well. It opens up so many possibilities for riding but a little effort in the communication department would keep his customers so much happier.
Mark

[SloMo]

It's sad to hear so many negative comments. So far I sent him three e-mails and couldn't be happier about his response times, the longest being five hours, the shortest being two minutes.

I sincerely hope he can handle all the critique (and improve with it) and keeps producing and improving this amazing hub, despite it being low volume, time consuming and obviously a lot of trouble (as can be expected from the first such product on the market).

[jogi]

when I reed this thread I suppose the problem is that the Schlumpf Hub is to good
there are so many people who want hubs that there is a problem to serve all of them in just in time.
If there where serious problems with the hub no one would order them.
so we all want them and we just have to wait.
Its an excellent hand made part and that causes some problems you wouldn´t have with ordinary stuff.

If you order a ferrari you will have more problems and need much more time for delivery and service than with an audi.

to change things the better way needs some time.
Just see it as an honor to get a schlumpf and calm down.
we need this master of his trade and we should make it easy for him. - than it will be easy for us.

[hugo]

Hi Jogi, I don't think that anybody wants to make it difficult for Florian and you can read that everybody really respects and loves his high quality products and understands his situation.

But I have to agree with Munirocks.

Just imagine you have a severe Problem with your Ferrari, need to ship it back to the factory, and they do not confirm that it has arrived. Would you be happy?

It is just that small piece of (missing) communication, which can have a big impact. And I would hope that Florian can take the comments as constructive feedback.

For sure I want him to continue his business - I am already saving money for a second hub, some time next year........

[napalm]

good news (for me at least) from Florian tonight. My hub should be on its way back to me within the week which is a relief (will have my best unicycle set up ready to go for Unicon). Plus i get a complimentary laser etching on it- i'm just going to get my name engraved on it for the sake of security.

Have you heard back yet about your hub Munirocks?

mark.