Thanks everyone for your comments. I just want to note that I was not complaining about the quality of their work--I know they are among the best, and that's why the frame went to Argos. I was just wondering if the lack of communication and long delay is normal for them. I'd love to have them complete the job, I was just rather hoping to have the frame this year.
In their defense, the front fork ends do need rechroming, which takes a while, and the paint requires lug and box lining. And apparently there were some minor modifications to the frame from a previous owner (beyond a bad respray) that need correcting. So it's not an easy job. My last communication from them suggested they hadn't even looked at the frame yet, so I'm not sure what's going on.
Hilary, I'll take you up on your offer. I'll e-mail you off list.
Thanks again!
John Ferguson
New York, NY
From: Derek Athey <devondirect@googlemail.com> Subject: Re: [CR] Argos To: "Anthony Taylor" <ajft1942@yahoo.com> Cc: "John Ferguson" <xrs2@yahoo.com>, classicrendezvous@bikelist.org Date: Saturday, June 12, 2010, 8:31 AM
Hi Tony
Don't know how long ago it is since you last visited Argos, but there are at least four now! Must be due to volume of work! Even a youngster to ream out threadings on a frame, when he is not packing etc.
Derek Athey Honiton, Devon UK
On Sat, Jun 12, 2010 at 1:19 PM, Anthony Taylor <ajft1942@yahoo.com> wrote:
Argos is a two man operation only. I know them quite well. Whenever I visit for a "look-see" they are loaded with frames waiting for work. Even so, 10 months is unreasonable unless agreed to at the beginning, and not replying to enquiries is never acceptable.
Tony Taylor Manchester NH
To: classicrendezvous@bikelist.org
Sent: Fri, June 11, 2010 8:43:07 PM Subject: [CR] Argos
I'm hesitant to do this, but does anyone have a contact at Argos Cycles, or know what is going on there?
Sent them a frame for a repaint ten (yes, ten) months ago...my most recent communication from them was on 4/30, saying that they're "keen to start the project, just lacking the time to look at it!"
I've requested my frame back from them, and haven't heard a thing. Am I being unreasonable? Is 10 months out of line for a repaint and minor frame work? Note that they have pushed back the delivery date from the few months initially estimated to basically whenever they feel like getting to it.
I've seen their work, it's really quite good, and they seem to know what they are talking about. Would love to have them complete the work, but don't understand what is going on...it's not like I've been e-mailing them daily, just every 6 weeks or so to see whether they were going to get to it some time this decade.
Now...if I'd sent the frame to Brian Baylis or someone similar, I could understand the wait as he's an individual in high demand. But isn't Argos a commercial operation?
John Ferguson
New York, NY