Importing a Bicycle

Leroy42

I am looking at buying a new bike, and dispite numberours visits to my LBS and others, they seem more intent on selling me what I don't want. I am clear what I want, so I have taken to the net to see what it has to offer.

I don't usually buy stuff off the net, especially cycling gear, as my LBS is normally very good, some prices are better some worse but seems fair to me for the knowledge and time they spend.

However, even if they can source the product I'm looking for, the price is way out there, stupid differences.

Anyhow, does anybody have any advice on buying over the net? Tips etc. Does effort involved, warranty issues etc take away from any gains you might get.

From the spec I got, there is no way the LBS can get close, some addional savings to be made if split across a few sites, but I think I'll stick to one (where I'll get the frame and the bike built up) to keep things simple.

Thanks

maddog 2

I've bought whole bikes off the net and wouldn't hesitate to do the same again.

Just do your research. Check how a warranty claim will work - would you ship back to the manufacturer or go via a local or non-local dealer?
Check the geometry and spec down to the last degree and millimetre - no good buying something that doesn't fit...

Will you do the servicing yourself? I do my own so that wasn't an issue for me. Others may need some help in this respect.

See if your LBS will price match, or at least get close. Nothing to lose in asking.

nicklouse

you say in the heading IMPORTING. If buying from inside Europe there are NO import costs.

but if from outside Europe (EU countries) then there will be import duty and VAT to pay.

into the UK 15% import duty and then the 17.5% VAT and with the $ being so low the Customs seem to be doing a bit more work.

(NB the 15% is for a full bike, parts are 4.7%ish).

cougie

Friend of mine just bought a bike in the States. He reckons he's saved a packet, but he wouldn't recommend it - if he has warranty issues, or somethings not to his liking - he's stuffed.

sproggysprocket

Have you considered the cycle to work scheme?
This is where your employer allows you to purchase they bike through your wages prior to deductions (tax and national insurance). This means thatmoney destined to be taken off of you is being used to buy you a bike.
The benefits for this scheme are something like 40% of price for lower tax payer and even more for higher tax payers. The maximum you can put through the scheme is £1000 but you can add to it.
In addition to this you pay monthly with no interest.
I think it is very easy to set up and open to all supported by the government.

More details on this site:

http://www.cyclescheme.co.uk/

Monty Dog

If warranty is a major purchase decision then you really want to go through a shop, because warranties always require you to send the good at your cost and the claim is at their discretion. I've bought plenty of cycling goods, online from UK and abroad - it really is down to the dealer. Whilst US prices look attractive, many dealers don't want the hassle of shipping overseas - it's not in their mindset and you pay duty and vat on the cost of the bike, plus shipping - which equates to a 35% increase. Bargains can be had, but make sure you consider all costs in your decision-making.