buying a bike in the US

miffed
miffed Posts: 469
edited February 2008 in Workshop
I might be going to the states for the summer and I could also do with a new bike. Seeing as everythings cheaper anyway and the exchange rate is rather favourable is it possible to do, what do I need to know and are there any hidden costs e.g. taxes.

Thanks

j
Puke washes out, Glory lasts forever

Comments

  • Monty Dog
    Monty Dog Posts: 20,614
    You'll be eligible for duty and vat - which is something like 15% and then the 17.5% vat on top. Duty is less on bike components - only something like 7-8%. Work out you prices and savings beforehand before making any purchase.If you go through the customs green channel, you might get lucky - but a bike is hard to hide! Also airlines are now charging excess baggage on bikes too - so need to check your airline allowances.
    Make mine an Italian, with Campagnolo on the side..
  • nicklouse
    nicklouse Posts: 50,675
    if you own the bike for 3 months then it is classed as you property and taxes are not chargeable. Please check the length of ownership and it is up to you to prove that you have owned it for the required time.
    "Do not follow where the path may lead, Go instead where there is no path, and Leave a Trail."
    Parktools :?:SheldonBrown
  • acorn_user
    acorn_user Posts: 1,137
    Not everything is cheaper.... US state sales tax generally runs to 5% or so. You might get lucky.
  • Monty Dog
    Monty Dog Posts: 20,614
    I don't believe C&E have a time limit between purchase and import - if you haven't paid EU taxes, you're still eligible. Caveat emptor, but C&E we'ren't born yesterday
    Make mine an Italian, with Campagnolo on the side..
  • guv001
    guv001 Posts: 688
    A friend of mine bought a Cervelo Soloist with full dura ace (can't remember what wheels) for £2100 in the States last year, so quite a big saving.
  • cougie
    cougie Posts: 22,512
    Yeah mate of mine did something similar, but he reckons that he would have been better off buying in the UK - if you spend so much on a bike- you want the support and warranty to be there for you.

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