is UK expensive for bike stuff?

turbodog

Are we paying too much? I am assuming buying that bike stuff in USA, China, HK would be more cheaper (more than tax difference) than here.

Do you agree?

johnsav

id say we do pay too much.

i found a ritchey carbon riser for 40 quid on ebay last night, brand new from taiwan.

CraigXXL

I would have said yes but after a holiday in France and Spain last month they are paying a lot more than us. A good example of this is an XT Chaninset which I'd seen at between 190 - 215 euros (£152 - 172) the later price was for 2007 model! Over here you can pick one up for around £95 without having to look too hard. Same situation for bikes but tyres do seem to be cheaper with straight £ to Euro on a 1:1 conversion.

America has probably got a more competiive market and Taiwan is manufacturing the parts hence why they can offer parts cheaper than us.

chuckcork

Compared to prices in Ireland the UK is incredibly cheap.

My bike cost me about £770 (including shipping), the local price retails at €1500 according to the LBS. VAT is slightly higher in Ireland at 21% but with an exchange rate of about 1.25 Euros to the pound that is one heck of a markup for the middle man. Clothing is the same.

I tend to buy from UK stores like Evans, CRC and so on as a result, the shipping cost is a pain at times but it still works out cheaper in total, especially with stores like CRC not charging for it, and Evans not charging if you spend over £50.

ExeterSimon

We pay far too much...I went to a Specialized dealer while on honeymoon in Hawaii and ended up buying crap loads of stuff. I was near as damnit paying in dollars what we pay in pounds.

Then again I was in Geneva recently for work and saw a previous years Stumpjumper with 20% off....yet it was still more expensive that what we'd pay.

I suppose it's all down to wages and cost of living.

Chaka Ping

ExeterSimon wrote:

I suppose it's all down to wages and cost of living.

Certainly looks that way.

Bikes may be half to two-thirds the price in the US, but I believe wages are as well.

I think the relative cost of bikes has come down over the years too. I bought a top-end steel hardtail with an RRP of £1000 in 1997 - which had cro-mo forks and canti brakes.

The same RRP now (significantly less if adjusted for inflation) buys an equivalent frame, a good sus fork and good hydraulic brakes.

It helps that I'm earning more than I was in my mid-20s too, but biking's never been cheaper.

ExeterSimon

Hopefully with people like Superstar Components making an impact in the market we may see prices come down a bit.

Won't hold my breath........

SDK2007

Spesh bikes in the US are pretty much the same cost as in the UK.

i.e. Enduro SL Pro Carbon UK/US : £2700/ $5400