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Anyone import chinese carbon bike lately?

  • 29-10-2014 4:09pm
    #1
    Xpro
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 900 ✭✭✭


    Hi,

    Im thinking of importing one of the Chinese carbon frames, and I just want to see if anyone from here imported one lately and what were the customs fees?

    I know people talked about anti-dumping charges, but I believe this applied more to traders importing in quantities.

    I'd like to hear some first hand info rather then guestimations on what people paid on duty/vat and if you paid??

    Best regards,


«1

Comments

  • #2
    Xpro
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 900 ✭✭✭Xpro


    Anyone?

    So there's nobody here that imported a chinese bike?:roll eyes:


  • #3
    Lumen
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 31,141 ✭✭✭✭Lumen


    http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=2057186839


  • #4
    Xpro
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 900 ✭✭✭Xpro


    Lumen wrote: »
    http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=2057186839

    Thanks, I saw this thread , came up in the search. Still not a definitive answer to it.

    It's such a grey area with this taxes, its unreal.


  • #5
    del_boy13
    Registered Users Posts: 154 ✭✭del_boy13


    Imported a set of wheels 2 weeks ago from Far Sports. Order to shipping time took 2 weeks (quicker than advertised), 5-6 days shipping, delivered by courier and in my case no charges. I had set aside another €100 for duties but it wasn't needed.

    Very happy with the wheels quality is good but will get Dara in Bee Bikes to have a proper look over the winter.

    No idea on the frames and what the possible charges could be. I have seen a couple of import frames and the quality varied a good bit which will depend on the supplier.

    Best of luck


  • #6
    Chips Lovell
    Moderators, Politics Moderators, Sports Moderators Posts: 24,269 Mod ✭✭✭✭Chips Lovell


    Nobody will be able to give you a definitive answer.

    What is certain is that you are liable for customs duties, VAT and anti-dumping duties.

    What is uncertain is whether your consignment will be charged for all of the above. By their own admission, customs can't inspect every package coming into the country. And, the application of anti-dumping appears to be inconsistent. Some people get hit with it, some don't.

    If it were me, I'd budget for the maximum amount and regard it as a saving if they don't charge me.


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  • #7
    TheBlaaMan
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,452 ✭✭✭TheBlaaMan


    del_boy13 wrote: »
    Imported a set of wheels 2 weeks ago from Far Sports. Order to shipping time took 2 weeks (quicker than advertised), 5-6 days shipping, delivered by courier and in my case no charges. I had set aside another €100 for duties but it wasn't needed.

    Very happy with the wheels quality is good but will get Dara in Bee Bikes to have a proper look over the winter.

    No idea on the frames and what the possible charges could be. I have seen a couple of import frames and the quality varied a good bit which will depend on the supplier.

    Best of luck

    Any more info? Links, pics, price, style etc etc. A PM would work if you dont want to put them on the OPs thread.....


  • #8
    Robxxx7
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,240 ✭✭✭Robxxx7


    I imported a frame early last year ... wasn't hit for any custom fees or anti-dump taxes ....
    I did set aside a sum of money just in case but wasn't needed... i assume i just got lucky and as Oscar says customs can't inspect every package.


  • #9
    del_boy13
    Registered Users Posts: 154 ✭✭del_boy13


    @theBlaaMan got my wheels from Far Sports who have very good reviews online from any number of cycling sites. Went with these in the 38mm rim. Shipping is extra with this site so bear that in mind as some sites include free shipping. Very similar to the wheels reviewed on Road.cc but slightly heavier.

    Only had one quick 30k spin so far. I had a pair of Open Pro rims on Ultegra hubs that are well built and reliable but not very light and not very aero. Differences on the previous wheels were

    1. Weight noticeably lighter (didn't weigh them but definite difference)
    2. Get up to speed quickly no extra effort, once above the 30 kph mark they feel easier.
    3. Did a loop and had a strong headwind coming back and they were definitely quicker in those conditions.
    4. On the little short hills in NCD they felt great immediate response from out of the saddle and this was the biggest improvement for me. Really noticed it and loved that immediate response feeling.
    5. They came without the stickers on so I left them off and the bike looks great with them on and without the stickers. I'll stick a picture up at some point.
    6. On good surfaces they feel great and even on some of the buzzy tarmac in NCD they felt solid and maybe a little bit less feedback than the open pros (I'll have to check this again). On crappy surfaces the stiffness is a pain and you get bounced all over the place, not pleasant and not surprising.
    7. They come with FSA break pads for the carbon rims and there is a difference in feel when braking. It feels a bit grabbier and in the dry its fine but not sure if I'd risk them on hills in the wet.

    Very happy so far. Hope the above helps.


  • #10
    murf85
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 244 ✭✭murf85


    Xpro wrote: »
    Anyone?

    So there's nobody here that imported a chinese bike?:roll eyes:

    Haven't imported a frame but recently bought a pair of 50mm carbon clinchers from ebay/china. Valued at €300, incl shipping.

    Customs charged €90 for them.


  • #11
    Xpro
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 900 ✭✭✭Xpro


    I ordered the frame , all the fees, dutys, accounted for, so will see what happens.
    Spend a good bit of time looking for the right frame/factory, that many to choose, but this one came out on top with 1000's of miles covered, 1000's of positive reviews, so I hope it will be all good.

    Ultra High Modulus Torayca 1000-Mitsubishi 60T Carbon Di2 Compatible Frame only 800grams
    I will update when the frame arrives:cool:

    2hs2dl1.jpg


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  • #12
    12 element
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 719 ✭✭✭12 element


    Xpro wrote: »
    I ordered the frame , all the fees, dutys, accounted for, so will see what happens.
    Spend a good bit of time looking for the right frame/factory, that many to choose, but this one came out on top with 1000's of miles covered, 1000's of positive reviews, so I hope it will be all good.

    Ultra High Modulus Torayca 1000-Mitsubishi 60T Carbon Di2 Compatible Frame only 800grams
    I will update when the frame arrives:cool:

    Where did you order from?


  • #13
    Xpro
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 900 ✭✭✭Xpro


    12 element wrote: »
    Where did you order from?

    HongFu Bikes China


  • #14
    Xpro
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 900 ✭✭✭Xpro


    Just an update to my Chinese frame import.

    Bike arrived, it took less then a week to arrive from China, which is excellent. Had some small delay with customs which was expectable.

    The frame looks and appears to be of a high quality. It definitely looks much better then a Branded carbon entry level frames that I have seen for sale for much much more.

    The quality is excellent, no rough edges, everything is a direct fit,very well finished frame.( The part I was most worried about)

    Still to finish it off, have all the components here,Ultegra6800 groupset, inc Mavic Cosmic Carbones.

    Will post some pics when all is done:cool:


  • #15
    iwillhtfu
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 6,373 ✭✭✭iwillhtfu


    How much did it cost in the end once it cleared customs?


  • #16
    Tenzor07
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 8,999 ✭✭✭Tenzor07


    Nice video of what can happen with these frames: https://www.facebook.com/video.php?v=756527174424965


  • #17
    Rua_ri
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 322 ✭✭Rua_ri


    Tenzor07 wrote: »
    Nice video of what can happen with these frames: https://www.facebook.com/video.php?v=756527174424965

    Posted by a bike shop !

    No details about the frame, or from whom the frame was bought.

    Anything could have happened to that frame prior to this video.

    Dont get me wrong there are bad chinese frames out there.
    This one is definitely one of them.

    Any more info on this frame would be of great benefit to anyone thinking of getting a frame from China.


  • #18
    Koobcam
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 828 ✭✭✭Koobcam


    I'd be wary of Pinarello frames that cost €200, that sort of thing is very dodgy. On the other hand, there are some pretty good Chinese name frames out there-I think someone mentioned Hongfu. The other thing to remember is that most carbon frames are manufactured in China anyway, so you would think there would certainly be enough expertise in terms of frame assembly to make something decent. The big issue would be quality control.


  • #19
    mossym
    Moderators, Sports Moderators Posts: 8,766 Mod ✭✭✭✭mossym


    Rua_ri wrote: »
    Posted by a bike shop !

    No details about the frame, or from whom the frame was bought.

    why would the shop tell you where the bad places are? so that you know where the good ones are? correctly, the only shop they care about you thinking is good is themselves, so they're not going to help people filter out the poor sources. whats the benefit for them?

    the fact that it was posted by a bike shop doesn't diminish it in the slightest.

    a boards poster i know had a set of chinese wheels disinetegrate on him on a local hill, it's detailed in his log on here, so it isn't one of these well I've heard of a guy who it happened to. much as people want a bargain, a lot of the Chinese stuff is pure rubbish. it's for everyone to decide if the saving justifies the risk. that said, lots of happy customers out there too.

    at least you don't get as many people claiming that the frames are excess branded frames that came off the same production lines after hours. wishful thinking?


  • #20
    Rua_ri
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 322 ✭✭Rua_ri


    mossym wrote: »
    why would the shop tell you where the bad places are? so that you know where the good ones are? correctly, the only shop they care about you thinking is good is themselves, so they're not going to help people filter out the poor sources. whats the benefit for them?

    the fact that it was posted by a bike shop doesn't diminish it in the slightest.
    I wasn’t inferring that the bike shop should filter the good from the bad of Chinese manufactures and i will admit that is in every bike shops interest to undermine Chinese frames, unless of course the bike shop sells Chinese frames.


    What i was inferring is that if someone posts a random video of a busted carbon bike, then in the interests of anyone contemplating buying one they could add more information to inform potential buyers before they purchase.
    How do we know that this frame was even from China?


    Sorry to here about the wheel disintegration, again a link to that issue would be helpful to people who may be thinking of buying unbranded carbon wheels online.


    While we are posting info on busted carbon frames, here is some more random busted carbon frames from the internet.
    www.bustedcarbon.com


    Buyer beware.


  • #21
    Xpro
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 900 ✭✭✭Xpro


    Sorry I don't want to turn this into Chinese bikes VS Brand bikes, but heres my say:

    Theres cheap and budget chinese frames and then theres good frames.
    So far from browsing the net and various bike forums, Im yet to come across a major Hongfu-Dengfu frame failure, So I'm not worried about some bike shop posting a video of a flex in the frame.

    There have been some great results with those frames and thats good news.

    Check out UAM cycling team ( CKT Bikes) in spain. Manufactured by Hong fu for the team.


    FYI: also just google Broken Carbon Frame and you will find the majority of the photos are of Treks, Specialized, Giants and the likes, and only a few are of the generic chinese frames.


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  • #22
    magicbastarder
    Moderators, Category Moderators, Arts Moderators, Sports Moderators Posts: 50,241 CMod ✭✭✭✭magicbastarder


    Xpro wrote: »
    FYI: also just google Broken Carbon Frame and you will find the majority of the photos are of Treks, Specialized, Giants and the likes, and only a few are of the generic chinese frames.
    how many generic chinese frames are out there though, compared to trek, specialized and giant?


  • #23
    nak
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,538 ✭✭✭nak


    I have 2 pairs of tubular carbon rims from China, wheels were built up here and have had no issues - 1st set was used for a cyclocross season by my husband, then on the road and I have been using them for cyclocross this year.

    Admittedly some of the stuff from China isn't great quality, but have seen high end carbon frames and wheels fail too.


  • #24
    iwillhtfu
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 6,373 ✭✭✭iwillhtfu


    You've achieved this:
    Xpro wrote: »
    Sorry I don't want to turn this into Chinese bikes VS Brand bikes

    By saying this:
    Xpro wrote: »
    FYI: also just google Broken Carbon Frame and you will find the majority of the photos are of Treks, Specialized, Giants and the likes, and only a few are of the generic chinese frames.

    Result:
    magicbastarder wrote: »
    how many generic chinese frames are out there though, compared to trek, specialized and giant?

    Now roll out impending arguements. :rolleyes:

    Looking forward to seeing pics op.


  • #25
    Xpro
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 900 ✭✭✭Xpro


    magicbastarder wrote: »
    how many generic chinese frames are out there though, compared to trek, specialized and giant?

    Thats true, but it goes show you that theres no point in pointing the finger, when carbon failures can occur irrespective of brand.

    After all, nowadays all the carbon stuff is made in China. Some is good, some is bad.


    Happy cycling!


  • #26
    Beasty
    Administrators, Social & Fun Moderators, Sports Moderators Posts: 77,614 Admin ✭✭✭✭✭Beasty


    Xpro wrote: »
    FYI: also just google Broken Carbon Frame and you will find the majority of the photos are of Treks, Specialized, Giants and the likes, and only a few are of the generic chinese frames.
    At least you get a proper warranty with a proper brand. Can't imagine you get much comeback on a cheap chinese import should anything go wrong


  • #27
    slowmoving
    Closed Accounts Posts: 29 ✭slowmoving


    Xpro wrote: »
    Thats true, but it goes show you that theres no point in pointing the finger, when carbon failures can occur irrespective of brand.

    After all, nowadays all the carbon stuff is made in China. Some is good, some is bad.


    Happy cycling!

    Nowadays the vast majority of carbon bikes are still NOT made in China nor ever were.
    A lot of brands do have their frames manufactured in Asia but there is still a lot that manufacture in Europe, for those who like to stay relatively local like myself 😀.


  • #28
    mal1
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 811 ✭✭✭mal1


    Beasty wrote: »
    At least you get a proper warranty with a proper brand. Can't imagine you get much comeback on a cheap chinese import should anything go wrong

    Agreed. My branded carbon frame cracked, i sent it back to them, they sent me back a new frame. That won't happen with a 'no-brand' bike.


  • #29
    nak
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,538 ✭✭✭nak


    mal1 wrote: »
    Agreed. My branded carbon frame cracked, i sent it back to them, they sent me back a new frame. That won't happen with a 'no-brand' bike.

    The no brand frames are a lot cheaper, a y€500 frame is a lot easier to replace than a €2000 one for some of us, so people may not care about warranty.

    My big brand road bike set me back a few bob and the frame was made in Taiwan. It's the best bike I've ever ridden. The S-Works version was just too pricey and probably overkill for my needs.


  • #30
    ted1
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 23,661 ✭✭✭✭ted1


    mal1 wrote: »
    Agreed. My branded carbon frame cracked, i sent it back to them, they sent me back a new frame. That won't happen with a 'no-brand' bike.

    What kind of premium did you pay for the service? Might it have been as chesp to buy 2 carbon frames for China?


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  • #31
    Lumen
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 31,141 ✭✭✭✭Lumen


    slowmoving wrote: »
    ... there is still a lot that manufacture in Europe, for those who like to stay relatively local like myself.
    Do you have a last of mfrs who make carbon frames in Europe? I thought that had pretty much died out.


  • #32
    i_surge
    Closed Accounts Posts: 1,093 ✭✭✭i_surge


    Would be great to get the facts on what frame that is on stickybottle. Catastrophic failure vs. Crack? Looks worse than a simple crack but hard to tell.

    Unpainted with a bottom mounted rear brake.

    Point of note...most of the busted carbon on bustedcarbon.com involves crashes or roofrack/barrier incidents.

    There's a report knocking about of tests of a real vs. fake willier in terms of stiffness and strength...although commissioned by willier.


  • #33
    mossym
    Moderators, Sports Moderators Posts: 8,766 Mod ✭✭✭✭mossym


    at least one carbon frame that's not made in china, but still isn't immune to knock offs, which probably are

    http://www.bikeradar.com/road/news/article/look-highlights-counterfeit-695-frames-43273/


  • #34
    Gallant_JJ
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 819 ✭✭✭Gallant_JJ


    Just had a Deng Fu FM 069 TT bike delivered today. Bought it 2nd hand in the UK so can't advise on importing etc. Quality in the main seems very good, some finishing detail are a little raw, but generally very happy with it. Once i get it built up I can report back.


  • #35
    Xpro
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 900 ✭✭✭Xpro


    HongFu FM069

    Here's a few photos of my build,not finished yet, still have to do cables and levers and then tune the gears.

    Everything fits perfect, the build quality is excellent for the price of it, see close ups of headset,derailleur mounts and HongFu Carbon Bars.
    Well chuffed with it. I would have had to spend over 3K to get something with similar spec, inc the wheels. :)

    2nb7k1l.jpg

    2cnfuon.jpg

    23hvg45.jpg

    andafl.jpg

    m79ipu.jpg

    30as36v.jpg


  • #36
    Wackoy2k
    Registered Users Posts: 127 ✭✭Wackoy2k


    Ordered the Dengfu FM086 TT frame back on the 8th of December. Ordered the Matt black finish with a gloss logo (Surname). Also ordered a spare Carbon Seat post / spare rear drop out / TT Bars / TRP brakes (Front and Rear). Due to the finish and the logo it took a few weeks before it was ready to be shipped.

    Came via EMS and arrived in Portlaoise (Customs) on the 15th of January.

    Customs put the package on hold until I provided them with the Invoice. Box was never open but I provided them with the original invoice from Dengfu. Once I filled out the required form from the Revenue as the value was over €650 the package was released and I received it on the following Tuesday.

    The frame and Handlebars are great, the finish is spot on and after my Bike Mechanic looked it over he agreed that the quality was super. I am currently on a Giant Propel Advanced SL and the finish on the Dengfu looks better.

    Now I need to try and squeeze the Wheels / Ultegra Di2 past the wife without her noticing.

    Will post a few pics of the frame later. No great pics at hand at the moment.


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  • #37
    bcmf
    Closed Accounts Posts: 6,679 ✭✭✭bcmf


    I got hit with mine 2 weeks ago.
    Sent them a screenshot of my PayPal and got hit for €130.
    Since it was a custom one off paint I just about swallowed it.
    Turns out they never even opened the box.


  • #38
    Wackoy2k
    Registered Users Posts: 127 ✭✭Wackoy2k


    bcmf wrote: »
    I got hit with mine 2 weeks ago.
    Sent them a screenshot of my PayPal and got hit for €130.
    Since it was a custom one off paint I just about swallowed it.
    Turns out they never even opened the box.

    I got hit for €350.04.

    Had factored that in as I knew Customs would most likely hold and open the package.

    In the end I ended up saving a good bit of money by buying from Dengfu. The handlebars alone in Ireland would have set me back a nice piece of change.

    The box was never opened either in my case.


  • #39
    Xpro
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 900 ✭✭✭Xpro


    Wackoy2k wrote: »
    Ordered the Dengfu FM086 TT frame back on the 8th of December. Ordered the Matt black finish with a gloss logo (Surname). Also ordered a spare Carbon Seat post / spare rear drop out / TT Bars / TRP brakes (Front and Rear). Due to the finish and the logo it took a few weeks before it was ready to be shipped.

    Came via EMS and arrived in Portlaoise (Customs) on the 15th of January.

    Customs put the package on hold until I provided them with the Invoice. Box was never open but I provided them with the original invoice from Dengfu. Once I filled out the required form from the Revenue as the value was over €650 the package was released and I received it on the following Tuesday.

    The frame and Handlebars are great, the finish is spot on and after my Bike Mechanic looked it over he agreed that the quality was super. I am currently on a Giant Propel Advanced SL and the finish on the Dengfu looks better.

    Now I need to try and squeeze the Wheels / Ultegra Di2 past the wife without her noticing.

    Will post a few pics of the frame later. No great pics at hand at the moment.

    Looks great. I also tought that the quality of some of the chinese generic bikes looks better then some of the entry brand names that cost 1000"s more.

    Good luck with it!


  • #40
    TheBlaaMan
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,452 ✭✭✭TheBlaaMan


    This months copy of Velo Magazine has an interesting article on 'counterfeit' frames (and helmets) that wont inspire confidence in Chinese/Asian knock-offs. Notwithstanding the fact that the print media rely on manufacturers and distributors for advertising income, I'll leave it to you all to make up your own conclusions on the independent testing that they commissioned on the frames. Velo is available online at issuu.com, and I think is copyright sorted, but just in case, I'll not upload the full article here, but a taster of their conclusions is linked below. The main trust of the articles reiterates the point that 'you-simply-dont-know-what-lies-below-the paint' argument......

    https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B4ot08mdR0v7TFF3ZUFveWg4eDQ/view?usp=sharing


  • #41
    Bennybeau
    Registered Users Posts: 81 ✭✭Bennybeau


    How has it been on the road?
    Total confidence in it.
    It looks great?
    How much do you reckon did it set you back tax etc all in?

    I was thinking of getting the frame but using parcel motel to avoid tax.
    Would that be advisable?


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  • #42
    Wackoy2k
    Registered Users Posts: 127 ✭✭Wackoy2k


    Finally got around to getting the bike built.

    Used in in the Kilrush "Up the Creek", big mistake as I never used a TT bike on a hilly course before and there is some difference.

    Paid the following:

    Frame - €1295 which included Bars / seat post and additional seat post and custom paint job + Customs in IRL of €354 so in total the frame came to €1649 approx.

    After adding in the rest of the components I had to buy the bike came in at approx. €4500. Had to put the Di 2 on it as I have the Di 2 on the road bike.

    The guy that put the bike together for me was impressed with the frame quality and as he has seen the "Chinnerello" frames before which he said were terrible quality and warned people against them.

    I wasn't loving the bike at the start but after a proper fitting and a few rides I am starting to love the bloody thing.

    Didn't use it in the Hell of the West last weekend but that was down to the wind and I was not comfortable using it in the wind.


  • #43
    rollingscone
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,478 ✭✭✭rollingscone


    Have yet to hear anything bad about Hong Fu or Deng Fu frames they seem to be worlds away from the cheap and nasty replicas.


  • #44
    Rua_ri
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 322 ✭✭Rua_ri


    rollingscone wrote: »
    Have yet to hear anything bad about Hong Fu or Deng Fu frames they seem to be worlds away from the cheap and nasty replicas.

    It seems that Planet X are selling the DengFu FM066SL frame as their RT 90 .
    Very expensive compared to dealiing direct with DengFu.

    http://www.planetx.co.uk/i/q/FRPXRT90/planet-x-rt-90-carbon-road-frameset


  • #45
    Wackoy2k
    Registered Users Posts: 127 ✭✭Wackoy2k


    Rua_ri wrote: »
    It seems that Planet X are selling the DengFu FM066SL frame as their RT 90 .
    Very expensive compared to dealiing direct with DengFu.

    I found it pretty easy and straight forward to deal with Dengfu. Used PayPal and they updated me a number of times as when you put a design on the frame it will take a little longer.


  • #46
    Bennybeau
    Registered Users Posts: 81 ✭✭Bennybeau


    I'm looking to build something for the hills with either 11 speed ultegra or 105, Any recommendations?


  • #47
    Xpro
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 900 ✭✭✭Xpro


    My Chinese carbon bike has been great so far, can't knock it one bit. Its a pleasure to ride, it's sharp, great climber, it does have a small bit of flex, but thats normal for carbon. I nearly prefer it over my Pinarello at this stage.

    So far I have done a good few Km's on it, and it performed well, money well spend and it was cheap for the spec I have on it.


    Have a look at the thread below about chinese bikes and reviews, you might get a few ideas and other people's experience worldwide.

    Ps: Start from the last page, as it is a quite long thread and you will get updates mostly on newer models.

    http://weightweenies.starbike.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=113717&start=1185


  • #48
    Bennybeau
    Registered Users Posts: 81 ✭✭Bennybeau


    Xpro wrote: »
    My Chinese carbon bike has been great so far, can't knock it one bit. Its a pleasure to ride, it's sharp, great climber, it does have a small bit of flex, but thats normal for carbon. I nearly prefer it over my Pinarello at this stage.

    So far I have done a good few Km's on it, and it performed well, money well spend and it was cheap for the spec I have on it.


    Have a look at the thread below about chinese bikes and reviews, you might get a few ideas and other people's experience worldwide.

    Ps: Start from the last page, as it is a quite long thread and you will get updates mostly on newer models.

    http://weightweenies.starbike.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=113717&start=1185


    Which model did you go for?
    Is the FM 069 just an updated version of the FM 066?


  • #49
    Xpro
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 900 ✭✭✭Xpro


    Bennybeau wrote: »
    Which model did you go for?
    Is the FM 069 just an updated version of the FM 066?

    I went for FM069, stronger carbon t1000 and different design. Fm066 was more of a replica bike that was sold by various bike shops in china, while fm069 is unique to Hongfu


  • #50
    Bennybeau
    Registered Users Posts: 81 ✭✭Bennybeau


    Xpro wrote: »
    I went for FM069, stronger carbon t1000 and different design. Fm066 was more of a replica bike that was sold by various bike shops in china, while fm069 is unique to Hongfu

    Have thought long and hard and will look at purchasing the fm069 sometime before Xmas.
    I figure with all the extra postage that the frame may slip through the net and not alert customs. Would you mind pm me with regard to the cost of your build. I was thinking of doing a similar build with either Ultegra or the new 105.
    Cheers Xpro


  • #51
    Daroxtar
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,353 ✭✭✭Daroxtar


    I think you should forget about dodging the import taxes. Save the money and accept that you will have to pay them. If you don't you're going to be disgusted with the bill when you get it. On the offhand chance the bike gets through then you've the price of some other nice things saved.


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