New York Visit - What Bike to Purchase (if any)??????

Future 2050

Possibly going to New York in the coming year. Thinking of buying a new bike in the region of 2.5 - 4.5 k. I believe there is good reduction in bikes there compared to Ireland. Is this correct does anyone know for sure.

Also, If there is a reduction - is it 20/30/40 % saving - if any at all???

Any particular bikes I should concentrate on for value. Thanks

Dave11

Interested in this topic myself mate as I'm off for charity cycle in September in New York and might pick up something myself if this is true!

Morgan

Yes, bikes and components tend to be a lot cheaper in the US than here. Bear in mind you can be nabbed for duty and VAT at the airport.

Do you have any idea what you want to get? I sure hope so if you want to spend up to €4500.

Dave11

Sure where do you start!! Googled shops in New York and its mad!!!

Can anyone recommend somwhere?

blorg

I know quite a few people who brought Trek Madones back. A lot cheaper than here and very good bikes. I imagine it would make sense to concentrate on American companies and get an idea from the internet as to prices, and compare to here... to be honest would probably make most sense to sort the sale out via the internet before you even get there. And as said better factor in the VAT and duty in case you are caught.

As for shops, www.racycles.com is in New York and mentioned by a fair few.

Lumen

IIRC duty is much lower on parts than complete bikes.

If I was dripping with cash, Wheelbuilder.com and Van Dessel would be on the list of deliveries to my penthouse suite.

Future 2050

I was thinking a SCOTT type bike depending on value. I believe this is an american brand. Is it

Lumen

Future 2050 wrote: »

I was thinking a SCOTT type bike depending on value. I believe this is an american brand. Is it

Yes. Also Cannondale, Trek (as mentioned), Specialized and many others. Possibly better off getting something niche that isn't available in Europe.

blorg

www.ifbikes.com

DirkVoodoo

Can you not buy a bike box over there, slap a few bike stickers on it, maybe cover it in dirt or kick it a few times, haul the shiny new bike back inside and claim you were over there doing a sportive if any customs officials ask?

I mean people go over there on shopping sprees all the time and just pack the new clothes, minus price tags, as regular luggage.

Dave11

Here's a quick break down of the possible savings:

Giant TCR Advanced 1 2010! www.Togabikes.com $3,999/€2,795

Giant TCR Advanced 1 2010! www.cyclesuperstore.ie €3,735!!! :eek:

Difference of €940 and thats before you haggle with Togabikes!

Gotta be worth flying over with and old yoke in a box and bring back the new one!!! :cool:

abcdggs

blorg wrote: »

www.ifbikes.com

thanks

blorg

Dave11 wrote: »

Here's a quick break down of the possible savings:

Giant TCR Advanced 1 2010! www.Togabikes.com $3,999/€2,795

Giant TCR Advanced 1 2010! www.cyclesuperstore.ie €3,735!!! :eek:

Difference of €940 and thats before you haggle with Togabikes!

Gotta be worth flying over with and old yoke in a box and bring back the new one!!! :cool:

To be honest that sort of discount (IMO) is not worth it, I would want at least 50% I reckon for it to be worthwhile, the friends with Treks it was over 50. I have got 50% off EU RRP just waiting for sales and buying online from within the EU.

EDIT: To clarify, that is 25% off. Basically the VAT. They don't quote sales tax in the US (admittedly it is lower.) In other words, it isn't even cheaper.

If you were done for VAT and duty you would end up paying MORE than the CSS price.

There are deals to be had but I would be looking very carefully at the sales and aiming for at least 50% off EU RRP.

blorg

abcdggs wrote: »

thanks

Now THATs a fixie.

Future 2050

any good scott bikes ?????? - something different

and would you get 50 % anywhere seems alot

el tel

In America I would buy an American made product to maximise saving. Specifically I'd get a Lynskey or perhaps a Litespeed.

To my own suprise I found that Scott are now a Swiss company.

Future 2050

that is a suprise :rolleyes: Thanks

blorg

Future 2050 wrote: »

and would you get 50 % anywhere seems alot

I got 50% off EU RRP when I bought my Litespeed from Wiggle last Christmas. No worries about VAT, duty, etc. Sterling low and a discount on top of that. You do find if you keep an eye out, Wiggle have some tasty mountain bikes at 45 and 50% off right now.

If you can find something at 50% off EU price (note US prices are lower to begin with) it might be worth taking a punt- given that IF you are caught (odds are you won't if it isn't Christmas) you will have to pay 38% the purchase price to customs.

Look for 2009 bikes on closeout. If I was going to New York I would get this but plenty of tasty road bikes on closeout here.

My point is just that, yes, US prices are lower, but if you are paying full the full US price you can often do as well here in a sale.

Also bear in mind 9% New York sales tax that isn't quoted in any of the internet prices (it's never quoted in the US, just added on the end- if ordering for delivery outside New York you don't have to pay it, but you will in a shop.) You can't get that back like a US visitor can reclaim EU VAT.

flickerx

Have your story straight for customs when they stop you, is my advice, from experience.