Why Are Bicycles So Expensive In Ireland?

Robdude

It's driving me crazy....

I can't seem to find a reasonably priced bicycle anywhere. I've shopped all around Dublin and online....am I just going to the wrong stores?

I'm looking for a new/full-sized/adult/mens bicycle with at least 10 gears, delivered (ideally) to my house.

I can spend 50-60 euro.
Is there any hope?

The last time I tried - I ended up ordering off Amazon.co.uk. I spent over 100 euro and the bicycle lasted for about four months before the handlebars came loose. I took it to a bike shop (the one next to UCD in Dublin) and they told me they couldn't fix it.

Crow92

hardset to find anything decent new for less than 300 euro for commuting, maybe a little cheaper if you look for second hand. Why do you think over 60 euro is so expensive?

LordSutch

I also got fed up looking for a bicle for my wife prior to Christmas, so I went online!

Even online you certainly won't get a new adult bike for €50 or €60, but they will be considerably cheaper than buying one in the Republic which is notoriously expensive. If you really only have €50 or €60, then I suggest an auction, or buy & sell.

Beasty

Robdude wrote: »

I'm looking for a new/full-sized/adult/mens bicycle with at least 10 gears, delivered (ideally) to my house.

I can spend 50-60 euro.
Is there any hope?

No!

Are you being serious? New adult bike for €50-60

You may get a decent second hand one for 10 times that price

Did you intend this to be in the adverts sub-forum, or do you want me to transfer it to the main forum

C3PO

Robdude wrote: »

The last time I tried - I ended up ordering off Amazon.co.uk. I spent over 100 euro and the bicycle lasted for about four months before the handlebars came loose. I took it to a bike shop (the one next to UCD in Dublin) and they told me they couldn't fix it.

Are you serious? Was there no lesson in this experience? I think €250 is the least you can expect to spend (2nd hand) for a bike that will be fit for purpose for a protracted period of time!

Crow92

sugarman wrote: »

Halfords do reasonable adult bikes from €99, best your gonna do.

The bikes we sell in halfords for 99 euro are not reasonable, heads of ****e

fat bloke

Should probably work up to bike ownership.

If you shop around you'll get a lovely pair of cycling-specific socks for 50-60 euro. Maaaaaybe a pair of gloves, or a hat. Add a couple of hundred though if you want shoes.
:pac:

eoglyn

yeah, OP you'll have to readjust your expectations i'll say - but try rothar for a reconditioned bike - i think they start at around twice the figure you mentioned, but what you get will probably stand up to some light commuting. worth a look anyway

Darkglasses

Not gonna happen OP, bikes are worth much more than that. Nothing to do with Irish inflation.

happytramp

I believe it is possible to buy a new bike for that price. It just requires a bit of effort. If I were you I would start by visiting the 80's. I believe there's a shop there that will sell you a bike for that sort of money. If you have trouble getting there I suggest contacting my good friend Dr Emmet Brown. I'll PM you his details.

devotional1993

Quite simple really.

They supply 2 saddles for each bike. One on the bike and the other to put on your back and ride you around the shop. Since the cycle to work scheme guys going in to buy a tyre are told to spend 1000e and come out with a bike and every conceivable add on you can imagine and "you will be saving money".
To be fair though you would need to spend at least 300e for any form of basic cycling.

TheBlaaMan

This is this funny bit..

Robdude wrote: »

I ended up ordering off Amazon.co.uk. I spent over 100 euro and the bicycle lasted for about four months before the handlebars came loose.

You want to spend LESS this time.........so dont be surprised if the resulting purchase only lasts a month or two:rolleyes:

Robdude

I'm sorry I didn't provide more information.

First - I have heard about the cycle to work scheme. Unfortuently my company has partnered with a bicycle shop that doesn't seem to carry anything less than 500 euro. Even at a 50% tax saving - that's 250 euro, and I'm worried about bicycle theft. I don't see that as an option for me.

Second - the reason I believe 100 euro is very expensive for a bicycle is based on personal experience. I've purchased and owned bicycles for significantly less. I have to believe that bicycles are fundementally the same the world over. They are probably all built in a factory in China or something.

My last bicycle, before living in Ireland was $60 USD from Walmart. It lasted two years before I sold it, and it was stored outside. That's 45 Euro at today's prices. It wasn't as light or as fancy as a more serious bicycle, but it had everything you'd expect from a bicycle. It was well constructed and worked for my needs.

Here is a $60 bicycle you could pick up virtually anywhere in the United States: http://www.walmart.com/ip/NEXT-Parowan-26-Men-s-Mountain-Bike/17252251

Or an $80 bicycle (60 euro) http://www.target.com/p/Men-s-Magna-Glacier-Point-Mountain-Bike-26/-/A-10993559 from a different retailer.

They are both new, full-size, adult bicycles, with many gears to choose from.

The bicycle I purchased here was from Amazon.co.uk - it looks like the price has dropped quite a bit, or maybe the exchange rate has adjusted. But, I couldn't find any adult bicycles that would ship to Ireland with the Super-Saver shipping.

So, I had to get a boy's bicycle. It's currently ~80 euro (but I paid 90+ euro)
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Elswick-Trailbreaker-Dual-Suspension-Boys/dp/B002DMJMTI/ref=sr_1_2?s=sports&ie=UTF8&qid=1327601215&sr=1-2

I've had it for about 4 months and I even keep it inside. I wish I knew exactly what was wrong with it - but when I took it to the bike shop they basically told me it wasn't worth fixing. The handle bars are loose and can't seem to be tightened (something about the head or the stem).

Anyway, I was really hoping to find something comparable to the cheap bicycles I've had in the past. But it sounds like that doesn't exist here?

I've looked at some ads on DoneDeal.ie but I've been told by co-workers that the ads with 8-10 bicycles photographed in an alley being sold for 50 euro each are almost certainly stolen. I didn't want to support that behavor - but maybe someone would tell me if there is any truth to that?

fat bloke

It's people like you what cause unrest.

Robdude

fat bloke wrote: »

It's people like you what cause unrest.

? I'm just trying to find a bicycle; not start unrest.

Stripey Cat

Didn't Dunnes Stores do some cheap bikes? I'm trying to think what our equivalent to Target is.

Robdude

Stripey Cat wrote: »

Didn't Dunnes Stores do some cheap bikes? I'm trying to think what our equivalent to Target is.

That sounds perfect! Thank you

I've only been to the Dunnes near Saint Stevens Green (or is it inside it?) in Dublin. Do you know where a large Dunnes is? (I'll google for it too, but I thought it might be something you'd know).

Stripey Cat

I don't think they always do them, but I remember they used to. They were self assembly.

Here's a thread about them: http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=2055351838

Darkglasses

With the right locks (and careful locking procedure!), bike theft is unlikely to be a problem with a 500 euro bike. Get a good, solid D-Lock, backed up with a cable lock. You'll be happier with a quality bike, with a quality after-sales service. Selling yourself short isn't the answer when it comes to bikes.

Edit: Those full-suspension ultra cheap bikes, as someone here said, are just designed to look cool, then die in a couple of weeks.

In my opinion, this is not a bad bike at all. Lightweight, strong, pacy enough. Will last much longer than that bike from Amazon. Retails at less than 400 Euro here, your bike shop might well get one for you if they don't stock it already.

Chips Lovell

Thread moved from Cycling Adverts as this isn't an ad.

happytramp

The reason bikes are 'so expensive' here is that in general people don't want bicycles that will potentially kill them. What if your handlebars just broke off (1000% possible) while you were cycling one of those down a busy road. I doubt you'd be thinking of the 100 odd euro you saved as you tumbled perilously through the air.

In general I try to avoid trusting my life with any complicated piece of machinery that costs less than a decent pair of shoes! In fact the machines that build those bikes probably cost less than a proper bike.

happytramp

Also this....

http://www.thecyclingexperts.co.uk/get-cycling/buying-a-bike/the-bicycle-shaped-object/

Lumen

happytramp wrote: »

What if your handlebars just broke off (1000% possible) while you were cycling one of those down a busy road.

I could die ten times in a single accident!

Stereomaniac

Wow. The internet certainly makes real life all the more real!

happytramp

Lumen wrote: »

I could die ten times in a single accident!

No, you just die once. But you are ten times more dead.

Icyseanfitz

60 euro bike.... good god get something better man

Mycroft H

Obvious troll is obvious

Tenzor07

I agree! A troll!

When you consider most people on here would spend €50 on a single tyre!

Icyseanfitz

its hard to even imagine the corners cut in making a 60 euro bike tbh

tweedledee

everything is expensive in Ireland, rip off nation here

Crow92

Icyseanfitz wrote: »

its hard to even imagine the corners cut in making a 60 euro bike tbh

+vat, shipping and selling for a profit !

Keep_Her_Lit

Robdude wrote: »

I'm looking for a new/full-sized/adult/mens bicycle with at least 10 gears, delivered (ideally) to my house.

I can spend 50-60 euro.
Is there any hope?

Eh, no. Really, there is no hope.

sugarman wrote: »

Point me ANYWHERE in the world where you can get a new bike for €50/60!

Amazingly, he did! Can you believe that?!

dquirke1

Crow92 wrote: »

+vat, shipping and selling for a profit !

When you put it that way, they're making a bike with a thousand or so moving parts for around 20quid. :eek:

Or in other words, a cheap bidon and cage.

Icyseanfitz

if my options where cycling a 60 euro "accident waiting to happen" bike or walk 20 miles id walk,

i had a bso around 3 years back, thought it was the shiznat, until i decided i wanted to go faster and the drive side crank snapped sending me over the bars...that was real fun, before that i had a slight problem with the headset/bars, they seemingly had a mind of their own and where not really attached to the direction of the front wheel

god looking back that bike was a POS, but i can actually see why people would think otherwise when all they have ever used are these bso's, op get a test ride on a well built (more than 500) bike and you will see that the difference is night and day

jimmymal

OP your best bet for a cheap but decent enough bike is rothar. i think prices start at around 135 euro something like that. all bikes get a service before being sold on and nobody will ever steal them. well not mine anyway.

Mycroft H

jimmymal wrote: »

OP your best bet for a cheap but decent enough bike is rothar. i think prices start at around 135 euro something like that. all bikes get a service before being sold on and nobody will ever steal them. well not mine anyway.

Ahhh here... dont get me started on Rothar. Defenitly better value to be had then that crowd.

Went to look at a Peugeot bicycle there. Wanted 220 quid for it and they said it was in great condition. A UO8 for 220, I was expecting it to be spotless. Turns out it was rusty and the front derailleur was about to crack in two. Completely overpriced. In that condition it was only worth a quarter of what they were looking for it. And they have volunteers working for them?

A friend bought a fixie off them and the BB was broke in two months. They didn't want to know about it when he went back.

John_Rambo

Robdude wrote: »

My last bicycle, before living in Ireland was $60 USD from Walmart. It lasted two years before I sold it, and it was stored outside. That's 45 Euro at today's prices

Did you cycle this bike every day in damp, coastal conditions for two years?

Walmart are a blight. They often move in, selling mass produced, inferior products by inexperienced staff, in doing so closing down local business. When everybody moves out because of lack of employment, they move on to the next town leaving the area in tatters.

I for one would not like to see them move in, €45 bikes or not. I like my local butcher, bike shop, DIY, green grocer etc... It's a small price to pay when you look at the bigger picture.

I'd go for a reasonably (not ridiculously) priced second hand bike, simple maintenance and good advice here (some incredibly helpful people on this site) will see the bike last you very well.

Our Atlantic/Irish sea aspect and our damp weather isn't the best for outdoor storage.

tomasrojo

I do wonder whether the expectation that a bike can be bought for under €100 is related to how cheap second-hand cars are. You often hear it after someone asks you how much your bike cost: "I could get a car for that!"

I think if there were a glut of second-hand bikes whose owners had been forced to keep their bikes roadworthy by the equivalent of an NCT, then you might see second-hand bikes that were very cheap indeed. Supply and demand.

Obviously, that situation doesn't exist, and won't.

eoglyn

book of the month suggestion:
http://www.bookdepository.co.uk/Cheap-Ellen-Ruppel-Shell/9780143117636

Wheely GR8

Why are 60 euro junkers so expensive ,they should be free.
Who wants to watch a world cup final on black and white portable.

iregk

The last set of tires I bought cost more than €60...

triggermortis

I only got one tyre for 55 euro!

Skatedude

For 50 or 60 quid, i would expect to find you hurt on the road after something breaks or falls off soon after buying.

i would spend more on tyres and break pads alone just for the safety

Kintarō Hattori

The description of the book that eoglyn linked to makes a good point. People are obsessed looking for 'bargains' and have moved away from quality products that have good craftsmanship to products that are cheaply built which ultimately won't give you the same experience as something that costs more but has been well built.

I too have been guilty of owning and riding a BSO. Initially I thought it was the best thing ever but a few months of riding it lead me to believe otherwise. Any sort of a hill was an absolute pig to get over and it had to head to the local lbs way too many times. It got to the point that I didn't feel safe riding it at any sort of speed- I had no faith in it.

I decided to take a leap and get a bike on the BTW scheme. I took some advice from a colleague who has cycled all his life and settled on a bike. The difference is incredible. It really opened my eyes to what a POS my €99 (expensive even by the OPs standards!) bike was. The biggest difference however is that I love cycling now and even on occasion cycle 70km to and from work- something inconceivable on my €99 bike.
I also ended up buying a 2nd bike for the commute between home and the train station. Having been smitten by the quality of a good bike I settled on a bike from the adverts sub-forum here and bought a MTB for €250. Again it's a lovely bike to cycle and I feel it was money well spent.

The whole point of this story OP is that you get what you pay for. A cheap clunker might get you from A to B- for a while but it won't inspire you to cycle longer or more often. It won't give you the same thrill that something built to a high standard will. It's also likely to fall apart/fail more often and potentially to be dangerous due to the low quality of parts. It's really as simple as that.

Lumen

A few days ago I was approached by a Frenchman as I changed a puncture. He asked where he could get a €100 bike in Dublin. He said that he'd bought a bike in France for less than that and ridden it for thousands of km with no problems.

For every few people that report problems with very cheap new bikes, there is one who has a good experience, often outside of Ireland.

I think, rather than dismissing the concept out of hand, it would be more productive to attempt to identify which of the cheap bikes are usable.

But then I have nothing to add to this since even my commuter bike was conceived to be deliberately and unnecessarily expensive, and maybe it's too much to expect of an enthusiast forum (like discussing fast food joints on ChowHound).

ROK ON

When I left universtity and secured my first proper paid employment in the mid 1990's I had the pleasure to work foor an eccentric self made millionaire.

After a few days he took a few of the newbies aside and asked us how much we paid for our shoes and how many shoes that we tended to buy during the year.
Being just out of college and broke, I recall mentioning that I bought a cheap pair of shoes that would suffice as a work shoe (could be worn with a suit).
My boss told me that he owned two pairs of work shoes - both hand made bespoke shoes by Churches. IIRC, they cost about £300 each or something. You bought hese shoes, they had a lifetime guarantee and just needed new soles/heels every once in a while.

At the time I believed that this was an outrageous amount to pay for a shoe.

He made a bet with me that I would spend about half with he spent on a shoe for life (in his opinion) over the course of 18months as I needed to continually replace an inferior product.

It turned out that he was right. It was the best education on the difference between price and value that I have ever gotten.

Price does not equal value for money. They are different concepts entirely - it is just that sometimes they overpay. When that happens one is lucky.

I also learned at that time that it is the wealthy can afford thriftiness more than the poor, which for society is unfortunate.

Lumen

ROK ON, until I can find a pair of Church brogues which match my JD Sports leisurewear your parable is of no use to me.

Chips Lovell

I bought a €100 bike once. It was a false economy.

Wheely GR8

I bought a 100 bike in a french supermarket chain ,in spain. It is good quality for the price ,but the parts are awful. Because of the weather over there ,I still use it.And because I'm only over there a couple of weeks in the year.

The transfer of power is terrible and thats my main dislike of it ,I hate wasting energy.

Tonyandthewhale

What ever happend to the 70£ decathalon single-speed mountain bikes? They seemed reasonably sensible compared to the usal offering at that price but they don't seem to be on sale any more.

Lumen

This kind of thing looks decent for <£300.

http://www.bikeradar.com/gear/category/bikes/urban/product/review-revolution-courier-race-08-24199

Not sure about shipping though.