Buying bits from USA

OldNickToo

I hope I am posting OK. I maybe should go to the cafe?

However. I live in Oz(tralia), and can see some fantastic prices for gear such as brake pads/sets, computers, tyres etc in the USA.

However, I am getting wild quotes for shipping. Nashbar for instance wants $65 US to send me two $30 US computers. I have emailed back and forth and finally been told that this is their minimum, but have still not heard where it goes from there.

Others are not as bad, but are way over the actual USPS costs as shown on the USPS site. There seems to be a heavy "handling" component in there somewhere.

There are a couple of sites that just do not seem to realise that many other sites are selling gear for half RRP. So their _prices_ are out of the water.

The only place that seems reasonable on freight, in that it states that it wants what USPS charges, seems like a newish site, and has "not yet available" on a lot of items, and whole blank pages, like no brake parts at all.

So does anyone know of a US store that
-ships to Oz
- charges reasonable rates (not more than 1.5 times USPS! <G>)
- has a rates page, so I have some idea before I go through the whole ordering process, and don't have to email for a freight quote on every order or change of order
- has a well-organised site that shows all the gear.

If anyone can point me, I would be grateful for suggestions.

SomeGuy

One is probikekit, a UK shop. Great prices, although as a roadie shop they don't have much MTB stuff. Many USA bike shops use UPS or Fedex, which is one reason it costs so much. Avoid couriers, because not only do you have the expensive shipping, you'll be charged customs fees (minimum A$45) too.

What I have found to be the best bet is buying from ebay. Use ebay australia and search for international items, many sellers have their international postage rate on the listing. They also normally use USPS, and charge reasonable rates.

OldNickToo

OK. Thanks. I will check out probikekit.

So UPS is not USPS. OK. I can't understand why the firms insist on using those services, or even not giving the Customer a choice. as they cost a fortune, and I really don't care if I have to wait a week! <G>. I have had severla things sent from the US (non-bike) in the past USPS, and never had any trouble, either.

gclark8

I use Harris Cyclery in the USA: http://harriscyclery.net
and USPS: http://pe.usps.gov/text/Imm/immicl/immiclab_012.html
although they do now have minimum buy values.

Recently I did a deal with my LBS on local purchase, 15-20% off, I do the leg work and supply the part numbers. This has proved cheaper than USA prices + freight on many (Shimano) items.

__________________
Cheers,
George.

OldNickToo

Checked out Harris. Not much range on the accessories stuff, where I am looking at present.

I doubt I am in a league that will attract any discounts yet. So far I am only looking at computer(s) brake pads etc. Maybe a tyre or two.

It also seems to depend on what you are buying and where you shop. Some US places a are very cheap for known names.

gclark8

You are just up the hill from me, (Basso), PM me your number, I can give you more info on the phone.

__________________
Cheers,
George.

OldNickToo

Thanks

I may take you up on that if all does not go well, but I have found Universal Cycles, who seem to have a great range, reasonable prices, and are honest about their freight rates, basically charging USPS.

Now all I can do is wait for the downside! <G>

bordo

Check out http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/ in the UK. They let you pick your local currency so prices are converted for you and the freight is shown in your basket without the need to login/get quotes.

All my deliveries from them have arrived in under a week from order date, including a custom built wheelset.......

MidBunchLurker

My favourite places for shopping on the net:

www.ribblecycles.co.uk
www.jensonusa.com
www.chainreactioncycles.com

Never had a problem with any of those guys. Chain reaction deserves a special mention though - their service is excellent and the shipping to South Africa is pretty cheap.

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nick.

www.nickcoyne.com