Buying a bike

[desreb]

Hi all,

 

I’m moving to Sydney in 4 months, and said that I’d buy myself a new bike when I moved. I like cycling, am technically a MAMIL, but am not particularly into bikes any more than being something I can get a bit of exercise on and pop to the shops without having to worry about parking.

 

Having said that, most of my fellow riders spend £1000s a year on kit, and so I’m thinking of treating myself to something half decent that makes the experience more enjoyable.

 

So, the question is - do I buy in the UK, or AU? I was going to buy in AU, but if the saving on buying in the UK and shipping is sizeable, then it could be worth adding it to our container. On the flip side is the question of warranty and vendor support over there.

 

Has anyone does this, and how much did it save you?

 

Many thanks,

 

 

Damo

 

 

[newjez]

2 hours ago, desreb said:

 

Hi all,

 

I’m moving to Sydney in 4 months, and said that I’d buy myself a new bike when I moved. I like cycling, am technically a MAMIL, but am not particularly into bikes any more than being something I can get a bit of exercise on and pop to the shops without having to worry about parking.

 

Having said that, most of my fellow riders spend £1000s a year on kit, and so I’m thinking of treating myself to something half decent that makes the experience more enjoyable.

 

So, the question is - do I buy in the UK, or AU? I was going to buy in AU, but if the saving on buying in the UK and shipping is sizeable, then it could be worth adding it to our container. On the flip side is the question of warranty and vendor support over there.

 

Has anyone does this, and how much did it save you?

 

Many thanks,

 

 

Damo

 

 

If you are going significantly over £1000 - then I would have a good look at the UK first, and try and compare brands. My father often spends £5000 on a bike, and he swears the UK is cheaper. Sub £1000, I wouldn't bother, as you could get a sale in either country that would offset any advantage. 

You also need to consider warranty etc - but I would have thought they would be international. 

Not sure if Bike Force is national - but they are big in WA and look very similar to Evans Cycles.

Saying that - there are some good websites that offer very cheap stuff from Asia - but it may be counterfeit - so be careful.

Edited September 17, 2018 by newjez

[rammygirl]

Hubby bought a Giant roadbike in Aus and we took it back to the UK for a few years.  There was an issue with the frame and it was repaired in the UK under warranty. Check with the manufacturer.

If you want to be riding before your shipment arrives then buy here.  We had to bring one of hubbies bikes with us on the plane cause he couldn’t bear to be without a bike for that long!

[Tootsie]

On 17/09/2018 at 18:59, desreb said:

I’m moving to Sydney in 4 months, and said that I’d buy myself a new bike when I moved.

 

Personally I would NOT be riding a bike in Sydney. Sydney is not particular friendly towards cyclists (although seems to be improving in recent years slowly), and the bus drivers have a game where they like to try and scare the shit out of them, and then laugh about it back at the depot.........That said, I would buy an electric bike 

[unzippy]

I bought two e-bikes from Halfords and brought with.  They were significantly cheaper when compared to similar in Aus.

I'm handy with the tools so was happy to forgo the warranty aspect.

[Paul1Perth]

On Monday, September 17, 2018 at 16:59, desreb said:

 

Hi all,

 

I’m moving to Sydney in 4 months, and said that I’d buy myself a new bike when I moved. I like cycling, am technically a MAMIL, but am not particularly into bikes any more than being something I can get a bit of exercise on and pop to the shops without having to worry about parking.

 

Having said that, most of my fellow riders spend £1000s a year on kit, and so I’m thinking of treating myself to something half decent that makes the experience more enjoyable.

 

So, the question is - do I buy in the UK, or AU? I was going to buy in AU, but if the saving on buying in the UK and shipping is sizeable, then it could be worth adding it to our container. On the flip side is the question of warranty and vendor support over there.

 

Has anyone does this, and how much did it save you?

 

Many thanks,

 

 

Damo

 

 

There are lots of bike riders here and they upgrade their gear pretty frequently. You can get some excellent buys second hand. Are you after a road or mountain bike or highbrid? 

I picked up a carbon fibre, time (french make) road bike with Campagnolo record gears second hand for $750 About 5 years ago. Used it quite a lot for general riding and a few triathlons and it's been great. My son has a Marida carbon fibre second hand and we have a specialised enduro mountain bike and a haro we got for about $500 each. 

Plenty of sites you can check out. Honestly wouldn't bother bringing one.

We put out on the side of the road a perfectly OK older bike that still worked fine. Just put a sign on free bike and it was gone in an hour. Needed room in the shed.

I've seen a few people do that and loads more put out for bulk collection. 

Another place to look is garage sales. Some happen every weekend.

[desreb]

Thanks all. I've decided to buy over there, maybe secondhand as I'm a newbie to a decent roadbike.

I was thinking of an eBike for day-to-day errands to handle the Avalon slopes, but I've decided a more sensible approach is a decent road bike and then a scooter for errands.

D