Worst products to buy in the United States

[Moose McKnuckles]

Based on what I have seen, these are the products one should avoid purchasing in the US, given the obscene markups.

1. Campagnolo anything.
2. Colnago.
3. Sidi
4. Shimano Di2
5. Tires. Any brand.

 

[pedaling squares]

Beer. At least the stuff put out by the large breweries.

 

[Moose McKnuckles]

Beer. At least the stuff put out by the large breweries.

That goes without saying. Mass-produced American beer is ****. I'm just talking about bike-related products.

 

[ElChingon]

Since you want cycling related only.

Military Bikes, I'm sure one can be had for at least 1 million, I'd hate to see the maintenance on it though, 3 million

 

[The Gnome]

"5.Tires. Any brand"

True enough...I was in LBS yesterday and noticed they had Conti 4000's...they wanted a cool hundred bucks for one! and not to open an old argument via supporting bike shops but when you can go online and buy two of those for 78 bucks you really have to wonder...

 

[twothirds]

Hundred bucks is ridiculously steep. Every bike shop in my area carries them for 65 a pop. Sounds like your LBS is a little expensive.

 

[steelciocc]

Based on what I have seen, these are the products one should avoid purchasing in the US, given the obscene markups.

1. Campagnolo anything.
2. Colnago.
3. Sidi
4. Shimano Di2
5. Tires. Any brand.

Moose - Only if you're paying retail for 1,2,3,5. Plenty of reasonably priced options (although they'll all involve international postage). I guess this might be your point.

 

[Moose McKnuckles]

Moose - Only if you're paying retail for 1,2,3,5. Plenty of reasonably priced options (although they'll all involve international postage). I guess this might be your point.

Yes, that is indeed my point. The markup in the US is obscene. Campy SR is over $3k here with the Ti option. I can get it for under $2k from the UK.

I support my LBS, but I cannot justify such a ridiculous price difference.

As far as Conti 4000s, you can get them for about $42 overseas, even less in bulk.

 

[Notso Swift]

To think, I have bought more than one thing from he US because it is cheaper than AU
Our prices are about the same as yours on those items, we can just start another list for:
Other Shimano
Sram
Wheels
Frames
Accessories

 

[ultimobici]

Yes, that is indeed my point. The markup in the US is obscene. Campy SR is over $3k here with the Ti option. I can get it for under $2k from the UK.

The price difference is nothing to do with the "obscene" mark up. By buying from the UK you are able to avoid paying any duty, as well as buying net of VAT. Add in the fact that if you buy from Ribble you're effectively buying at just over wholesale and there's bound to be a big difference. Helps pay for the lack of local warranty though!

RRP in the UK for Campagnolo Super Record is £2060, which equates to $3300. Strip out the VAT and you're left with $2750.

Ribble charge £1515 inc VAT for SR Ti, $2400. Once the VAT is removed that's a very attractive $2030.

The only reason they can sustain that price is that they are a wholesaler. I can't buy SR Ti at cost that cheap!

 

[Fiemme]

Funny thing in Australia pricing goes from one extreme to the other Consumables and Components are extremely expensive at retail level, yet entry level complete bikes are quite cheap.

For example Conti Competitons Tubulars retail for AUD$200.00 and a Campy SR group will set you back close to AUD$4000.00. But a complete Giant Defy (Alloy frame carbon fork) with 105 retails for AUD$1300.00. Some brands are offering full carbon frames with Ultegra for AUD$2500.00.

One retail outlet in Sydney who have their own brand are offering a Full carbon bike with DA mechanical group for AUD$3000.00. Yet another retail outlet have a Pinarello with Campy SR and Bora's with a ticket price of AUD$19,000.00. (Thats not a typo).

I guess it pays to shop around.