Mountain Biking - Advice from Austailian Members

Hey you guys Down Under,

I need some advice from all of you in Austrailia.

I had a girl come into the shop over the weekend who is planning a trip down your way. She was asking me if it was worth shipping her bike over so she can ride while down there. She is currently riding an old Trek 800 with no suspension and pretty well used. I told her she should sell her current ride and buy something new and perhaps sell it over there at the end of her trip, -or- buy something there! She's staying for 6 months and wants to ride a lot (like 2100 miles, she stated).

Since I've never been to Austrailia, I don't know what the market is like down there and what types of bikes are available.

She claimed if she sent a bike over she'd get charged quite a bit of $ for the additional baggage and also coming back as well. This is why I suggested she buy a bike down there. However, I don't know the extent of you import taxes (and other charges) and if it would be much more expensive compared to buying in the States and shipping....etc.

Also, maybe someone is interested in a certain bike from here that she could buy and at the end of her trip sell to them. Kinda like a garanteed purchase, rental type thing! Obviously, it would have to be a bike that fits her and she would use, but that may be a great deal for both parties!!!

Any suggestions or other help would be appreciated.

Lator Gator:D

Where exactly in Australia is she going? Good bike shops are pretty hard to find outside the major cities sometimes. However, in the cities you can pretty much get whatever you want in terms of bikes out here if you shop around for one.

My LBS has a lot of trek stuff, so if she wants to keep the same brand it shouldn't be a problem. You could get a good one for probably $A700-800, which is probably around $US400 or so. I don't know what she would be able to sell it for at the end of the time though.

If she's gonna be on the Gold Coast, she can drop me a line if she wants, the_chris_man_50@yahoo.com

Chris

Chris, thanks for the information. Unfortunately, I don't know any more than what I've already stated. I did give her the Forums e-mail address, hopefully she'll log on and get some info direct. I will also pass on your address next time I see her. I'll keep you posted.

Lator Gator

boomer - Tell her to check with the airline, most international flights allow bikes to fly for free. Buy a new bike here, take it with her and bring it home. Seems to be the most hassle free way.

Check this link for Travelling with bikes (http://www.bikeaccess.net/Default.cfm)