I'm interested in going over the the Bianchi factory for a new bike this summer/fall. Does anyone have any info on this? I'll probably only go if I can avoid paying VAT, otherwise I'll try to find an american retailer that will ship a bike to APO.

Probably not possible, seems like the VAT tax is taken very seriously here.

I don't think you can avoid VAT unless they ship it outside the EU.

Does the Bianchi factory sell to the public? I'm pretty sure Pinarello have a shop (in Treviso) rather have people come to their factory.

The Bianchi factory? So you are going to Tawain?

Ok, ok... I read an account online where someone mentioned going to the factory. That's why I brought it up here, I hope someone had some real information.

I understand that Bianchi has started to produce bikes in Taiwan, a shame really, but I guess that's what the big guys do to make more money.

I may still look for a bike in country, VAT is high, but I want something nice, and I want to make sure what I get fits. I won't get that mail order.

thanks!

Where are you from? Because Bianchi is quite widely available and you can try different sizes in shops without having to order blindly. Going to Italy is not going to get you a custom made bicycle from Bianchi, or Colnago for that matter, to ensure it fits - any better than trying the same size frame in your home country. But if you simply want to buy the bike while in Italy for the thrill of it, that's different.

You mentioned shipping to an APO, if you are US military and stationed in Europe, you can get VAT exempt paperwork on base. The three bikes I've baught here I used VAT forms on and saved probably 560 euro.

If you are living somewhere in Europe, there are plenty of Bianchi dealers. I've been to about ten in Germany and baught both here. One off the shelf and one my LBS ordered for me and it got here in about four weeks.

About the Taiwan thing, I read recently that Bianchi did move alot of their manufacturing there, however it was reported that their Reparto Corse bikes are still made in Italy.

We can not get VAT exempt forms here at Aviano, I've heard that I can get one from Vicenza. I haven't dug in to it too much, but I do know that VAT exempt forms are not available here for some reason.