Road Cycling - italian bikes cheaper in Italy???

I am getting a new bike for myself for christmas!!

Just got a question for you all. Does italian bikes cost less in Italy. My brother is going there in Jan. and he has offered to buy it and bring it back for me if it is.

Anybody know?

Peter

They can be.

I saw frames there for cheaper than here in the USA. I remember seeing a Pinarello for like $700 US at the time- it was low end (can't remember which one), but I almost bought it. I just didn't because I was on a budget and I didn't want to skew my budget with an unexpected cost.

What you can do is bring a bike suitcase over empty, get the frame and purchase it in Italy, then keep the receipt and bring the receipt to Customs as you leave and get the GST tax back. Then that will definitely keep your cost down, as you end up paying even less for the bike.

Does that make sense? That's my plan for my next trip to Italy- buy the frame, get the tax break at Customs in Italy on my way out and carry it back to the USA.

Koffee

Aren't you driving a Porsche? C'mon, you've got the scratch............... :p

I think I read an article in Bicycling a month or two ago about buying a bike in Italy. I think that it costs a little less by the time you ship it home. If you can find the issue have a look at the other issues that were brought up. Someone must have that issue around.

hey, I drive a porsche by pinnypinching =)

Peter Liao

I know a few people who have bought their bikes/frames mail-order fron Europe and have got some very sweet deals. One family I know bought a number of DeRosa's from a company in England and had no problems with receiving them. I would think yiur brother could get a great deal for you, especially if he ensures that VAT or whatever local sales taxes are usually added on are not. He would probably have to prove he was going to take the bike out of the country with him. Many larger retailers have tax rebate schemes but I don't know about bike shops in Italy.
Let me guess, you're thinking about getting a Bianchi!

hey, I drive a porsche by pinnypinching =)

There you go!!!

I'm researching bikes now myself. Always looking for a bargain.

Hey, if you get to Pasadena, give me a ride in that awsome car!!!!!

Nhorscro:

Yeah, had a Bianchi about 10 years ago. Kinda miss that bike ever since it was stolen when my brother took it for a ride. want to get back into riding to get in shape.
Peter

Now I am tempted by that great looking Kuota bike I see someone has on this board... WOW!!!

Peter

Peter,
My LBS in Laguna Beach has a Kuota frame! Very sweet!! I think the owner had another one built up that he was riding. I'm not sure if he is a dealer but he definitely can get his hands on them.
Nigel

I recently returned to the states after three years in Italy and I bought my pinarello there. After having it built up, the cost after the conversion was cheaper. I still spent $3k and that was without the IVAT. I don't know about Italian Custums reimbursing the tax when you leave the country. I am in the military and had to do some paperwork and running around to an army base to get the bike sans IVAT from the factory store in Treviso.

I am glad I did though. Love my Pinarello.

Peter,
My LBS in Laguna Beach has a Kuota frame! Very sweet!! I think the owner had another one built up that he was riding. I'm not sure if he is a dealer but he definitely can get his hands on them.
Nigel

Which LBS do you go to Nigel ?

I can only think of 2 in Laguna... either Cyclewerks near the canyon, or LB cycles near PCH, by The Stand

JEff

I recently returned to the states after three years in Italy and I bought my pinarello there. After having it built up, the cost after the conversion was cheaper. I still spent $3k and that was without the IVAT. I don't know about Italian Custums reimbursing the tax when you leave the country. I am in the military and had to do some paperwork and running around to an army base to get the bike sans IVAT from the factory store in Treviso.

I am glad I did though. Love my Pinarello.

Yeah, I can see how you wouldn't have had the reimbursement. I think you have something like 3 months from the time you purchase something to get the reimbursement.

I'm jealous of that Pinarello! :)

Koffee

I think he is talking about laguna cyclery at Thalia St. They are a Kuota dealer, but he the price he quoted me was 2X what I found on the net.

Peter

you know what... just spoke with them again. the one I found on the web was a 2001 model according to him and it's not that they overcharge. Just to clear that up.

(would'nt want to spread bad word about a good LBS.)

Peter

Yes, I hang out at Laguna Cyclery! Patrick the owner is a racer and definitely knows a lot about high-end bikes. I stop by to refill my water bottles on my way home from my long Saturday rides. He was a sponsor of our club a couple years ago and I liked the service so I keep going back even though he is no longer a sponsor.

The current exchange rate sucks.

Paul

I think I read an article in Bicycling a month or two ago about buying a bike in Italy. I think that it costs a little less by the time you ship it home. If you can find the issue have a look at the other issues that were brought up. Someone must have that issue around.

Yup, I read that same article. If memory serves (not always the case these dayz!), you can get a custom frame made and shipped to the States for about what a factory frame would cost you here. I think there was a month (it's Italy, so plan for 3 months) or so of lag time, but it would be worth it for a custom Italian steed!

I think he is talking about laguna cyclery at Thalia St. They are a Kuota dealer, but he the price he quoted me was 2X what I found on the net.

Peter


yeah that is the one I was thinking of next to "The Stand" only in there once... I only work about 15 minutes away is Capistrano... I should pop in there sometime and check it out

Jeff

Yes, I hang out at Laguna Cyclery! Patrick the owner is a racer and definitely knows a lot about high-end bikes. I stop by to refill my water bottles on my way home from my long Saturday rides. He was a sponsor of our club a couple years ago and I liked the service so I keep going back even though he is no longer a sponsor.

right on.. which club do you ride with ?

JEff

Jeff
Paramount Racing, which is part of Orange County Wheelmen. We have Roger Young, former Olympian and Olympic Coach as our coach this year!! He'll be running the new velodrome when it opens next year.
www.paramountracing.org

nice... yeah I'm been smoked by OCW a few times whne I was getting back into riding... where is the new velodrome gonna be ?

I'm riding with the OC Rebel riders now... more of a recreational type group... but some fast guys in there...

Jeff

Yup, I read that same article. If memory serves (not always the case these dayz!), you can get a custom frame made and shipped to the States for about what a factory frame would cost you here. I think there was a month (it's Italy, so plan for 3 months) or so of lag time, but it would be worth it for a custom Italian steed!

Buying a bike in Italy, Bicycling, Nov. '03 pg 50.

Pete,

Just curious. What bike shops do you usually goto here in the L.A. area?

I am getting a new bike for myself for christmas!!

Just got a question for you all. Does italian bikes cost less in Italy. My brother is going there in Jan. and he has offered to buy it and bring it back for me if it is.

Anybody know?

Peter


Hi, Peter, i live in Vicenza, Veneto region in Italy. In this area we make most of the famous italian bikes, if you let me know what you prefer i'll have a look for you here around. send me an e-mail with brand, model and price. If you prefer something customize let me know the material you prefer. ciao

hello! actually I'm looking for a kuota in a 49cm? just wondering if you can get a hold of those as well? please email me at: hipcubed@yahoo.com. thanks...

Its about time I see some news on the Kuota...I have a Ksano and love it. The bike has gotten some great reviews...good luck