Anyone got any tips on whether this is doable or not ? I have seen a new bike I'd love to buy at a great price (not saying what, you can try and guess).
However, the US shippers do not ship outside the 48. I could use a pal in the US to send it on, but has anyone tried this ? And how does duty work ?
I did it once with a ukulele, but that was a bit smaller than a bike...
it aint the size of your wheels, it's something something blah blah blah...
I did look at shipping the other way a while back to see whether there might be money to be made from the Americans love of old British bikes. It would cost £200 to ship it, don't know about taxes, duty etc. Maybe persuade your friend he needs a holiday and see if he can get it in among his luggage? Send him back with a Raleigh 20 from Ebay (£20-50 here, up to $500 over there) and he may recoup some of the flight costs
yep, I think you are right about the cost. I saw a windsor touring bike on bikesdirect.com for $600 US which struck me as a nice price, but with shipping.
You have a point on the raleigh. I did bring a folding bike back (a downtube mini) from the US once......
Next time....
it aint the size of your wheels, it's something something blah blah blah...
Why not try a bike dealer in the UK, like Freeborn? They get their USA bikes sent over in a container every 10 weeks or so. Mine is coming from the USA and is in the current shipment.
Maybe for a fee they could help you out. Maybe not but no harm in asking.
Am buying another bike too and I have paid the company a lot of money (I wont say how much :-() to get it flown over. It is being sent to London airport, then I will be contacted by customs to pay the necessary fee and then arrange a courier to fetch it for me
Good luck
Last edited by seadragonpisces; 02-24-11 at 04:10 PM. Reason: change reply
Autum Minion, Brompton S6L Barcelona (no. 234)
British Airways lets you take a bike as a piece of luggage if it's your only piece. Up to 75lbs apparently for no charge
You will be liable for duty if you import a bike to the UK. The figure varies as there's usually some admin charge to pay, too.
You could speak to HMRC to ascertain the actual amount that you would owe, though I suspect it may render the deal much less attractive.
Matt
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