So I visited my local Bike Friday dealer and test rode the Tikit and it was a really fun ride.
I was so close to buying it . . . . .
But I currently live in South Korea, not the United States . . .
And the stock Tikit costs $500 USD MORE than one from the US!!!
So the total cost would be about $2000 USD for a STOCK Tikit . . . . .
http://www.basports.co.kr/front/php/...isplay_group=1
As much as I want a Tikit, I don't think I want to pay $500 more.
If you didn't know, South Korea is a heavily protectionist country and aggressively tax, tariff, and apply customs duties to
anything not made in South Korea.
So now I'm sad and a little distraught.
My birthday is this month and I thought about treating myself to a nice bike.
I don't think buying one from the US and shipping it to Korea would work either since it would get taxed to hell and back.
One a more positive note, folding bikes and minivelos are quite popular here, at least in Seoul.
I've seen Montagues, Bike Fridays, Dahons, Bromptons, Stridas, Moultons (!), and even Flamingo Bikes (Brompton-clones)
But anyways, I still want a Tikit. For about $1400, yes. For 2,180,000원 (about $1950), I'll pass.
What do you all think? Should I bite the bullet and pay the markup or should I check out some cheaper options?