Originally Posted by
I-Like-To-Bike
It was good for me since I was paid in $.
At this exchange rate and availability of quality commuter bikes available in Germany, it is almost worthwhile for a US citizen wishing to buy a fully equipped commuter bike with an IGH to take a trip to Germany, buy a new bike go for a tour, if desired, get VAT refund on departure, and come out ahead financially.
Especially if the cyclist likes (like I do) coaster brake equipped quality bikes with good wheel/tire combinations (622 x47 mm); bikes good for daily riding in all terrains in all weather/road conditions.
I agree. For example, those really nice VSF Fahrradmanufaktur bikes with the Rohloff are 2500€ including MwSt (VAT) ... so 2000€ without or roughly 2400 USD. You can take an assembled bike one way for roughly 100 USD on a plane ... so for 2500 USD, you have a fully assembled top of the line German touring bikes.
I even see flights from the East Coast (NYC/Bos) to Frankfurt for less than 400 USD roundtrip sometimes.