Have you had good experiences with purchases from them? I'm looking at their products and prices sure look nice when compared with other companies. I need tires and thought I'd take a peek over there. Second, what about shipping charges? Have they been reasonable when shipped here to the States?

I get stuff shipped to Canada from PBK. So far, Canadians get a 10% discount and free shipping, and orders shipped out of the UK do not get charged the VAT. The only additional cost is if the package gets stopped by Canada Post for a customs check, in which case I get charged a dumb $5 fee for their checking the package plus HST (harmonized sales tax, Canada's version of the VAT). But sometimes the package just sails on thru with no additional charges. The British postal system is extremely fast and efficient. It's only when the package reaches Canada that things get slow... Canada Post being on strike really doesn't make much difference! Man, don't get me started on Canada Post with it's dysfunctional management and equally dysfunctional unionized inside postal workers! The actual letter carriers are pretty good, though! Must have something to do with getting fresh air and exercise.

L.

Received a pair of pedals for my son's road bike from them earlier this week. Decent VR alloy pedals with plastic clips and straps for under $14 delivered. I've gotten pedals and tires from them in the past and always been very happy with product, price and delivery. It usually only takes a week for most stuff and it seems they always have a 10% off & free shipping promotion going on. I will say they often have limited stock so seeing an "out of stock" sign when you go to order happens occasionally. If you aren't in a hurry, just click to have them notify when it comes back in stock.

I bought front and rear sets of Ortlib panniers from them. Starting price from them was less than USA and with a 20% discount code, well, great deal. Shipping was free with over $75 purchase (even to Hawaii) which I could not get from USA companies and they arrived about as fast.

I buy Conti GP 4000 S tires from them. Nobody can beat the twin pack when you use an internet coupon. The last set cost less than $70 including deliverly.

Looks like I'll be getting my new set of tires from them. They are listing the Krylion's at 25.00 where most other places are asking 49.00. That's a hefty discount. Thanx for the help, ya'll.

I am still waiting for PBK to send the sleeves to my long sleeve jersey I bought from them a couple of years ago.

Never a problem. Two sets of wheels, a saddle, pedals, lots and lots and lots of tires...

HST, yeah Harmonized Sales Tax, here in Ontario it's more known as Dalton McGuinty kissing his career goodbye in the next election. As for Canada Post, I don't want to get started there either, hope the bums who voted for Smilin' Jack are happy waiting for their welfare cheques to come in the mail.

I started the "pondering switching tires" thread a few weeks back. Have been searching/studying reviews and now looking for the lowest prices on the Michelin Krylion in 23mm. Their offering on latex tubes arent showing a substantial savings over other internet sites but still very nicely priced.

I'll be ordering soon.

I've been keeping records of tire durability for the past few years, mostly 700x23C on my fixie and on the tandem. Best results have been Vredestein TriComps for the rear, and pretty much anything for the front. I'll post some data in another thread once I get it organized. But wait for PBK (or Bike Tires Direct in the US) to do a sale on them, although the regular price is still pretty reasonable.

Bike Tires Direct is a pretty decent competitor to PBK, especially when you factor in the points you get to apply from the previous order. I think PBK has started to do the same thing.

L.

Thanx for the tip!