gringo_gus

Hi have posted this question at similar times in previous years. I am going to make a trip to an annual conference in the US, this time in San Antonio Texas, from England in August.

The exchange rate is pretty good. What should I bring back in my big suitcase - from components, bags, racks, through to whole disassembled bikes. Am thinking of a xootr swift, so take that as the upper price limit. I missed out a NWT on ebay.com by $10, so ebay is an option, to be shipped to my hotel.

But ideas/suggestions please.

bendembroski

It's not a huge purchase, but Klean Kanteen bottles are fantastic, and hard to find in the UK. They are stainless steel, so not for weight weenies, but indestructable and they don't pick up flavours like plastic bottles do. I usually get one each time I make a trip over (my goal is to get one in each size )

brakemeister

if you need anything keep in mind that ups or Mail takes it sweet time to get anywhere in a hurry. ANy 3 day 2nd day freight charges will eat in your profits big time....
Ebay is somewhat a gamble as it is almost ok to make 2 shipment days a week .. meaning the seller only ships on Mondays or thursdays ... and voila you added 4 days to the already 4 to 5 days of shipping time...
Keep in mind that the day you actually ship doesnt count and Sat and Sunday ( any holidays ) dont count... Meaning you place the order on Thursday.. I ship on Monday and it takes 6 days to ship it will be delivered the week after !!! Usually we can ship the same day and it only takes 3 days but you knwo what I mean....


I do this all the time. But I want the order a couple weeks at least up front. I than pack everything and ship at a certain date ..usually 2 days security on top of the arrival date of tthe customer....

gringo_gus

Thanks Thor for the heads up, I appreciate this.... as I am only in San Antonio for four days its going to take some planning...

BassNotBass

You're acclimated to UK weather and will be in San Antonio during August? You'll be going home with a triumphant feeling of having survived the heat of hell's kitchen... and that's free.

gringo_gus

yes I only checked the weather after I said I will go... which is why I am only there 4 nights......

Dynocoaster 

Bike shops in San Antonio https://www.google.com/search?q=bicyc...ient=firefox-a

Dynocoaster 

Next to this pub they have a bike shop that rents bicycles https://www.bluestarbrewing.com/

Dynocoaster 

This place has rentals and used bikes. https://www.abelsbicycleshop.com/

Dynocoaster 

While looking at the various shops I found this Montague SS Fixie 700 rims folding bike https://www.commuterbikestore.com/mon...ston-bike.html

Dynocoaster 

Bikes Direct is located in Texas and you could have one of these shipped to the hotel https://www.bikesdirect.com/products/mercier/nano.htm or two.

cycle_maven

Buy a lot of ice, preferably with beer bottles inserted into it. It was over 100 today in Austin, and this summer looks like it's going to be the hottest on record.

ShinyBiker

There is a Performance bicycle shop in N. San Antonio. In the same shopping center, there is a locally owned bike shop, Brittons, I think. You'll get to see a mass market bike retailer vs. a small time retailer by walking just a few steps, (if you make the trek).

Dynocoaster 

There is this mini velo also https://www.bigshotbikes.com/polo-bikes.html

KD5NRH

Any French tourists you happen across. Might stuff a fair number of the locals in there too.

tmac100

However, the TSA might intervene. By the way, use TSA-openable locks, otherwise your lock WILL be cut off and destroyed.

Also, do NOT buy any Marmite in the USA as it will surely be near/past it's expiry date.

Since I have the quote posted, in that spirit, there is an additional suggestion:

Some "quaint" gifts like a couple of long-neck Lone Stars or Californian fizzy wines/coolers to amuse your friends back home.

gringo_gus

Oh my oh my. I love the minivelo scene, I have owned a hammerhead in the past, and currently have a giant mini 1. I'd love either the bigshot or the mercier, but I am not sure I am going to be able to slip them into my checked baggage..... likewise the montague - has anyone ever packed this in a big suitcase I wonder ?

Thanks for all the other tips.... Lones Stars and Ice, will act on that....

fietsbob

There is a Pre Owned offering of bikes thru Bike Friday,
they only ship those to US addresses, which your Hotel will Be.

HGR3inOK

Start checking the San Antonio Craigslist about 30 days before your trip. See:
https://sanantonio.craigslist.org/bik/
Be prepared to pay with cash.
-HANK RYAN-
Norman, Oklahoma USA

2_i 

I do not think the US can be helped, but now on the happier note. My general impression with the UK prices is that I might not afford to maintain a bike in the UK. Other than Brompton, e-thing seemed cheaper in the US. However, you can presumably can get stuff shipped from Germany which may ameliorate the situation. In any case, I would write a list of what you might need in the immediate future and try to get that stuff in the US. Tools tend to be a good investment and you might look at Park Tools. A particular aspect of the US is that discounts run deep and items that are one or two iterations of a line behind might be had at 50-60% of the original price on Ebay. You can always stock chains, cassettes, rings, cables etc.

brakemeister

chains cassettes cables .... whole bicycles ... keep in mind that you are going home with a airplane and last time I was in one they tried like the crazies to make me pay for every suitcae and every pound over some outrageous low number ....
possible savings can go right out of the window ...

gringo_gus

thanks again Thor. I got 23 kg and 62 inches... So either a whole bike or some stuff like you say...

reverborama

I love San Antonio. I've been fortunate enough to go there several times for work.

80 miles (an hour and 15 minutes) north of San Antonio on Interstate 35 is Austin, TX. This is where Lance Armstrong's shop "Mellow Johnny's" is located. The name is a corruption of Maillot Jaune
https://www.mellowjohnnys.com/

On the plus side, it's Lance Armstrong's.
On the minus side it's bike shop. They have bike shops in San Antonio.
On the plus side they have stuff with the name of the shop on it.
On the minus side you can probably mail order it.
On the plus side, did I mention it's Lance's?
That might be a minus for you and he probably won't be there when you show up.

I was driving to San Antonio and stopped in Austin for the night so it was easy to swing through and pick up some socks and a couple of water bottles.

Seriously, the riding in and around San Antonio is absolutely fantastic. It is really beautiful. But you are going to be there during a very brutal time of the year. It is going to be really, really hot. I hooked up with a local club and did their Saturday ride with them. Friendly guys, wonderful roads, great scenery. Not to be missed, but man-o-man it is gonna be hot when you are there. There are a lot of cycling clubs down there -- just google it.

For touristy stuff the obvious things are the River Walk and The Alamo. But for a change, I suggest going to the Mercado. It is the largest outside of Mexico. I personally guarantee you will find the perfect gifts for those at home -- and a I also guarantee you will find things you really want but can't bring home because they weigh over 20 kg. You'll know what I mean when you see it!

KD5NRH

What's the difference? Reminds me of the woman at the hotdog stand who insisted on getting some fresh sauerkraut before she'd make me a kraut dog.

gringo_gus

actually there's an argument that marmite matures with age like a fine wine. Not a french fine wine, actually.

Mellow Johnny's what a great name.... I am tempted to do that thing of mailordering and pretending I went to the shop....