Jejunum

I am current living in the caribbean (on the beautiful island of Nevis) but without a bike (@ medschool www.mua.edu). Does anyone have any experience getting a bike down to these islands? I know that American Airlines will ship a bike as one piece of luggage, but I am concerned about paying a giant customs fee on it. Also any suggestions on what kind of bike to buy? I don't want to spend more than $500. I plan on riding on the roads/gravel/huge potholes for fun, not to race, and a little commuting.

My alternative is the bike rental shop will sell me a Trek 3700 (used) for 375$.

update to motivate people to help me!:




My awsome new bike?!? any ideas on year/components? Are there any tires appropriate for gravel/dirt/water/roads (something that rolls easier but can still take the really messy roads). What parts should I buy for it when I am in the US in december? (planned: tubes, various tools (I have nothing!))

atbman

Add lead weights to the frame, take a very deep breath - and ride

Jejunum

err any serious answers? Ill have to quit biking if I can get a bike down here!

nycm'er

I worked/owned a freight boat in the Bahamas for several years, if the customs to Nevis is the same, buy the one there. The Bahamas tax everything you buy ( but not income). Certain items would cost several times as much due to import tax.

There is a probike school in Martinique( I think), which may have an idea or bikes to sell. Get a friend to visit and bring one. What about going to a USVI or can you sneak one from PR?

I spent time in Dominica, we brought our bikes (traveled by boat), but didn't see many others.

Jejunum

arent items intended for personal use only non taxable? if anyone has any links on this that would be terrific. I can take a quick trip to St. Maarten or PR cheaply - but then the trouble of 'importing' it still exists (so I might as well goto the US, deal with an LBS I know, and get a good deal. (thats my logic)

Thanks!

Jejunum

bump

Jejunum

moved to first post

nycm'er

kitts and Nevis will have their own tax code. The bahamas is in it's own world in terms of the Caribbean. What is wrong with the $375 deal with the local shop? I think you will have an unfun time making a trip just for bringing in a bike. As I understand the Bahamian tax deal, if you don't buy it there, you pay tax like you did.

I think you should check locally. Walk down to the Government dock and talk to the skipper of one of the inevitable inter-island boats tied up there. That guy will tell you how hard it is to bring in, certainly better than some web site.

Tell me what they say. What island is that in the photo?

Jejunum

i didnt love the 375 deal because im getting a used (no idea what year) bike for more than 100 over retail. i dont get to pick the size/components or even the bike. When I go back to the US in december, I will have the ability to carry a bike back as a piece of baggage (assuming its not a horrible financial decision).

The picture was taken on Nevis looking out to St Kitts.

nycm'er

Also talk to others you see on bikes how they landed them. There is the official way to get things in, then there is how the locals do it Mon!

I don't know what a trek 3700 is, so that seems like a bad deal. Don't get something tooo nice either you know?

Jejunum

found this interesting link about corporate taxation: https://www.lowtax.net/lowtax/html/st...tx.html#import

(2% import)

Guest

Dood, I can't even talk to you about it for like a week. I'm still fantasizing about caribbean beaches and sand and blue skies and blue water....

*gulp* I'm basking. Sorry, I have nothing to contribute.



Koffee

nycm'er

jeju, I am going to ride from boston to NYC this week ( or try) so I will be off. Someone at school must have dealt with the same problem, ask them, or talk to import companies, in person, then you will get the best info and deal. good luck.

Gojohnnygo.

Alright DR.Matt Get the 3700 its a crappy price, but you need wheels. I use one in the winter up here.

John @CVFitness(Hint)


PS If that is you Matt have fun on the isle of Nevis.

Eggplant Jeff

Tell ya what, you buy the plane tickets and I'm sure Koffee will hand-deliver any bike you want.

Jejunum

nope not Matt. Just a random student down here. Talked to the customs officer at the airport. he said I would have to pay 59% of the value!

Jejunum

anyone know of any bike shops on st kitts?

Guest

Word.

Jejunum

hmm, if i buy tickets for koffee he will end up paying for the duty. (and the bike i assume). this could work out well!

Guest

I would definitely get around some crazy duty. We could all be winners! C'mon! Do it!

Besides, I need a vacation.

Koffee

Billy Ray

Ask the Cubans for help. Those dudes have turned 1950s cars and trucks into boats--they'll get a bike to you in no time.

BR

Jejunum

update: bought a trek 4300 for 350$. Giro helmet for 40, and top peak mini for 20. anyone want to help me figure out the year? uhh its red! and used.

Guest

Fly me out there and I'll help ya figure it out.

Koffee

Jejunum

its solid red in color

KirkeIsWaiting

No....this is a job for me!
Besides, I'm ready for a holiday.
And in another few weeks my tan will start to fade.
I can be there... say OCt 17th?