I will be going to Europe at the end of the year. I thought that, for instance, Campagnolo gear would be cheaper since it's a "local product". When I checked online the prices didn't seem to reflect that though. Anyone have advice/experience with this? I would love to score a good bargain along the way, and will be buying a new road bike soon one way or the other.

Euro makes price transparent through UE, everything becomes less as you go east. Same product for 100 euro in France, 85 euro in Italy, but only 70 euro in Greece.

Campagnolo gruppi probably less in Italy, but not so to make bargain. Prices very high in Roma. Look to Torino, Milano. Also is VAT... 15%, 20% di piu, depends on country. Preserve receipts, obtain reimboursement from aeroport customs. Office can be hard to find, make plenty of time to seek it.

Two things I will suggest: One, in european countries, look to LBS to second hand bike, nearly new. Can be almost perfect, for 1/2 price, or? Two, look to duty-free centres. Best is Dubai, but is not exactly in europe. Perhaps in big aeroports, you find even whole bikes...