Cyclist shopping nirvana: where?
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Cyclist shopping nirvana: where?
USA. tends to have the best selection and prices but I suspect that for bicycle parts abd accessories the winners are TAIWAN (value ), Japan & Germany (high end) and Canada for air horns!
You are handed a ticket, accommodation, meal ticket and $1500 gratis. Gor a three- day bike doodads shopping spree.
Where do you go?
You are handed a ticket, accommodation, meal ticket and $1500 gratis. Gor a three- day bike doodads shopping spree.
Where do you go?
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Decathlon ... in France. We always visit one when we go. 
Decathlon : vente d'articles, vêtements et chaussures de sport. Magasins de...

Decathlon : vente d'articles, vêtements et chaussures de sport. Magasins de...
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Shopping?
I'm with the above two, riding will be the priority.
Did anyone see last year's TdF first couple of stages? Corsica. That's where I'd fly. The $1500 would be for packing/shipping my bike and bringing my wife.
I don't need more things...
My 2nd alternative would be Waco, TX. My daughter and son-in-law live there and I miss them. Riding stinks there (always hot and windy), roads are remote and narrow. So, I'd just go with my wife so that we could give them a hug. Maybe we'd eat at Chewy's.
Did anyone see last year's TdF first couple of stages? Corsica. That's where I'd fly. The $1500 would be for packing/shipping my bike and bringing my wife.
I don't need more things...
My 2nd alternative would be Waco, TX. My daughter and son-in-law live there and I miss them. Riding stinks there (always hot and windy), roads are remote and narrow. So, I'd just go with my wife so that we could give them a hug. Maybe we'd eat at Chewy's.
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My point is a hypothetical trip where the purpose if purchasing bike doodads that are more expensive or impossible to get back home. In case it wasn't clear from my other posts - I am returning to Canada and trying to decide where to stop over - my choices are Hong Kong, Taipei, Tokyo. I will have no time for much biking and certainly none in the countryside.
Last edited by Hermespan; 06-11-14 at 08:16 AM.
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If we're going to actually go somewhere, it'll be for cycling ... and we might drop into a shop. As I said, when we're in France for cycling, we'll visit Decathlon.

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I will spend that 1500 shopping on Ebay in my pajamas!

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I never understood the appeal of Nirvana. I guess that I'm of the wrong generation to connect withtheir music or message. Tragic, the mess those folks left behind...
I guess that one can still shop for Nirvana memorabilia on-line, though, as they had a following. Ebay might be fine for that, so no need to travel.
I guess that one can still shop for Nirvana memorabilia on-line, though, as they had a following. Ebay might be fine for that, so no need to travel.
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I am itinerant and on a budget. I am seldom in one place for more than 3 weeks, plus I am usually in places where duty is high (India, ugh) and Thailand, or Customs is a headache of 'red envelopes' and red tape, which means online shopping is not practical. I don't buy shoes by looking at photos - only in person assessment works for me. Likewise clothing, bags, herbs, groceries and bicycle parts.
My serious question remains, and now I will simplify...
Compared to USA/Canada which of the following of these East Asian countries has the best selection/prices: Hong Kong, Japan, Taiwan? Please note if you any experience shopping in person in those places.
My serious question remains, and now I will simplify...
Compared to USA/Canada which of the following of these East Asian countries has the best selection/prices: Hong Kong, Japan, Taiwan? Please note if you any experience shopping in person in those places.
Last edited by Hermespan; 06-13-14 at 01:37 AM.
#11
a77impala
I spend time in Austin TX and don't miss the Frankinbike monthly swap meets. Compared to where I live, they are Nirvana! CL there is pretty amazing also.
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We have visited all three places, but only saw a bicycle shop (Giant) in Taiwan. However, as I recall, the selection and prices weren't significantly different from what we've seen in Canada and Australia.
#13
In the wind
Hong Kong was built on shopping. Here's a shop, not sure if they offer lucky discount for first sale of the day or not but it never hurts to ask.
Have fun!
Have fun!