Getting close to pulling a trigger on 6870 for my new build. What do I need to know with regards to warranty and US based ebay sellers vs Merlin Cycles. Are there import taxes to worry about? Merlin has better price and seemingly more reputable but don't have as many options for cassette and RD (I am leaning toward a mid-cage).

you'd potentially have to pay customs import duty on it. That seems to be hit or miss as over the years I've gotten tons of expensive sent from overseas and only rarely paid duty even tho value was accurately declared.

Not sure with bike stuff, but you might have problems with warranty claims.

I am also considering 6870 because it is now 11s, works with 32t rear cassette and shifting just can't be beat.. What kind of prices are you seeing from Merlin and are you going to buy the crank as well?

I bought some of my 9000/9070 group from a US-based ebay guy, based on low price, but he did claim that warranty would be honored. I've never had a warrenty claim with anything Shimano, so what do I really know....

But I'm not sure I see the logic of your question...if Merlin Cycles is cheaper, why wouldn't you just buy it there? Personally, I've spent lots in the past couple of years with UK-based sellers, and haven't once paid any customs or other fees upon delivery.

Merlin is 1350ish last I looked but they don't list a GS cage derailleur or 11/32 cassette. I emailed and asked about those and they said what's listed is what they have.


Out of curiosity, do you recall the eBay's seller's name? The ebay is more but also has more options listed in terms of derailleurs and cassette.

I'll PM you with his ebay name and separate email, he'll negotiate significantly below his asking prices on ebay if you can show him better deals...

Cool, I'll ping him!

https://www.backcountry.com/Store/cat...iscountpercent

Thanks but there's not much of a selection there

shimano will not warranty anything bought on ebay.

You're aware that "authorized resellers" do sell on eBay, aren't you?

Amazing price on the Ultegra Di2 if you intend to "upgrade". All that's missing is the FD which you can find on eBay for cheap.

I paid $1450 May last yr . I wish I would've held back in the purchase but the 10sp has been flawless for me. Only "flaw" I could think is the weight but I'm not a Weight Whiner anyway.

Also consider the front 6770 derailleur and save yourself some money.

Correct me if I'm wrong but, what genius at Shimano decided that the 6870 FD is to be braze on only?

Is the $20 clamp adapter that Shimano sells simply too expensive for you to buy?

Thank you for the upside duh head slap!

Seriously, the braze on FD with the clamp adapter is really a more sensible approach both for the manufacturer and the consumer. Cheaper to produce, very versatile, easy to match up your frame tube diameter with available clamps. Likely what is in store in future for all FDs.

Nothing at all to complain about there.

50 lashes for my ignorance...lol