Anyone ever bought a bike from over the pond, namely JensonUSA?

Looks like with delivery included I could get a brand new Surly Steamroller for 800 dorra. That's roughly 400 English quid...

Anyone ever tried anything similar? What to watch our for (doesn't include Import Tax for example - no idea how much that would be). Ta.

:)

It's a good deal but be warned that the tax man will want 32.5% of the £400 once you've paid import duty (at 15%) and VAT (at 17.5%). All explained here.

It's a good deal but be warned that the tax man will want 32.5% of the £400 once you've paid import duty (at 15%) and VAT (at 17.5%). All explained here.

And Parcel force will hit you with a handling fee for dealing with customs.

And Parcel force will hit you with a handling fee for dealing with customs.

UPS included in the price, so should be fine. But 30% tax including VAT is a bit off-putting, what an extra £120? Hmmm...

I only bother buying bits from USA cos I know a couple of peeps who will forward me stuff I order and get delivered to them marked as a gift with low value and bin all the receipts etc. Customs can't touch you.
Got $500+ of Phil Wood, Sugino, Chris King declared as $50 of used bike parts :)

It's not 30% tax, you have to pay 15% of the price (including shipping) as a customs charge, and then 17.5 % of that as VAT. Still not pleasant...

You should be able to get a Steamroller through bike to work - works out about half price and you can pay it monthly through your payroll How's £30 a month sound?

I believe, ideally you'd have someone in the US to post it to, then they would mail it to you as your "personal belongings" or as a "gift" to get through the taxes.

Or they bring it when they travel to the UK

Thanks for the tips people. Am going to look into the 'ride to work scheme' could be more savings.

Thanks for the tips people. Am going to look into the 'ride to work scheme' could be more savings.

Yeah, yeah, yeah! Fuji Track Pro! HHSB it! ;)
Seriously tho' Joel, if you're gonna take the Surly route speak to the good folks at Brixton Cycles... They accept the Ride To Work vouchers and will sort you out proper, their after-sales is second to none in my experience...

if you're buying from the states R&A Cycles in brooklyn is the place to use.

a cavern of cycle bling, nearly everything in every size, pretty good prices and fast 3day shipping.

I saved a truck load on my tri bike frame

Let just say that they want to sell to UK customers and know the score as far as 'additional costs' are concerned...

I love all things lance armstrong and think maybe by wearing his helmet it might in someway make me a better rider.

Has anyone on the forum bought from jensonusa before?
I'm worried about importing, but it does look the cheapest option.

http://www.jensonusa.com/store/product/HE285B01-Giro+Ionos+Livestrong+Helmet+10.aspx

if you wear it you'll probably get accused of taking drugs for several years by your best mates.

Lolz

Jenson are fine.

You might still get stung for the tax though, is it still cheaper even after that? It's not just the tax, it's admin fees and crap like that.

I'd wait a couple of months, they'll be huge discounts on any Armstrong branded stuff once the Feds are done with him.

There are some great photos of him at the International Press Photography exhibition at the Royal Festival Hall at the moment.

I'd wait a couple of months, they'll be huge discounts on any Armstrong branded stuff once the Feds are done with him.

:D

Just by the normal Ionos and go ride your bike...

Mmmmmm... Lance's helmet...

It's a helmet.

It's not even going to make you a lots safer on a bike.

Just go to a shop and get whichever's in your price range.

if you wear it you'll probably get accused of taking drugs for several years by your best mates.

Really? you think the helmet is going to improve my riding by that much!
SOLD!

Tax im not sure about.. didn't think you paid any tax on helmets
safety first an all that?

Has no one bought from these guys before? thats worrying

Jenson are fine.

Not true.

They put razor-blades in the bubble wrap and their invoices are dipped in acid. Fact.