I've been thinking about buying a Blut LT and am also off to America next week. Question is, do I buy the frame and/or forks out there ?. From enquiries I've made, I can the Blur LT powder coated frame for approx. £1200 and a set of Fox Float forks RLC150 for about £450. That's a big saving !.
I'd appreciate the experiences of anyone who's ever done this please - good or bad . Did it prove cost effective after paying import duties (did you have to pay import duties ?...). What about any warranties, etc if anything goes wrong ?.
I've only a few days left to make up my mind, so all views welcome please ? (oh yeh, and Mrs Jiff not looking foward to being dragged around bike shops abroad...)
I thought about it when I bought my BLT2 last year as I was travelling to the US pretty regularly. Ended up buying in the UK becaause:
1) Assume you will end up getting stung for the 17.5% VAT, and then the 10% import duty on top of that
2) I needed a complete bike - the SC build kit represents a huge saving on buying the rest of the components individually
3) Goodwill of the LBS to get stuff fixed - either warranty or stuff I have trashed - probably saved me £300 over the last year, plus minimum hassle
4) Any decent LBS will give you around 10% discount, or at least the equivalent in free kit
If you add up all the above, even if there is still a difference it is so small it is not worth the hassle. Also supports the local shops which I am prepared to pay a bit for
How much is it to bring back with you?
I've heard of people who take a bike on holiday - and return with a different one!!! - making sure the new one has been on a muddy/dusty ride so as not to be too obvious.
Not sure about price advantages though.
One used bike out, one used bike in, no receipts on your person. No problem.