GOOD STUFF ONLY IN THE U.S.

[guymuttley21]

After a year into buying/selling retro bikes/parts, it would seem all the good stuff is for sale in the u.s.

I've bought a few bits now and always get stung with import tax but you can't find the nos/mint stuff elsewhere-can you?

Am I correct in my observations?
Is it weather realted that parts last longer in the general warmer climates in some u.s. states?

Trying to guage option and gather info. on this subject

 

[FMJ]

We're all hoarders.

 

[mtbdave]

Yep think your right bought a few bits too now,had to rescue my mag21 sl's on Friday paid £209,$20 postage and then another £53 import tax.
But go get something rare or you must have it's gotta be done I guess?

 

[We_are_Stevo]

I've bought several parts from eBayers in California (hot and dry...) and they've been immaculate; best buy were the spring upgraded Judys I put on my Daughters' Kilauea.

I've found that American (and yes, Canadian ) eBayers tend to be a lot more 'honest' than those in the UK into the bargain.

The one time I did get stung, with a Manitou 1 that had an uncut 1 1/4" alloy steerer and not the 1 1/8" described, the (American)Seller graciously stumped up a 50% refund (which in itself was no small amount!)

 

[guymuttley21]

Import duty

How much some items you pay duty on- rims I bought
Then bought yres of similiar value and no duty?

 

[jimc101]

Is it more the case that in the UK, BITD people actually used parts?

Also alot of the older parts just wern't as well made as today, I have a 1995 Marin Pine Mountain and the only parts left are the frame and rear hub, almost everything else has worn out, the only other bit to survive was the FD which I sold when it went 9 speed.

There was (and still is) a lot of stuff which never got imported into the UK, or was in very short supply, what was common North America may never have had an imported over here, so its unlikly you would see it here.

I've had plenty of parts which now would be considered retro, but having used them, they haven't got any value, the best stuff I've sold, but anything which is suspect I would rather keep till worn out.

 

[We_are_Stevo]

Just a matter of chance whether Customs & Excise get their grubby mitts on your parcel or not... :?

A lot of Sellers under-value the parcel on the paperwork to avoid the Import Duty/VAT but most manufacturers put the full value on new items or they won't get the full compo if it goes missing.

I've just bought a guitar body and neck from China and paid b*ggerall on it as it was labelled as a 'violin neck' for a fraction of the actually cost. On the other hand I've bought two sets of EMG pickups from the States and paid around £65 total on a combined value of approx. £210, but still come out a little to the good...

What p*sses me off the most is that you pay based on the P&P inc. amount, not just the value of the item!

 

[FMJ]

Shipping from here (Canada) the insurance payout is what you mark down on the customs declaration. I'll shave a few bucks for some people, but if the parcel is lost, I'm out.

 

[FluffyChicken]

USA is a lot bigger than the UK. There is more stuff there to start with.
Shops are probably bigger and do not have to chuck out the old so they can squeeze in the new like my LBS who recently dumped all their old stuff, including a good batch of MAG and Judy spares and tools

Larger supply to start with means there is also a better chance there is still stuff there.

There might well be stuff here, people just need to go liberate it from the old boxes at the Bike stores if they havn't folded by now. As one of my LBS (see above) just don't really know the old stuff may be worth a few pence on ebay.

 

[mtbdave]

it doesnt happen all the time,my rts1 frame,topline cranks and some other bits went under the radar so to speak.

but other countries have parts nos too,germany for example(if willing to ship)