LIve in Australia, want to buy a bike from the US

[beachmum]

Hi,
I've been looking online for a long time for a used Specialized Amira Comp or Expert - basically any Amira running full Ultegra, and I find there is so much available in the US compared to here in Australia at much better prices.

Has anyone else bought a bike secondhand from overseas? What is involved, would you recommend it? And after shipping costs is it still good value?

Would love to get some feedback on this,

Many Thanks

Beach Mum
Burleigh Heads Australia

[Kiwi Stoker]

Can I just say= DON'T.

Shipping costs will be huge as they normally charge by both weight and cubic size of the package. You cannot inspect the bike beforehand plus also the bike could be damaged during shipping so you either would have to insure the bike as well or be prepared to fork out for repairs (but if the frame become cracked, that's almost it. Not many carbon frame repairers here in Australia).

Keep an eye in Gumtree in your area or go an talk to your local Specialized store. If you can wait until June/July they will be discounting the previous year's models down after than so you could pick up a deal on new.

Still to expensive? What about looking at the carbon bikes coming from Australian online retailers like Bikesdirect.com.au? They personally buy these direct from the manufacturer and bring them into Australia. At least you would be some sort of warrantee or insurance with shipping.

And lastly I will think it would be very hard to find someone willing to pack and ship a bike to you in the USA. Gee I have trouble getting companies to send stuff over here, let alone an individual.

[beachmum]

thanks for your replies, I have since found a used Specialized Amira Comp 2012 model for $2k ... and am thinking I will buy it.. do you think it's a good price?
cheers