Is importing worth it?

[longtail1]

As a guy larger than the majority of locals, 6 ft, I am having big problems getting a bike with a frame to fit. Basically no shops carry the bigger frames that I have found so far.

 

I also know that importing something like this can end up a touch expensive, what with import tax and tea money.

 

Is there much point in continuing to search in Thailand for big framed bikes or should I just bite the bullet and import, hoping that it actually arrives and isn't taxed too heavily? Should I consider importing a complete bike or just a frame and build it myself?

[moonoi]

Import the frame only and the duty is 10% plus 7% tax, if you go for a complete frame it's 30% plus 7% tax

What kind of bike/size are you looking for, I know sport bicycle had a 2013 S-Works Venge frameset in size 58 a couple of months ago


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[longtail1]

9 minutes ago, moonoi said:

What kind of bike/size are you looking for,

Basically a mountain bike frame size 18" fits correctly. Not checked road bike frames though as I'm not sure if my lower back can take the position yet. Much better than it was but I need to see when I am at a better weight.

 

I've been cycling to lose weight, quite successfully, and am looking to get a higher quality bike when I get closer to my main goal weight, so I have about 4 - 6 months to get things sorted.

 

My other problem, of course, is limited bike shops, as I live near Udon Thani, so trips to Bangkok are probably going to be needed to get the right components.

 

Thanks for the info on Duty and tax. Must say my experience has been more along the lines of they are made up as they go on the imports I have made in the past. Never been charged the correct amounts once. lol

[moonoi]

They are far more consistent these days with the duty, gone are the times when you might get something through without tax and duty

For mountain bikes, suggest trying Culture Cycliste, they normally have a few larger sizes for Commencal, World Bike also used to have a size XL Giant Reign frameset as well, and then the only one that consistently carries foreigner friendly sizes is Probike, but not for all models of Trek.

If you have something and a budget in mind, I can ask around for you

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[longtail1]

Glad to hear about the duty. lol

 

5 minutes ago, moonoi said:

For mountain bikes, suggest trying Culture Cycliste, they normally have a few larger sizes for Commencal, World Bike also used to have a size XL Giant Reign frameset as well, and then the only one that consistently carries foreigner friendly sizes is Probike, but not for all models of Trek.

These are all in BKK? Sorry but new to cycling in LoS.

 

6 minutes ago, moonoi said:

If you have something and a budget in mind, I can ask around for you

Haven't really got as far as budget as yet. lol But complete bike around 75K - 100K. Build myself I can run higher for the complete bike as I can purchase slower to get the components I want (Not researched so don't ask what components LMAO) so 50K - 100K for a frame. Not really looked at costs yet as I need to research more on what I want and then see if my budget needs to increase. early days as yet. Still arguing with myself about Carbon Fiber and associated risks rumored to be taken in to account.

 

Very early days in the process.

[moonoi]

Yes, all in BKK, there are maybe some closer to you, but I'm not familiar with your area, others on the forum my know.

If you like Canyon, suggest taking a look at their framesets and shipping to Thailand, and sourcing components locally for a cost effective build.


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[longtail1]

Many thanks for your help and advice on this.

 

As I say, early days but I hope to be building this early next year. I'll start getting in local suppliers when I have a preferred frame sorted out.

[moonoi]

Good luck, and have fun with the build!

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[impulse]

Not meaning to bring up the obvious, but have you asked any of the local shops if they can supply such a bike?  

 

Display space is precious so they may not keep the eclectic stuff on display, but they can often order it from their warehouse or their supplier.  It may save a lot of the wait time, hassle and uncertainty of importing your own.

[Don Mega]

Send the lads at probike a message via their contact us button and ask what they have and can the send it to you.

 

http://www.probike.co.th/allsubcategory/Mountain:1/10/en

 

http://www.probike.co.th/page/contact_us/en

[longtail1]

1 hour ago, impulse said:

Not meaning to bring up the obvious, but have you asked any of the local shops if they can supply such a bike?  

 

Display space is precious so they may not keep the eclectic stuff on display, but they can often order it from their warehouse or their supplier.  It may save a lot of the wait time, hassle and uncertainty of importing your own.

Tried this and was told they can't order without a 12 month wait or just can't order (mainly because they are afraid I won't buy it once I see it, and I'm not prepared to pay full price until it is in the store)

 

48 minutes ago, Don Mega said:

Send the lads at probike a message via their contact us button and ask what they have and can the send it to you.

 

http://www.probike.co.th/allsubcategory/Mountain:1/10/en

 

http://www.probike.co.th/page/contact_us/en

Actually going down there at the end of the month to see a few LBS in Bangkok and Pattaya. Probike is on my list. I have sent the ones I am going to see messages as well already but waiting for replies now.

 

STILL looking for shoes big enough. lol All shops tried up here, Udon Thani area, tell me there are no shoes over a size 45 available in Thailand. Haven't worn bike shoes for 15 years or so so really want to try them on first to get the right size. That puts online shops at the last resort position unfortunately.

 

Being new to sourcing cycling gear in Thailand I am on a fast learning curve of the best places to look. lol

 

Thanks for the feedback and advice guys. Much appreciated.

[moonoi]

Actually going down there at the end of the month to see a few LBS in Bangkok and Pattaya. Probike is on my list. I have sent the ones I am going to see messages as well already but waiting for replies now.
 
STILL looking for shoes big enough. lol All shops tried up here, Udon Thani area, tell me there are no shoes over a size 45 available in Thailand. Haven't worn bike shoes for 15 years or so so really want to try them on first to get the right size. That puts online shops at the last resort position unfortunately.
 
Being new to sourcing cycling gear in Thailand I am on a fast learning curve of the best places to look. lol
 
Thanks for the feedback and advice guys. Much appreciated.

This is normal, they normally require at least a 30% non refundable deposit to order a larger framed bike. To be honest, it's understandable as they don't want to be left with a bike they can't sell. The way the market works here is very different to the U.K./Europe and U. S.

Suggest the following if you're coming to BKK to look

Trek - ProBike (Lumphini or Rama III)
Commencal - Culture Cycliste (Lumphini, a short distance from ProBike)
Scott - KH Cycle (Chocolate Ville)
Giant - Worldbike (Praditmanutham Rd)
Specialized/Colnago - Sportbicycle/Peleton (Lumphini opposite side to ProBike)
Merida - Cycle Sport (China Town)

All of these will also order in larger sizes if they don't have in stock, be prepared for a 3-6 month wait though. Worldbike is the only one I've been to, that can check and reserve stock at the factory while you're in store, if the factory has it, takes 4-6 weeks to arrive.

[fdimike]

Long  i am a cyclist and live in Udon Thani.  I am 5'10" and ride an 18"  Merida MTB which I bought from the bike shop at the 5 way intersection in Udon Thani.  Peter is the guy who owns the shop and speaks excellent English.  He normally has a great selection of bikes in stock in all sizes.  He is also an LA Bike dealer and can set you up with one of their MTBs.  There are probably close to a dozen bike shop now in Udon Thani which I'm familiar with.   Another good source would be Bike Center located on the road between Nong Sim and the ring Rd.  Another is the 555 Bike shop on Udon Dutsadee Rd.  I would be happy to help you locate all the shops whenever you come into Udon.  I've been living leving here in Udon Thani for close to 12 years.  I've never found it necessary to import a bike.

 

I would not put much weight in what you have been told about the availability of cycling shoes in your size here in Thailand.

Edited November 5, 2016 by fdimike

[fdimike]

Long I've bought 5 bikes over the course of my 10 years of cycling without ever having to import any of them myself.  All of the bikes were at least an 18" frame.  There's also a Probike dealer right here in Udon as well.  Sells Trek bikes.  Small shop but the owner is a cyclist and stocks a variety of different size bikes.  The name of the shop is Bike Corner

 

https://www.facebook.com/Bike-Corner-Udonthani-254334878100511/

 

Let me know if you want to meet up and do a tour of all the local bike shops.  I would be happy to help you.

Edited November 5, 2016 by fdimike

[longtail1]

52 minutes ago, fdimike said:

Long  i am a cyclist and live in Udon Thani.  I am 5'10" and ride an 18"  Merida MTB which I bought from the bike shop at the 5 way intersection in Udon Thani.  Peter is the guy who owns the shop and speaks excellent English.  He normally has a great selection of bikes in stock in all sizes.  He is also an LA Bike dealer and can set you up with one of their MTBs.  There are probably close to a dozen bike shop now in Udon Thani which I'm familiar with.   Another good source would be Bike Center located on the road between Nong Sim and the ring Rd.  Another is the 555 Bike shop on Udon Dutsadee Rd.  I would be happy to help you locate all the shops whenever you come into Udon.  I've been living leving here in Udon Thani for close to 12 years.  I've never found it necessary to import a bike.

 

I would not put much weight in what you have been told about the availability of cycling shoes in your size here in Thailand.

 

38 minutes ago, fdimike said:

Long I've bought 5 bikes over the course of my 10 years of cycling without ever having to import any of them myself.  All of the bikes were at least an 18" frame.  There's also a Probike dealer right here in Udon as well.  Sells Trek bikes.  Small shop but the owner is a cyclist and stocks a variety of different size bikes.  The name of the shop is Bike Corner

 

https://www.facebook.com/Bike-Corner-Udonthani-254334878100511/

 

Let me know if you want to meet up and do a tour of all the local bike shops.  I would be happy to help you.

This is really good news for me I have to say. I have been having trouble finding much at all. I am familiar with 555 and have bought a Twitter "Blake from them, but in a size not really good for me. 16" so small but I am adjusting as I go to get a usable fit for me.

 

fdimike I would love to meet up and go around the shops there. I'll try and contact the ones you have mentioned and see if they have the bike shoes first. I would be looking at buying a bike in about 6 months anyway so ordering in isn't a problem.

 

Good to hear about the shoe sizes as well.

 

As far a frame goes I am mainly considering it because of my inability to find the right frame size for a bvike so far and the full payment insisted upon before ordering a big in my size. A deposit is fine but I am not going to pay the full amount up front. lol

 

Many thanks for the advice and odder of a tour, I will take you up on that in the near future.

[fdimike]

Long

Size 45 bike shoes may be a problem here in Udon.  I bought my size 45 Shimano MTB shoes from Pro Bike in Bkk the first time.  However, I bought my 2nd and 3rd pair (different Shimano MTB models) from Ebay.  I only buy from sellers who are willing to ship by their countries postal service as 95% of everything I order comes in duty free to my post office box. Steer clear of DHL, Fedex and similar services.   I stick with Shimano because  they advertise a "wide toe box" in many of their shoes.  I typically wear a 10 1/2 D width shoe. 

My Surly LHT touring bike and my Merida are both outfitted with Crank Brothers 5050 platform pedals so I have no need to use road bike shoes.  MTB shoes are much more comfortable both on an off the bike.  I don't race so consequently comfort is more important to me.  I'm much more into touring and have toured by bike through many parts of Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, Malaysia & Singapore.  I've only used public transportation once when returning from Singapore.

BTW where do you live?  I ask because I cycle everyday and get out into the surrounding areas of Udon quite often.  If you have time maybe we could meet for a coffee.  I used to ride from Udon to Nong Khai on a weekly basis with a group of Thai cyclists but I find the Nong Khai highway boring and noisy.  I prefer the small back roads a whole lot more.

 

Bike Center ordered my Surly Long Haul Trucker (LHT) touring bike frame for me without any up front deposit.  I then worked with Peter from the bike shop at the 5 way intersection to build it.  I highly recommend him as he is a cyclist and a great guy who has always treated me fairly.  I would start with him first.  

 

Have you looked at the bike shop listings on the Bicycle Thailand website?

http://bicyclethailand.com/

 

Great source of information.

 

Edited November 5, 2016 by fdimike

[longtail1]

2 hours ago, fdimike said:

Size 45 bike shoes may be a problem here in Udon. 

Just located some in Pattaya as I am going down there at the end of the month for specialist appointments, so hopefullt they will still have some. I have a wide high foot so shoes are always difficult. Anywhere. lol. If they hae run out I have messages in to pro bike and a couple of others ref: shoes and will be looking at their bike ranges at the same time.

 

I've shipped in quite a lot of items in the last few years, mostly vaping gear which is prohibited unfortunately so  have a bit of experience with the officialdom here, that I would have prefered to avoid tbh. But once I know what is good for me and size I can source from outside happily.

 

Not really interested in racing again at any level at the moment. Just want to get the weight off, get fitter and enjoy riding. Touring SE Asia sounds like a bloody good time. My GF is enjoyinh riding as well so if she can stick with it I may be able to tlak her in to trying a trip.

 

I actually live near Sawang Daen Din. Total of about 100K from Udon for me, but travel there regularly either for a bit of a break, western food or shopping I can;t get from here so yeah Getting together for a coffee and a talk sounds good to me. I actually may have to come over soon if I can't adjust a bike front deraileur correctly. I have a triple crankset on it and it's jumping from 1st - 3rd cog and missing the second completely. Assuming none of the GF family have played with it the only change has been putting on shorter bars and so maoving in the changers on both sides. Gonna try a guy in Sawang but if no joy I will be coming to Udon next week. Arre you free sometime then to get together?

 

I'll check out the link too. Hadn't found that one so the more options the better. Many thanks.

[fdimike]

Been through SDD a number of times on my way to Laos or Vietnam.  It's a good place to stop for the night.   There's a nice place to stay on the right opposite the PTT station. 

In any event I'm free on Thursday and Friday this week.  let me know if you want to hook up for a coffee.

 

Mike

[longtail1]

No problem I'll send a PM.

[ttakata]

Building a bike always costs more than buying a complete.

Thailand has so many bikes on offer there's no reason to import unless you are after something specific.

 

http://www.km8bicycle.com is my favorite on Ram Intra. Sell framesets too.

http://www.worldbike.co.th has 2 shops nearby on Pradit Manutham road. Sell framesets too.

http://www.worldwidebike.net are good for complete bikes too.

There are 200+ bicycle shops in Bangkok now; at least that's what one shop owner told me.

Next weekend at Makkasan train station is an expo where you can browse hundreds of bikes for sale.

http://www.adaybikefest.com

Edited November 7, 2016 by ttakata

[fdimike]

ttakata

Yes there are many bikes available here in Thailand so no need to import.   However, buying a complete setup will normally include some low end components to keep the price down.  Those components may be the crank or cassette or pedals or  maybe the saddle or any number/combination of things.  In my experience it's nearly always better to buy just a frame and build it up to your own specs.  In the long run it will cost you less. 

To complicate matters even more the OP lives in the Udon Thani area which is some 700kms north of Bkk.

Edited November 7, 2016 by fdimike

[moonoi]

And to further complicate, he is on the tall side, so not that much choice available locally, I know as I have the same problem.


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[bobfish]

Size 45 MTB shoes:  try contacting Mojo Bikes in Chiang Mai, they stock Five Ten freeride style, comfortable enough to walk around in as well. 

[longtail1]

20 hours ago, bobfish said:

Size 45 MTB shoes:  try contacting Mojo Bikes in Chiang Mai, they stock Five Ten freeride style, comfortable enough to walk around in as well. 

Thanks but I need 46 to 48 subject to width and height. I wish I could fit in a 45. lol

[coops]

any DECENT  local bike shop can order the right size for you, after a reasonable wait... and perhaps tou can consider this a test case as to which shop you can rely on and trust.

 

The Merida dealer mentioned above for sure will order for you, and as they are the main dealer will get in regular deilveries.

 

Cannondale. - don't go near the obnoxious and apparently well known to be so ( i thought it was me...!) old main dealer on sukhumvit 26... despite them having a huge well stocked showroom - instead the guy at  Sealee Urban on Phetburo Rd now deals Cannondale amongst others and i would trust, 

 

 

the other option is  to buy new on your next trip back to uk or usa... then use it/ride it and leave it muddy, dirty and used and buy a second hand bike bag for it for transport, also used and carry it in.... seriously.

Edited November 10, 2016 by coops

[Hanuman2547]

I had two friends that went back to the UK on home leave.  They made a trip to the USA and bought two Santa Cruz MTBs.  Rode them around the USA for the few days they were there.  Took the bikes back to the UK and road them a bit there.  Then they brought them to Thailand as used bikes.  Made sure not to clean the bikes so that they would appear "dirty" and "used".  They whizzed right through customs and paid no import taxes at all.  This was some 10 years ago so maybe things might have changed.