Greetings All,
After lurking for a while and reading the trials and tribulations of the UK ST’ers/Bikesport experience (glad to see it all went so well) I wanted to ask a few questions relating to purchasing a bike overseas.
I’m currently based in England but I travel to the US on a fairly regular basis so buying a bike ‘over there’ is probably a good option considering the price difference. To those who have followed this path and to the retailers who supply them, do you have any tips to make the process as smooth as possible?
After years on my trusty Giant I am looking to upgrade. The Cervelo Soloist Team seems like a great option as it gives me flexibility in one bike and due to the amount I travel for work, one bike is a bonus. However, one of my club mates said that I should get fitted before I order to make sure the brand will fit me. So what is the best process for a not-so-local fit and purchase? Preliminary dimensions via email/phone to determine brand and frame size followed by order and finally in shop fitting? Or do you go for a fitting and then purchase the bike unseen and have it shipped when it becomes available? Post purchase, do you ship the bike in parts and then build it yourself back home? Or did you ship it ‘assembled’?
Ultimately I’m looking to make this as easy as possible for both myself and the retailer. I understand that LBS support post purchase is a nigh on impossible but that is always an issue with the amount I travel so this is not really a consideration for me.
I know it’s a lot of questions, but any comments/tips/advice would be greatly appreciated.