From China with love

[Irishrich]

Much to my wife's dismay I have been ordering a few items off eBay for the bike, mainly clothing and a new helmet. I wanted to gauge how popular it is to order cycling items from China and your experience of the quality of the items. So far I have received a pair of winter cycling gloves that have been superb on my last wet and cold ride over 75 miles, for a tenner. I also have a skull cap/beanie type thing which feels great, a pair of leg warmers that fit perfectly and thermal socks that feel well made. On order is a nice looking helmet and a top and bib tight set. Based on first impressions the quality seems very good but I have no idea how long they will last. All opinions appreciated.

 

[vickster]

I would be wary of a helmet that might be fake and thus not adequately safety tested (if at all) - something that protects your skull is not to be skimped on imo - especially as you have made a conscious decision to wear one to protect your skull rather than to look cool presumably

 

[Davidc]

I've ordered things that way and no problems yet. I've also ordered branded goods online and they've arrived from China!

A couple of things have been faulty and had to go back - again no problems yet.

 

[Irishrich]

I had the same initial thought about the helmet as soon as I looked at it and knew the manufacturer wouldnt make it to uk regulations so I guess I bought it because it looked well made and was attractive. I take my safety seriously so am happy to ride around in fake chinese cycle clothing but not too sure about the helmet.

 

[Mile195]

I'm dubious about buying things from China. While I'm sure many purchases are fine and the sellers reputable, I can't help be very aware of the fact that when you buy via ebay the seller has your name, address, ebay account name, email address, paypal account name and if you provided it to ebay, your phone number.

Obviously buying from anyone in any country means handing over the same details but given that China rates right up there amongst the places where fraudsters are most likely to be based I prefer generally to pay the extra and buy from closer to home really.

As for the quality of the kit, it's probably no better or worse than you'd find in the budget ranges of European stores (and probably comes out of exactly the same factories too), so from that point of view it's probably fine.

 

[vickster]

I had the same initial thought about the helmet as soon as I looked at it and knew the manufacturer wouldnt make it to uk regulations so I guess I bought it because it looked well made and was attractive. I take my safety seriously so am happy to ride around in fake chinese cycle clothing but not too sure about the helmet.

Why did you order it then?

 

[Irishrich]

Why did you order it then?

Probably for the same reason that someone orders a replica Ferrari from China as a kit car, it's about owning something for a few quid that would usually cost many times more in the UK. It was my only purchase that was done on impulse as everything else was ordered after I assessed what I needed for winter and so far I have been highly impressed by the quality. The helmet was a thing of beauty so I'll probably wear it around my back yard while doing circles on my bike. It will only be tested if I fall off and hit my fence.

 

[Irishrich]

I'm dubious about buying things from China. While I'm sure many purchases are fine and the sellers reputable, I can't help be very aware of the fact that when you buy via ebay the seller has your name, address, ebay account name, email address, paypal account name and if you provided it to ebay, your phone number.

Ok, they have my postal address, which is not my home address and nothing else is of any use. My ebay name and paypal name are of no use to anyone. I worry about your paranoia if you think about such things when ordering on eBay as half the world uses it every day without getting their money nicked.

 

[IncoherentJeff]

I've ordered a few cycling tops, a pair of shorts and a bib from China/HK. I like the designs of the Spakct cyclewear ( http://www.spakct.com/product.asp?action=bigclass&bigclassid=249 ), just has an unfortunate name!
The padding in the shorts & bib are good for up to 10/15 miles riding further than that and I notice the difference between them and my Endura undershorts.

 

[Mile195]

Ok, they have my postal address, which is not my home address and nothing else is of any use. My ebay name and paypal name are of no use to anyone. I worry about your paranoia if you think about such things when ordering on eBay as half the world uses it every day without getting their money nicked.

As I say - I'm sure most transactions are smooth. I just know too many people that have been scammed in one way or another. Some through stupidity, but most not. You could describe it as paranoia, but if it means I never have to go through that hassle myself then it's all good!

 

[IncoherentJeff]

PayPal is safe in my book, I've ordered from all over the world; US, HK/China/Taiwan, Thailand, Vietnam, Austrailia, Ireland, Eastern Europe, etc (mostly not bicycle related). I've never had my bank details stolen online & just 1 item never turned up.
I'd much rather give someone my PayPal details than my bank/card details directly.
If they don't accept PayPal I walk away. If they suggest Western Union I run for the hills!

Western Union is most probably a secure banking system but 10years of spam/fishing emails featuring their name has eroded any confidence in the brand for me at least.

 

[Fake Britain]

I'm looking into the area of fake cycle helmets for an upcoming feature.

Have any of you bought, or know someone that's bought a cycle helmet that you though was a reputable brand, only to discover it was a fake?

 

[VamP]

As I say - I'm sure most transactions are smooth. I just know too many people that have been scammed in one way or another. Some through stupidity, but most not. You could describe it as paranoia, but if it means I never have to go through that hassle myself then it's all good!

Really?

I don't know any.

 

[numbnuts]

I put in an order on the 31st August, they say it has been lost in the post, they will not give me a refund as they have sent another one, I think I have lost £12.46