Should I buy a road bike in USA or when I get to Europe?

[Boston Biker]

I'm going to Europe (Germany) at the beginning of September to study abroad until December. I want to buy a road bike in the US or Europe and am just wondering what the best thing to do would be? I would have to consider a bunch of variables including prices, exchange rate, shipping a bike from the US to Europe and more. I was just wondering if anyone knows if I should buy now and bring it with me or buy when I get there. I want to get a road bike with a carbon frame.

How does one travel with a bike whilst not riding it? Does it cost extra to bring with you on the train? How safe is it or will it get stolen?

 

[BrumJim]

Shipping from the US has got to be expensive. I can't believe that the exchange rate is going to be unfavourable enough to make buying in Germany more expensive.

Most of Europe is very accommodating for cyclists. Shouldn't cost you extra to take it on German trains, but can't find anything on the German Railways web site to confirm or deny this.

Edited to say:
Once in Germany, bicycles are carried on most InterCity (IC) trains, but not on high-speed ICE trains, for a small fee of about 9 euros, providing you make a prior reservation for your bicycle. To find a train that will take both you and you bike, use the online timetable at http://bahn.hafas.de, ticking the 'carriage of bicycles required' box. You can book a bike space and buy your ticket online this way, too.


From here.

 

[g00se]

Just something to bear in mind if you buy the bike in Germany and ship it back with you - you might get hit with import duties, especially if you have no evidence of taking it out with you.

Have you thought about buying a second-hand (use) bike when you get out there - then selling it for much the same money once you're about to leave?

 

[Boston Biker]

Thanks for all of the advice!

Have you thought about buying a second-hand (use) bike when you get out there - then selling it for much the same money once you're about to leave?

I'm just wondering how easy it would be to sell a fairly expensive used road bike (and how long it would take to sell).

 

[on the road]

If you buy a bike from the USA then you'll be battered by customs for import duty.

 

[HLaB]

If you buy a bike from the USA then you'll be battered by customs for import duty.

What I think some folk do is go to the US with a cheap bike thats on it last knees (say circa £15 worth) dump it there and come back with a good bike bought over there; customs only see 1 bike out and 1 bike in I've never done it myself though in fact I've never been to the States

 

[g00se]

If you buy a bike from the USA then you'll be battered by customs for import duty.

I think the OP is an American who is coming over to Germany. If it's bought in the US, then it's just something he bought over with him as luggage.

 

[Boston Biker]

I think the OP is an American who is coming over to Germany. If it's bought in the US, then it's just something he bought over with him as luggage.

Yep

 

[on the road]

Yep

Oops