Paying an arm and a leg for a bike in Canada, what can you do?

Question

Whether it is duties at the border, the tarrifs from American-made bikes, the cost of buying a bike in Canada is sometimes prohibitive of the likely bike enthusiast to put the pedal to the metal.

So why is it that Canadians pay so much more to hit the pavement on two wheels than four -- gas prices here in Canada, but not Ontario at the moment, are comparable to the United States' gas prices, and in some cases lower. This is inexcusable, there needs to be some barriers dropped if the cycling community is to thrive... why isn't there something being done to strike down what could be, for Canadians, something as enjoyable as playing outdoor street hockey, which requires a measly tennis ball and hockey sticks, or any other sport out there.

What can a lone Canadian do to fight these outrageous expenses to enjoy something that should be cheap, affordable and non-prohibitive?

I'm someone who lives close to the border, should I border hop or is there an alternative?

Thanks,

Av

Answer 1

It was almost a lot worse. The Canadian bike manufacturers Association (basically Procycle and Raleigh Canada) were asking for a 30% tariff on imports in May 2006 (see source link) that basically would have put more coin in the pockets of big retailers like Walmart.

"Currently all bicycle imports into Canada have a 13 percent import duty and some also have a 5-50 percent dumping duty applied. An additional 30 percent surtax against bikes from the Far East, as recommended to the Canadian government by the Canadian International Trade Tribunal (CITT), would have made Canada "the most taxed bicycle industry on the planet," said Guy Bombardier of Cybersport of Vancouver BC, manufacturer of Brodie Bikes."

Higher-end bikes from small Canadian manufacturers (Brodie, Rocky, Kona, Cervelo, Cove) are generally at their highest value per dollar over 2006 to now, versus what it was pre-2006. Good bikes may seem expensive, but value and technology has never been greater. A high Canadian dollar certainly helps in this formula.

If you really want a deal - get a part-time job at a bike shop. You won't get paid much, and all your wages will go into bikes - but you will be entitled to staff discounts, and you can drool over all the new bikes and parts every shift! Plus you will be looking at bikes that are competitive in the Canadian bike marketplace, instead of junk from two bottom-feeder companies fighting for the low-end of the bike market.

Answer 2

You've used some muscles in ways you haven't used them before. Not a surprise, and no way around it. Same thing happens first day of cross country practice if you haven't been running all summer. Get back on it today and go again. You're not going to improve fitness in only a few days, but doing it again will help soreness by getting some blood flowing through those muscles. Also, you'll relax some as you ride more. Being all tensed up the first time probably accounts for some of the soreness.

Answer 3

The costs of Bicycles has more than tripled in the United States, as well, since I bought mine in 2002. so as an alternative I had all the existing moving parts replaced 1 year ago for less than 160.00 and now I have a like new bike. That was for the crank, sprocket and chain.

Answer 4

Unfortunatly, America has the whip hand. When Canada refused to support its actions in the Gulf, if I understand corectly, they put a ban on importing your beef. America can whack any nation with its economic might, even if the Democratically Elected Govt of, say, Canada exercises its right not to agree with America.

That said, boarder pricing is a two way event. Many of your home taxes could be tweaked to encourage cycling, especially while waving the eco banner. In the UK there is a tax scheme that offers to pay for 1/2 the value of a bike, if bought through your company, as a means to encourage people to cycle to work. See if there is a similar scheme in Canada. If not, lobby your parliament.

Luck

Answer 5

Rocky Mountain is a great Canadian bicycle maker. I've also seen Louis Garneau bikes. I believe Brodie was a respected frame builder from the BC area. If the American bikes aren't price competitive, then these should provide you with homegrown options.

Answer 6

You can always check the internet. There are several good companies that sell bikes for cheaper than you can get in the shops.

Answer 7

I would suggest crossing the border (LEGALY LOL) and buy a bike, go back, and have fun! your not going to fight bike prices by yourself....but if your REALLY upset about it, do a google.com search for bike prices in canada and find a group that helps fight it.

Answer 8

Try Kult Bikes, they are based in Canada. I bought some stuff from them and it has worked really well.

Answer 9

border hop what are they going to do, go to Niagara walk across and ride back!

Answer 10

www.glorycycles.com