Well after much over analysis, at one point even considering a Kona Sutra, I bought the LHT (54cm). I live in Brisbane and there is only one shop that actually stocks the LHT (Epic Cycles, great shop with nice people) and they didnt have my size. I ended up purchasing the bike from brunswick street cycles in Melbourne. They stocked it for $1999 and shipped it for free in 4 days! Needless to say I was very happy with their service.
Another option I considered was to purchase the LHT from wiggle (around AU$1550), but I did more calculations and realised that with the $170 postage, GST and customs duty I would have to pay the dollar difference amounted to about $50.
I will post some photos up once I get my upgrades on (and my camera back from my sister). I have already added the SKS Chromoplastic fenders (P55), I intend changing the drop bars (I don't like the curve) and adding a Brooks B17 saddle. I also am getting a Tubus Cargo rack.
I have also got Time ATAC LOC pedals.
All in all I love the look of the bike, it is noticeably heavier than my roady (duhh) but feels solid and not overly 'truck' like. The granny gears are crazy, but I assume will come in handy when I belt up the alps hauling 70kg of gear!
Great news that you have ordered the LHT and it arrived safely
ReplyDeleteI cant wait to get mine I am still in 2 minds as to where to get it. Ill keep you up to date
Yeah I know the feeling, I over analysed so much. In the end I just bit the bullet and everything turned out okay!
ReplyDeleteI actually ordered one from wiggle about a month ago but they were out of stock and I cancelled it when I realised about the GST/import duty. It would have cost about $1950 from wiggle all up, and with the month wait I thought I'd just get it from BSC.
Local is better I think, but I won't spend an extra 10% to do so... especially when 10% equates to $200!
Hey Jon, ordered the LHT today from a local dealer.
ReplyDeletereally happy with the service price and extras, thanks again for your blog, reading that other people are buying something your thinking of really makes me more confident in getting it
cheers
No worries mate, I'm sure you'll be happy with it. I'm certainly happy with mine!
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