Thinking of importing a bike from europe ? cons, im sure you have all looked on leboncoin etc and thought thats cheap sometimes. Seems like every man and his dog are at it these days. To be honest unless you bring atleast 7 per trip back and split the cost between the 7 bikes its not worth going.
Downfall number 1, the French ! They are so hard to deal with its unbelievable more so if you dont speak French, try messaging a few bikes on leboncoin and see how many replies you get. Better still try ringing and see how many just put the phone down on you. Seriously they think its a scam, how many people from France contact you wanting to buy your bike from another country ? Think about it.
Downfall number 2, France is huge and very rural, all the nice stuff is down south were the climate is nice. That means lots of fuel and 90% of French motorways have tolls. The main Alpine route is extortionate, you need hotels because it normally takes a while because of the distances. Bikes from the north are no better than uk bikes.
Inprespective, to go to the south of France in a van to collect just one nice French bike costs around 350 to 380 Eurotunnel train, 3 full tanks of fuel say no more, French motorway tolls . 3 hotels plus your little expenses food etc. It soon becomes very expensive and not such a bargain.
If you want to try get a friend in France and one in Switzerland to hand pick the best low mileage low owner bikes and make the arrangements for you then go for 7 no less. Keep some for yourself and your mates then sell the rest to cover your expenses, you might make a little not much. Them days are gone now, but if your an enthusiast your still ok but hurry up all nice stuff is getting more expensive and harder to find.
