humanbeing wrote:I looked into Mercian about 18 months ago and I seem to remember it was about $400 to ship a frame set to Australia.
Yes this is true, though I guess in my mind the importing also includes taxation. My frame has not yet arrived, but I understand that it should be stopped by customs due to the price exceeding $1000.
After this they send a letter and you need to file paperwork, either yourself or by contacting an import agent (easier and only 50ish dollar fee).
I couldn't tell you of the cost yet, as hypothetically if the outside of the package has no invoice it might not even be stopped. So it could be no more than I've already paid, or hundreds in tax. I'm sure there's gst to be paid (10% of item+shipping cost), but I've heard varying reports on duty as technically a bicycle is environmentally friendly, sustainable or something along those lines.
Keep in mind that the quoted prices on Mercian's website factor in 20% VAT (value added tax), which is negated for international shipping. So a $1400 frame should only cost you 1k.
The importing is fairly irritating but not unexpected... but imho very much worth it. Initially I was interested in a lugged steel frame bicycle after reading some rivendell stuff, but their bikes aren't custom, most of the time cost more, give you less (options, variables) and aren't to me as well made. As I understand it, Mercian paint-work is perfection and one framebuilder creates your frame from start to finish.
The sizing is fairly standard, you'll need to provide your height, inner seam etc. What I found more difficult personally was selecting the right options for the parts. BB shell type (british/italian/french), threaded/threadless, drop out styles, brake braze ons .... lots of options to confuse if you're not too sure of what you want.
I've had all the parts for my frame sitting around for months now, so I'm pretty keen to get the frame and ride it. I thought I'd do the frame justice and get top quality parts... I don't expect to get much change from 7k. But realistically, people spend this and more on carbon bikes, which is fine, but a well-loved Mercian could easily become an heirloom and could take you anywhere.
The only thing I would recommend is to select the parts or get them selected for you separately from the frame. You could save hundreds shopping around for things, due to multiple sub-1k imports rather than importing a whole $5000 bike in one go.
Good luck