Recently, I destroyed my Ui2 RD. Local quotes: $420 and $400 from two of the bigger and more reputable bike stores in Canberra. I got it shipped from the UK for $215 (Evans Cycles). A 48% saving online.
Called a couple of stores (Trek Retailers) for a quote on a saddle yesterday. One said $299, the other said $229. I can buy it from the Trek web site for $180, and I got it brand new from Germany including shipping for $145. A 37-52% saving online.
A few months ago I bought a Dura-Ace 7900 C35 wheelset... the Australian prices for this are completely outrageous. I paid $1070 including shipping from the UK (Ribble). Cycling Express is selling them at $1,499 (a claimed 38% discount and almost a decent price). Another Aussie retailer has them at $2279.20 (also at a discount they claim). I've seen them priced even higher in local Canberra shops (~$2.5k). Admittedly the prices for these wheels vary wildly online, but they're just another example. A 29-53% saving online.
High quality knicks and Jerseys are similarly overpriced... as are tyres, pumps, and from what I can see... everything else.
When it comes to buying parts, if you shop locally, you're probably paying 1.5-2+ times the prices you can find online. This all makes me a bit sad, and a bit angry. I wish I lived somewhere that I could buy things from a local shop, but sadly I do not. I'd even be happy to pay 10/20% more if it meant supporting my local cycling scene
What the fudge causes these hugely inflated prices? Is it really the distributors? If so, is there any end in sight?

MEH! /endrant
