Giant Spain vs Giant UK

[Geejay]

In my previous thread I got a suggestion for a Giant Talon mtb for use in Spain. I was comparing prices in UK and Spain for Talon 27.5 bikes, although the models aren't the same even for the same number. But here's a comparison. Any thoughts?

Spain: Talon 27.5 0 Ltd €999 = £730
Forks: Rock Shox Reba RL Air, MC, Pushloc, 100mm travel
Handlebar: Giant Connect XC, 19mm rise, 690mm x 31.8mm Giant Connect, 8 degree rise
Stem: Giant Connect, 30.9x375mm
Seatpost: Giant Connect Upright
Pedals: MTB Caged, 9/16"
Shifters: Shimano SLX, 3x10 Speed
Front; Shimano SLX
Rear: Shimano XT Shadow
Brakes: Shimano M396
Levers: Shimano M395
Cassette: Shimano HG50 1136, 10Speed
Chain: KMC X10 w/ Missing Link
Crankset: Shimano Deore M610
BB: Shimano
Giant SXC2 27.5" wheelset
Giant Tracker Sport, 32H, [F] QR [R] QR Stainless 14g, black

UK: Talon 27.5 1 £849
RockShox 30 GOLD TK SoloAir, 100mm travel
Giant Connect XC, Low Rise, 690mm Giant Connect, ±8degree rise
Giant Connect, 30.9mm
Giant Connect Upright
MTB Caged
Shimano Deore 30 speed
Shimano Deore
Shimano XT, Shadow
Shimano M355 160mm
Shimano M395
Shimano HG50 1136
KMC X10 w/ Missing Link
Shimano M522, 24/32/42 w/ chainguard
Shimano, threaded external
Giant SXC2 27.5 wheelset

 

[Milkfloat]

My thoughts - buy in Spain, a much better speced bike for less money.

 

[Drago]

What's the delivery cost from Spain, and what will you do if any warranty work is needed?

 

[e-rider]

depends which country you live in. Credit cards charge 3% for foreign currency shopping (usually) - also depends on the exchange rates and also, if you have problems and need to ship the bike back (at your expense) for a warranty claim and savings are more than gone!

I do sometimes buy from some of the German shops but returns are always trouble, and things often arrive damaged (over 50% of my orders have arrived damaged) - I wouldn't buy a large item such as a bike from overseas - more trouble than the saving is worth.

 

[Geejay]

Thanks. I considered buying when I go to Spain, but as pointed out, warranty issues could be problematical. Thanks for the advice.
It just seemed a bit of a bargain. Can't understand why bikes are so much cheaper over there.

 

[Boon 51]

The bikes are a different price because the cost of living in Spain is cheaper.. I've bought loads of Spanish bikes and all have been faultless. As for the warranty I was told most makers have a European Warranty though I have never put that to the test?

 

[LoftusRoadie]

I bought my Giant bike in Taiwan (I lived there) where they are approx 40-50% cheaper than here. If you were buying a really expensive bike then it might be worth looking into spending £600-700 on a flight, buying the bike and in effect getting a free holiday as well. Haven't had a warranty issue but they do have a worldwide warranty although they state "Claims made outside the country of purchase may be subject to fees and additional restrictions."
http://www.giant-bicycles.com/_upload_au/Giant-global-Warranty-Policy.pdf