Where do you buy your bicycle parts, cyclists? Your favorite shop? Amazon? If you haven't tried overseas online shopping, you should definitely check out a site once. You'll surely be surprised by the prices. It's not uncommon for a dream carbon wheel to be half its list price.

However, many people may still feel uneasy about overseas online shopping. So, this time, we will thoroughly introduce popular and reliable overseas online shopping sites in Japan. In the latter half, we will also touch on tips for safe shopping, so please use it as a reference when making a purchase.

What is overseas bicycle online shopping?

First of all, why can you buy things cheaper through overseas online shopping? One reason is the difference in distribution. With the exception of some domestic brands like SHIMANO, bicycle parts generally circulate in Japan through import agents. This process inevitably incurs an intermediate margin. In contrast, overseas online shopping sources directly and in large quantities from manufacturers, allowing them to sell at very low prices.

• Road Bike Overseas Online Shopping

There are several overseas online shopping sites for road bikes, and famous ones include Wiggle and Chain Reaction Cycles (CRC). Both are UK-based shops, but their websites support Japanese, allowing for smooth transactions. Additionally, Evans Cycles and ProBikeKit are also reliable shops. Each offers different product specialties, so feel free to browse their sites.

•  Road Bike Overseas Online Shopping SiteICAN

On ICAN's website, you can purchase bicycles, frames, and wheels at very affordable prices. Their road bike lineup ranges from lightweight models under 8kg to full-fledged aero models equipped with disc brakes. Alongside this, they offer a variety of wheel models tailored to different uses. All prices include customs duties, and a 2-year warranty is provided. Some products are even in stock domestically, ensuring smooth and reliable transactions.

MTBOverseas Online Shopping

Through overseas online shopping, you can purchase not only road bikes but also MTBs. MTBs are very popular overseas, so many models not seen in Japan are available. Recommended shops include ICAN and the very famous EVANS CYCLE in the UK. Here, over 60 models of the popular brand Trek are sold in Japan. You'll be able to find a model that suits your preferences, from hardtails to full-suspension bikes.

 Bicycle Parts Overseas Online Shopping

Bicycle parts are also a bargain. Shimano components used to be available on sites like Wiggle, but now shipping restrictions have made it impossible to purchase them from Japan. Instead, Campagnolo products are highly recommended for overseas online shopping. For example, on CRC, complete groupsets like "Super Record" are sold at 10-20% off the list price. Campagnolo is renowned for its beautiful craftsmanship. Why not try assembling it yourself?

Bicycle Overseas Online Shopping Wheels

Wheels are popular products in overseas online shopping. Sites like ICAN frequently hold sales, often offering them at exceptionally low prices. What's more, the coveted carbon rim, equipped with industry-leading DT180 Swiss hubs, the DT180 AERO 40 Disc carbon wheel is about 150,000 yen. If you're considering an upgrade for your bicycle, it will undoubtedly pique your interest. Additionally, Campagnolo's Zonda, a classic aluminum wheel, is sold at Wiggle for an astonishing 40% off, approximately 39,000 yen.

Bicycle Overseas Online Shopping Frames

Some brands of bicycle frames can also be purchased through overseas online shopping. The aforementioned CRC has a particularly large selection, offering frames from Cinelli and even discontinued Pinarello models. Furthermore, the ICAN website also carries a wide range of frames for road bikes, cross bikes, MTB bikes, gravel bikes, and electric bicycles. While careful attention to frame size selection is necessary, the performance is excellent. If you're considering building your own bike from scratch, this is definitely worth looking into.

 Recommended Bicycle Overseas Online Shopping Wheels: Top 3

ICAN's website features a wide lineup of cost-effective carbon wheels. Here, we introduce some of our particularly recommended wheels.

・AERO 50 Disc

These are carbon wheels compatible with disc brakes. The carbon used is the globally trusted Toray T700 & T800. The total weight of the front and rear is approximately 1,400g, a spec comparable to other brands. What's most surprising is the price. At 70,620 yen (tax included), they are ideal for beginner upgrades.

・DT AERO 40

These are rim brake compatible, 40mm high semi-deep wheels. The material is also Toray T700 & T800, providing high rigidity. With a weight of approximately 1,400g, they have sufficient specifications for hill climbing. They can be purchased for 108,360 yen (tax included).

・2020 35㎜

This is a lightweight carbon wheel from the latest model. It features an easy-to-handle 35mm height and weighs approximately 1450g. While wheels with similar specifications from other brands would cost over 100,000 yen, this one can be purchased for 85,500 yen (tax included).

Guide to Overseas Bicycle Online Shopping

Finally, we will explain the precautions when making transactions through overseas online shopping.

• Bicycle Overseas Online Shopping Customs Duty

While overseas online shopping offers affordable prices, customs duties may apply when products are shipped to Japan. Frames and parts are generally duty-free, but clothing and shoes may incur 10% to 30%. However, purchases under 16,666 yen are reportedly exempt.

• Tips for Successful Overseas Bicycle Online Shopping

Another point to note is choosing the right shop. If you use the shops introduced in this article, problems are unlikely to occur. However, you may occasionally come across suspicious shops. If a shop's prices are exorbitantly low compared to others, it's best to refrain from using it.

Summary

This time, we introduced overseas bicycle online shopping. The appeal of overseas online shopping is undoubtedly its affordability. Even wheels that were previously out of reach can be purchased at unexpected prices. These prices are updated daily and can fluctuate significantly with sales. If you have a target product, be sure to check frequently.

Now, enjoy your cycling life!

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