As you all probly know I ordered a Mercian Frame in Nov 2005, with the
Barbers pole. Well come April 2006, still No frame, I have to admit that I was
getting a little annoyed, finally I got a Email that the frame was finished BUT
there was a probelm with a small run in the white paint, photo showed this, my
FIRST reaction was, REPAINT I want it perfect!!! BUT on thinking about the
time involved to do this and allready the long wait, I made an offer, "you pay
for shipping I will accept", NOW Was I wrong??? Well it was shipped on
Monday 17 April from Darby (Derby) UK, arrived at my door Parker, Colorado, USA
on Wednesday, TWO DAYS by Fed Ex,Now they quoted me two day Fed Ex, for GPB
125 or approx $220 So who got the best deal, the paint run is hardly noticed,
the frame is simply "Gorgeous Darling" A satisfied customer and ONE less
prombem for the builder. NOW to shipping charges, $220.00 for TWO days, LESS
chance for damage, this is for a FRAME only, a complete bike would be much
moore, BUT it MAY be worth it, In Febuary my son Paul shipped a 1979 Legnano
frame to me to refinish and build up with period correct parts, he used UPS and
had it picked up at Newport, Rhode Island US, in a standard bike box 54x29"
8"deep, PAID $140.00 ONE way!!!! a FRAME ONLY, must have wighed no moore
than8 LBS!!! I refinished the frame and built up the bike, real nice, took it
to the local bike shop,Treads in Parker Co. had them pack it $35.00 in the
same size box and ship back to Rhode IslandmUS TOTAL COST incl, packing
$95.00!!! for a COMPLETE BIKE 30lb. $45.00 LESS that just a frame the other way, SO
WHATS THE DEAL??? bike shop says they have an account with UPS SO when I
ship my 1950 Mercian to Greensboro, (If I do) they WILL get the job. seems to me
that shipping is a coin toss, some you win others you loose, shop around I
guess, must be a big margin in profit somewhere, Cheers John Crump
OldsenditontheTitanicBrit, Parker Co.USA