Trading Parts across US/CAN border: Off-topic discussion forum: Grassroots Motorsports Magazine

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Feb. 13, 2012 1:13 p.m. PHeller Dork

I'm trying to setup a steal of a deal on a new-to-me mountain bike.

I've got a local guy who will sell me an awesome bike for real cheap, but its too small.

I've got a fellow in Manitoba who's an hour away from North Dakota border. He's got the same bike in my size, and wants a smaller frame. He agreed to trade.

I myself am only about 1:45 from Ontario.

So we're trading. No money is being exchanged. The bikes are valuable ($750), but only if someone damages or loses them in transit. Otherwise they are free (at least between me and the guy and Manitoba).

Any ideas on how to do this without paying ridiculous shipping costs?
Feb. 13, 2012 1:21 p.m. bearmtnmartin New Reader

Drive to the border

Bike over and meet him for coffee

Come back on a smaller but similar bike.

or...

Meet a few feet apart with the border between you

Count to three and each hurl a bike toward the other person.

The Canadian side wouldn't blink during this scenario, but you might have helicopter gunships after you from your end.
Feb. 13, 2012 1:30 p.m. Keith SuperDork

The thing you missed is that one's in Manitoba and near North Dakota, while the other is close to Ontario and thus probably in Michigan or NY.

It'll be cheapest if you can get both bikes into the same country. Ship yours to a depot in ND. When he drives down to pick it up, he can ship his to you. Some UPS stores will do this for you.
Feb. 13, 2012 1:34 p.m. akamcfly Reader

Keith wrote:

The thing you missed is that one's in Manitoba and near North Dakota, while the other is close to Ontario and thus probably in Michigan or NY.

Or Minnesota
Feb. 13, 2012 1:40 p.m. Brett_Murphy Dork

Global incident started over mountain bike hurling scheme, details at eleven.
Feb. 13, 2012 1:43 p.m. Keith SuperDork

akamcfly wrote:

Keith wrote:

The thing you missed is that one's in Manitoba and near North Dakota, while the other is close to Ontario and thus probably in Michigan or NY.

Or Minnesota

True. Although if you crossed the Minnesota/Ontario border towards Canada, you're not going to find a lot of people to greet you
Feb. 13, 2012 1:45 p.m. Zomby woof SuperDork

akamcfly wrote:

Keith wrote:

The thing you missed is that one's in Manitoba and near North Dakota, while the other is close to Ontario and thus probably in Michigan or NY.

Or Minnesota

Pa.

Keith is right. That will be the cheapest, and easiest way. There are no shortage of shipping depots for just such an occasion.
Feb. 13, 2012 1:46 p.m. PHeller Dork

I'm in PA, but would cross at Niagara Falls.

If he crossed the US Border with a bicycle frame in the trunk, and comes back across without said frame, would that raise any concerns from border patrol?
Feb. 13, 2012 2:25 p.m. Keith SuperDork

Highly unlikely.
Feb. 13, 2012 2:38 p.m. Stealthtercel HalfDork

In my experience, US Customs inbound coming from Canada does tend to ask, "Are you bringing anything with you that you intend to leave in the United States?" Of course, the answer "No" is always possible. I can't imagine them cross-checking as you go back north. And anyway, you don't stop at US Customs as you leave the US, you just stop at Canadian Customs as you re-enter Canada.
Feb. 13, 2012 2:39 p.m. PHeller Dork

So either I should drive up to Ontario to a UPS Store where he'll ship his frame, or he should drive down to North Dakota and do the same?

I assume I won't have to pay any fees on bringing bicycle parts across the border?
Feb. 13, 2012 2:47 p.m. akamcfly Reader

Keith wrote:

True. Although if you crossed the Minnesota/Ontario border towards Canada, you're not going to find a lot of people to greet you

T. bay has 110,000 people. But you're right, they're not very friendly.
Feb. 13, 2012 5:17 p.m. Zomby woof SuperDork

Stealthtercel wrote:

In my experience, US Customs inbound coming from Canada does tend to ask, "Are you bringing anything with you that you intend to leave in the United States?"

I've crossed the border over 100 times and never been asked that.

"What is the purpose of your trip?" is what I've always been asked.
Feb. 13, 2012 5:51 p.m. Streetwiseguy SuperDork

Zomby woof wrote:

Stealthtercel wrote:

In my experience, US Customs inbound coming from Canada does tend to ask, "Are you bringing anything with you that you intend to leave in the United States?"

I've crossed the border over 100 times and never been asked that.

"What is the purpose of your trip?" is what I've always been asked.

I've gotten the are you leaving anything question, but the purpose question is more common.
Feb. 13, 2012 6:07 p.m. PHeller Dork

what would be a good response to the question of "what is your purpose in Canada?" Do I just say "exchanging parts", "visiting" or...?

I guess it'd be fun to take parts up with me and just swap the bike complete....then I could ride in Ontario.
Feb. 13, 2012 6:11 p.m. Zomby woof SuperDork

To exchange some bicycle parts, sir.

Now if you could just run next door to Delaware and grab some rims for me, I'd take delivery of the bike and run it up to the Falls for you...
Feb. 13, 2012 6:13 p.m. Turboeric New Reader

Zomby woof wrote: I've crossed the border over 100 times and never been asked that.

Really? I get asked that every time.
Feb. 13, 2012 6:46 p.m. pigeon SuperDork

I picked up a set of stock Focus wheels to use for snows on my old CSVT from a guy in TO. I drove to Niagara Falls and drove over, met him in the parking lot of the casino, and drove back. Total time in Canada about 30 minutes. I was quizzed by US customs on the way back and made to open the trunk but that was it. I don't think you'll have any problems, just so long as you trust the guy on the other end to actually ship his frame to you.