Buying gear

I know there are a few of you who've spent a fair amount of time in
the US, so, where is the best place to buy gear, America, England, or
somewhere on the Continent? When I come over in May, I'll bring my
jacket and trou, and I could bring the rest, but I'll prolly buy a new
helmet, and I could spring for new gloves, boots, and rainsuit, too.
The questions is, should I get it before I leave, or after I get
there? Mind, I'll be flying into Heidelberg.

 

there's this skinny[1] china-latino guy who hangs around Soho square -
usually pretty reliable.

[1] odd, that.

 

Heinz Gherkin would have been one of my recommendations as well, the
other one being Polo (there's one in Karlsruhe IIRC and probably in
Mannheim as well). Both are big chain stores that have pretty decent
prices.

 

I'd say loom at the exchange rate/local prices as it may work out
expensive for you to buy over here.

However, more importantly IMO, is that you are comfortable with your
riding gear. If you currently have gear, and are happy with it. Bring that.

If you want new gear, buy it now to test before you leave.

Are helmets more expensive stateside ? You can buy them in Walmart (along
with your gun)

I can't remember, are you flying your bike over or hiring over in Europe ?

 

Before any of our resident Germans respond with personal

A third (and excellent) big german chain store is Louis (http://louis.de)

 

Or at least intimidate the market into submission

--
Catman MIB#14 SKoGA#6 TEAR#4 BOTAFOF#38 Apostle#21 COSOC#3
Tyger, Tyger Burning Bright (Remove rust to reply)
116 Giulietta 3.0l Sprint 1.7 GTV TS GT 3.2 V6
Triumph Sprint ST 1050: It's blue, see.
www.cuore-sportivo.co.uk

 

but only if he gets wired first.

 

Yes, I forgot about them; I think the store I was thinking about in
Karlsruhe is Louis and not Polo.

 

It seems so. And it appears the variety and quality isn't much
different, too.

Walmart? ugh. I buy my guns from this skinny little guy on a corner in
the barrio.

As for helmets - that's interesting. I wear a Shoei X11 now. It's ~5
years old and the liner is fraying, so it's time to get a new one. It
seems the models are different in Europe from the US. I'm guessing
that's because of the DOT sticker required on legal helmets here, but
they're definitely shaped different, not just different names. I'm
sure the quality is just as good, but it looks like I'll buy one here.

I bought a 2008 BMW R1200GS from a Californian who flew it over a
while ago. The bike has CA plates and is in Heidelberg now. I'm
thinking of keeping it there and riding it every summer for a few
years.

 

Thanks. I have an old HG jacket in the closet, but they seem a bit
pricey and their German website doesn't show any discounts. Polo and
Louis, OTOH, are now on the itinerary.

 

You're warped.

--
Catman MIB#14 SKoGA#6 TEAR#4 BOTAFOF#38 Apostle#21 COSOC#3
Tyger, Tyger Burning Bright (Remove rust to reply)
116 Giulietta 3.0l Sprint 1.7 GTV TS GT 3.2 V6
Triumph Sprint ST 1050: It's blue, see.
www.cuore-sportivo.co.uk

 

Same product, all made by the same 3rd world labour market.

Is he releated to the one in Soho ?

Proabably because yanks have bigger heads

Sounds like a plan.

Check the "temporary import" conditions though, it was a 12 month ticket
when I took mine to the US.

 

I thought it was gear he was after, not gyre.

 

I think this cascade is best weft alone.

 

It's turning into a bit of a yarn.

 

could refer to ukrm's unofficial (and in fact large unacknowledged
credo):

"Oh, what a tangled web we weave
When first we practise to deceive"