I received an original condition '57 curly stay Hetchins from the UK today that arrived with no problems. The key is to give detailed packing instructions to the sender (who hopefully will cooperate). I apologize in advance to the sender for what sounds like a lecture on packing, but I haven't encountered a problem with anyone yet. I've found that shipping a complete bike in two boxes works best, one for the bare frame and the other box for everything else, with double walled boxes. The extra cost is well worth it. Jay Van De Velde Seal Beach, CA --
On Tue, 3 Dec 2002 06:52:22
Daniel wrote:
>Dear Group,
> As one who has received a "Hurt Hetchins" and another bike or two from England with dents in the tubes from shipping, I read the story of the mangled $22.50 Raleigh 3 speed with interest. What if this bike had been one of the Rene Herse bicycles that travel, thanks to eBay, to Japan? I have often wondered whether these beautiful examples of the framebuilder's art make it to their destination without damage. But then, when it comes to shipping bicycles, I have become something of a pessimist.
> Does anyone know the story of bicycles that are shipped from the U.S. and/or England to Japan? What is the "safe journey" success rate?
>
> Daniel "Loves English bikes, Hates Shipping" Dahlquist
> Gallena, IL