Re: [RBW] Beware Blue Lug

[Mike Rossi]

My last issue with ordering from Blue Lug wasnt with them, but with FedEx. I think DHL saw future problems and got out. I miss them. I used to have orders arrive in two or three days. And, according to their website, they take (took)care of all the customs paperwork. My last order left Blue Lug quickly, but FedEx circled it around Japan for two days, then went to South Korea, and then I tracked it to Alaska(??), before it finally made it down to South Carolina. It wasn’t a frame, just some Nitto goodies, so I haven’t gotten customs charges (not yet, it’s looking like time will tell), but sheesh, I miss DHL. All my orders used to leave Japan and end up in Cleveland, Ohio the next day, and then on my front porch the day after that. The shipping cost more, but, to me, was worth it.

Mike who gets outta sorts with change Rossi

On May 11, 2025, at 6:33 AM, Nicolas H <nics...@gmail.com> wrote:

For the record, I have ordered many things from Blue Lug in the past year and had zero issues.

But recently I ordered a frame and some brakes from them and paid for 3 day international shipping. I confirmed with them during the ordering process that the package needed to arrive by a certain date. 

They shipped the frame and other parts relatively quickly but, according to FedEx, they failed to comply with US customs requirements. Meaning they didn't fill out all the required information or didn't do it correctly when FedEx requested it from them. This caused the package to be held indefinitely at customs for nearly two weeks before eventually the package was mis-delivered and without signature confirmation. 

I reached out to Blue Lug as soon as I saw there was an issue at US customs. They refused to help and told me it was my responsibility to work with FedEx and US customs to get my package. On top of that, they also said they would not refund me even if they received the package back. 

While I'm sympathetic to the burden the new tariff regime has put on businesses, the way they have handled my situation and continue to handle to it has been shockingly bad. 

Suffice it to say, I won't order from them again and I wouldn't advise anyone else to either. 

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[Brent Eastman]

A couple things I feel compelled to ad.

1. Yes FedEx truly sucks these days. I've had domestic shipments travel the country, get lost, found, signed for at the wrong address, etc, all types of shit. One recent shipment was signed for by the wrong recipient, so the retailer was cool enough to send me a replacement item in a second shipment, then the original package showed up the next day, with the contents (a nice lamp from schoolhouse.com) completely smashed. 

2. blue lug has no American/USA/'first language english' employees. Things get confusing in translation. I was just in Japan, and visited all three shops, the staff is incredible. Throughout Japan, not just at blue lug, things can sound rude/dismissive in translation. Sometimes they say "will not" but mean "can not". Sometimes translation can sound very matter of fact, like "wait outside" when the translation might be curious and polite. I would assume their absolute best intentions. If there is an issue with FedEx and US Customs, there might very well be nothing they can do from Japan. Even if they wanted to help. They ship intl hundreds of times a week, and I assume they know how to fill out customs paperwork. I would give blue lug some grace. I would not give FedEx any grace.

[Patrick Moore]

Twice I’ve ordered things from Great Britain and had the DHL van pull up to my house within 48 hours (in one case I think it was 36 hours) after hitting the “buy” button. Amazing. The last, 36-hour (I think) delivery was for a Rab anorak, and the earlier one was from SJS, IIRC — both well pre-tariff.

On Sun, May 11, 2025 at 5:02 AM Mike Rossi <mwill...@gmail.com> wrote:

… sheesh, I miss DHL. All my orders used to leave Japan and end up in Cleveland, Ohio the next day, and then on my front porch the day after that. The shipping cost more, but, to me, was worth it.

[P W]

I don’t know if this is widely known but FedEx also don’t run their own delivery programs and haven’t for some time.

They license out the FedEx brand to external contractors for deliveries. 

It’s just a random guy a lot of the time, with a Fed Ex logo’d van. Most delivery drivers work as independent contractors, or for another company basically. 

If you look closely it’ll say so on the van.

So FedEx offers great rates to businesses, and great customer service, and FedEx themselves come and pick up your products. So all might appear well at the business end. But on the consumor/receiver end, it can be absolute chaos.

I have seen SOME THINGS, let me tell you.

I know of several companies that have moved their business to FedEx thinking they’re getting a better deal, only to switch back because the customer service issues on the other end don’t make it worth their savings.

So try not to blame Blue Lug. Or not entirely.

Businesses, especially smaller ones, are all under the pinch right now. So they’re looking at ways to make their operations run more cost effectively. In this case I would imagine they were promised the world by FedEx and that made sense to them.

I would direct your frustrations and anger at the bigger businesses that swindle and scrimp and cut costs at everyone else expense, to maximize profits. Who are gung-ho in reducing labor and workforce costs. Who don’t have employees deliver their goods so they don’t have to worry about unions.

And, maybe, the guy in charge of tariffs making that all even worse.

(I’ve never heard anything other than lovely things about the people at Blue Lug, and I would imagine the poster before me that mentioned translation issues is onto something. If FedEx lost your package, it is on FedEx not Blue Lug to issue the refund. They’d be out the money just as much as you, otherwise. I wouldn’t trust anything a Fed Ex employee told me. They have no idea at all what happened to your package and why. That much I guarantee.)

P. W.

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On May 11, 2025, at 11:47 AM, Patrick Moore <bert...@gmail.com> wrote:



Twice I’ve ordered things from Great Britain and had the DHL van pull up to my house within 48 hours (in one case I think it was 36 hours) after hitting the “buy” button. Amazing. The last, 36-hour (I think) delivery was for a Rab anorak, and the earlier one was from SJS, IIRC — both well pre-tariff.

On Sun, May 11, 2025 at 5:02 AM Mike Rossi <mwill...@gmail.com> wrote:

… sheesh, I miss DHL. All my orders used to leave Japan and end up in Cleveland, Ohio the next day, and then on my front porch the day after that. The shipping cost more, but, to me, was worth it.

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[Patrick Moore]

Do I understand you to say that FedEx has corporate operations to pick up packages and manage original customer contact CS, but farms out last mile delivery to contractors who are the weak point in on-time delivery and record keeping?

Thank God that USPS still seems reliable, and with their new (ish) ground service not too extravagantly expensive.

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[P W]

That is correct.

P. W.

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On May 11, 2025, at 2:28 PM, Patrick Moore <bert...@gmail.com> wrote:



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[Jim Whorton]

Chiming in because I had a really good Blue Lug experience this week.  I put in an order on Saturday, May 3 (New York time) and it arrived Thursday, May 8 by "FedEx - International Connect Plus [2-3 business day after shipped]," which was the cheapest shipping option.  Nicely packed and they put in a note saying that it was Golden Week in Japan, "a period of extended national holidays."  I got some nice handlebars, a stem, and small parts.  

Jim Whorton in Rochester, NY 

[Dorothy C]

It might depend on where you live in the US. I am in the Greater LA area and placed an order for a Choco bar on a Thursday a couple of weeks ago, and it showed up the following Monday. A large order might make a difference, too

[Tim]

I'm in the KC area and just had my first blue lug experience. Shipping was super fast, within a week I think. I just got 4 Grateful Dead cycling caps and a bear spoke reflector. The caps are excellent quality. I expect to somehow have a 24% customs bill, which should be the tariff on Japan, if my research was correct. The caps were also made in the USA. 

Peace,

Tim

[Eric Douglas]

Another data point--

I've ordered a number of times from Blue Lug.  My last order was last week--a Nitto rack and  two pairs XC-III ezy superior pedal  (my favorite).

Four days after placing the order I received it,

Eric

[Steven Ayers]

Blue Lug doesn’t mess around. I’ve ordered straight from them a handful of times and it was always a breeze. Super fast shipping from Japan to Tampa. 

-Steve

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[Paul Rhodes]

" Import tax, custom duties, VAT or clearance fee will be charged when your order has reached your country. We ARE NOT responsible for those costs."

Folks who've ordered recently from BL, can you say how much you paid in these extra taxes? I don't love placing an order not knowing the total cost of the package...

Paul 

[Eric Floden]

The subject line is unfortunate. I don't imagine Blue Lug is the only supplier affected. (It's not.)

Also, the tariffs ought not to affect anyone outside of the USofA. My nephew's recent Blue Lug order is so far tariff-free. He is not in the USofA

EricF

Vancouver BC 

[Mike Rossi]

I’ve ordered a couple of ~$300-$400 shipments from them, and no duties, taxes, fees, or whatnot. This has been over the past month or so (maybe I should be keeping quiet about this). Frames are apparently a different story. 

Mike

On Jun 25, 2025, at 11:41 AM, Eric Floden <eric....@gmail.com> wrote:



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[River Bailey]

I ordered a Roadini frame in 2023. It came via DHL. Even though I paid a bit more for the frame, I didn't pay any weird charges, or even tax. 168.00 for shipping. It came super fast and the whole process was a breeze. Love Blue Lug!

[Patrick Moore]

My brother recently received 2 drop handlebars that arrived within 5 days of the order for a total of $147 including shipping, damned cheap, and no sign of any tariff. He wondered if the US govt is organized enough to track and bill every little transaction. I guess we’ll see. 

With the remarkably low price and quick shipping I think I’ll look more closely at Blue Lug for my own bike purchases and chance the tariff — just looked it up: 10%. ~$160 or so for that transaction would not be bad at all. A similar purchase from say Rivendell would cost much more for the bars and probably more too for the shipping.

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[Jim M.]

There is still a de minimis exemption for goods less than $800, unless it's direct from China. But I know some people who have ordered bikes from China who never got a tariff bill either.

jim m

walnut creek

[Patrick Moore]

Thanks, very good to know!

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[Dan Sullivan]

My one and only experience with Blue Lug (in May of this year) was I placed my order, sat back expecting to get bars in a couple weeks, and be shocked to see them arrive in just a few days.  Like someone else said, faster than many items arrive that originated in the US.

Dan S

a small town near Madison, WI

[Igor]

[Chris Law]

Please tell me they actually make this as a sticker or a t shirt or something 

[Stephen A]

I haven't had any issues with Blue Lug, I keep my orders below $700 USD to avoid scrutiny and they are fast, reliable, and throw in tons of stickers to boot.

On Sunday, May 11, 2025 at 4:02:40 AM UTC-7 mwill...@gmail.com wrote:

[Tandy Numlock]

Yeah, Blue Lug are the best! 

They are some of my most favorite-ist folks, and it ain't very close. I love how fun-loving they are, and how they don't take themselves very seriously. That totally fits my vibes!

Their fun nature comes through on their products. It's no surprise that U.S. retailers sell out so quickly!

I've placed fifteen orders with them since 2022. They have always gotten to me in less than a week here in Philly. DHL was quick, and my last four orders were after the change to FedEx. I haven't experienced any change in delivery times worth noting, but I'm in no rush to get something clear around the other side of the planet. The shipping prices dropped a tad for me since the change to FedEx. I particularly enjoy ordering their in-house brand items, and their "local" brands like Nitto and MKS. The Japan products prices come in so cheap!. but it's more important to me that they are less likely to be out of stock than other places I buy from. Blue Lug is totally my candy shop. Love 'em!

Long live the fun-havers!  😊🚲

[Armand Kizirian]

FYI just made a ~$300 order with no surprises. 

[Pat McCullar]

FYI,

Blue Lug now has A. Homer Hilsens up and available on the international website; green and blue and all sizes available. 

So, if you are like me and dithered a bit too long, you have a second chance, if you are willing to pay the premium for shipping and tariffs. 

I decided that I am and have ordered a 54.5 in green.

I've been lurking for a while, but haven't introduced myself. I'm Pat, I have a Toyo Atlantis and custom semi-relaxed road bike, and have previously owned a Joe Appaloosa and a Cheviot. I have recently moved into a 2nd floor walkup in San Francisco, so buying another bike is a bit nuts. 

[Justin Kennedy]

FWIW, I placed an order this past Monday afternoon. It shipped Tuesday morning and arrived at my apt in NYC Thursday afternoon via FedEx. Same excellent service and shipping as they had with DHL. 

[Paul Rhodes]

Thanks to all who provided their recent experiences. Can confirm that my ~$650 order split five ways ($10 shipping per person, not bad!) arrived in only a few days (including the holiday weekend) without any surprise charges via FedEx.

[Evan Timms]

Justin, 

I am thinking of ordering a frame as well. Shipped to Washington, DC. Do you [yet] know if you incurred "import duty, customs fees", or any other fees beyond shipping? Thanks for weighing in!

Evan

On Sunday, July 6, 2025 at 8:59:36 AM UTC-4 Justin Kennedy wrote:

[Minh]

FYI, duties/tariffs situation keeps changing, there is an article in NYTimes today where they are finally going into effect so be careful.  you might be able to get it in under the wire but maybe not.

[Donzaemon]

I picked up a Periwinkle Sam Hillborne from Blue Lug a few weeks ago. The duty/tariff came out to $198. The box was stuck at customs for almost a week before movement to my local fedex facility.

[Eric Floden]

From what I recall of the early announcements, the shippers are to pay the tariffs. It doesn't seem right, but was that not the intent?

[Justin Kennedy]

I've never had to pay any additional import or customs fees for Blue Lug orders. However, I purchased a Platypus frame from C&L Cylces in Montreal a few years ago and UPS made me pay a $50-something import or customs fee before they would deliver it. It was unexpected but not terribly expensive, of course. Who knows what they'll charge you these days w/ the tariffs etc. 

On Wednesday, August 6, 2025 at 8:01:43 PM UTC-4 Evan Timms wrote:

[Donzaemon]

Unfortunately, the customer is responsible for paying the tariffs. 

[Michael Connors]

starting August 29, shippers will be required to collect tariffs on orders less than $800 as well

[Pat McCullar]

I ordered my Homer Frame on Friday 7/4 and received it the following Thursday. Two weeks later I received a bill from Fedex for the tariff; a 10% tariff and a 6% tariff, totaling $308, for a purchase price of $1841. 

It’s annoying, but I don’t regret the purchase. 

Also, Homer isn’t shown on the updated production schedule for next year, so I’m glad I got it now.

Pat

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[Evan Timms]

Thanks everyone. Seems things are in a state of flux. $308 isnt nothin...so I might skip the Blue Lug frame order at the moment. Appreciate the feedback! This is a great online community. 

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[Bryan H]

Has anyone recently ordered from blue lug? I have about 300 dollars worth of small parts coming and am curious about how much i will get charged on tariffs. 

[Bicycle Belle Ding Ding!]

I ordered a frame from Blue Lug late August and there was certainly supposed to be a tariff. But that bill never came. Dorothy ordered the same frame from Blue Lug a couple weeks ago and I don’t think she got charged yet, either.

[Brenton Eastman]

Let us know!

On Oct 29, 2025, at 6:13 AM, Bicycle Belle Ding Ding! <jonasa...@gmail.com> wrote:

I ordered a frame from Blue Lug late August and there was certainly supposed to be a tariff. But that bill never came. Dorothy ordered the same frame from Blue Lug a couple weeks ago and I don’t think she got charged yet, either.

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[Justin Kennedy]

I had a similar experience to Leah and Dorothy a few weeks ago - ordered a bunch of clothing from them expecting to pay a tariff and nothing ever materialized from BL or the shipper (Fed Ex). Package arrived in about 3 days. 

[Eric Floden]

I don't have a stake in this process but will ask, could the "government shutdown " be delaying  a tariff bill?

EricF

PTBO ON

[Leah Peterson]

Not in my case as it was too long ago. Dorothy, maybe.

On Oct 29, 2025, at 9:43 AM, Eric Floden <eric....@gmail.com> wrote:



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[Mike Rossi]

I’ve been ordering consistently from Blue Lug since this tariff thing with no tariff charges. Just got a ~$400 from them a week ago, and still no extra charges. I think as long as you’re getting it shipped to your residential address you’ll be fine. But a frame set to an LBS will get you extra customs(?) charges.

Mike

On Oct 29, 2025, at 10:04 AM, Leah Peterson <jonasa...@gmail.com> wrote:



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[Seung Vo]

Awesome, this is encouraging to hear!

Bryan 

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[Donzaemon]

I’m stoked for those who haven’t gotten a bill. There’s been some discussion on this topic on r/xbiking and folks have been getting bills shortly after taking receipt of their packages. I, myself, got a bill from FedEx two weeks after receiving a frame from Blue Lug towards the end of July. 

[Lucia Matioli]

I bought a Nitto stem from BL and got charged an additional $20 via FedEx, so looks to be about 20% additional. 

L

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[Ben Miller]

Although there is some very useful info and discussion in this thread, because of the name "Beware Blue Lug," I wish it would die. 

It breaks my heart when it keeps popping up here because:

1. Blue Lug is perhaps the coolest bike shop and collection of bike positive people out there. Definitely not something to "Beware!"
2. None of this is Blue Lug's fault. Nor is it limited to Blue Lug. I ordered a stem from Alex Cycle's (another great purveyor of fine bikes parts in Japan) and got hit with tariff's. I had my LBS (Scenic Routes in SF) order me a Gilles Berthoud saddle and again tariffs. 

I vote further discussion of tariffs from Blue Lug or other foreign shops be on a new thread. Maybe "Were you unlucky enough to get hit with a Tariff" or "On the Capricious Nature of Bike Tariffs and their uneven application". Or mayhaps the just the succinct title of "Bike Tariffs."

[Eric Floden]

I agree with Ben...

[Mathias Steiner]

I think Ben is right on the merits...

..but on the other hand, when the thread originally popped up, I went WHAT??? and had to read it. 
Just because it sounded so wrong. 
And sure enough, people were singing BL's praises in every post.
I'd be surprised if I were the only one so sucked in.

So maybe the clickbait-y title actually helps, and there's really no such thing as bad publicity? 
Given the nature of this group, it probably didn't do any damage.

On Wednesday, October 29, 2025 at 5:45:55 PM UTC-4 ericf3 wrote:

I agree with Ben...

[Brian Turner]

You just can’t disparage the folks who initiated the whole tariff thing. /s

Brian
Lexington KY

[Drew Fitchette]

In my trying to get answers on tariffs from Canada vs. Japan in my search for a Homer frame, Julian from C&L broke it down like this:

"Hi Drew!

We'll gladly ship to the USA, our flat rate for frames is $250. That said, due to the reciprocal tariffs put in place by the US government as of August 7th, we’ll need to collect duty and brokerage to remit to CBP on your behalf before shipping. Here’s the breakdown, all prices in $CAD:

• The reciprocal tariff rate for Taiwanese products (which is the country of origin for the frame) is 20%, so $500
• The general duty rate for frames is 3.9%, so $97.50
• Brokerage processing fees are $50

So in this case you’d be looking at a total of $3147.50."

That being said, He also informed me that if I was to have them build up a bike that he believes it's exempt: 

"About your question - a Rivendell frame built up in Canada should be tariff exempt under USMCA."

Unfortunately, somehow between talking to Julian yesterday and this morning the Homer in my size sold so I wasn't able to consider it...

They've got some other Riv frames in stock though if anyone wanted a complete that might be something Riv is currently out of!

- Drew