just wondering if anyone has any experience with Universal Cycles? or should i just stick with Chain reaction? is duty or shipping much different between the two?
Shipping info can be found on their sites. Over $80 is free on CRC now, has been for a while.
Depending on the customs agents mood that day, and how busy they are, I've seen $250 orders come through tax free. You should count on paying taxes on any order over $50, plus an $8 handling fee. Very rarely I have seen CRC orders get charged duty as well, which shouldn't be happening unless it's a complete bike or a few specific items which in these cases did NOT apply.
Really it comes down to who has what you want at the best prices.
Wiggle, JensonUSA, Cambriabike, Performancebike, and Niagara Cycle Works are worth checking too.
Check out Treefortbikes.com too. They have a neat price matching system.
Of course there is also Dunbar Cycles out of Vancouver that will price match to international websites (last time I checked and not sure of any restrictions)