"Wahoo apparently hides TRACKR Radar shipping costs in cycling fees."

The tariffs imposed during the Trump administration once again affect a technological product. This time, the company Wahoo, known for its bike computers and devices, has increased the price of its first cycling radar due to these charges. Although the initial price of the TRACKR Radar is $199.99, American buyers will be in for a surprise when they reach the checkout page, where an additional shipping cost starting at $50 will be added.

According to a cycling blog, Wahoo has camouflaged this tariff surcharge in the shipping options. Shipping costs for this gadget range from $50 for economical shipping, $75 for two-day FedEx express shipping, and $85 for next-day shipping. This means that the TRACKR Radar will cost U.S. customers at least $250 plus tax, a notably higher price than for any customer in Europe, where economical shipping is free and express starts at ten euros.

This price increase could be related to the 145% tariffs applied to goods exported from China, imposed by the previous administration. The cycling blogger behind DC Rainmaker shared screenshots indicating that the shipping cost for Wahoo's BOLT 3 model, manufactured in Taiwan, is significantly lower, starting at $15.

The screenshots from the checkout page indicate that "a service charge has been applied to this product," signaling a justification for the changes in the global supply chain that raise shipping costs. While the strategy of adding this cost to shipping makes sense from a business perspective, it may surprise consumers who discover it at the last moment of the purchase. Other retailers, such as REI, have opted to raise the total price of the device to $250 rather than hiding the charge in shipping.

For now, a response from Wahoo is awaited to confirm whether the price increase is indeed linked to the tariffs.