Ok I'll take a look see how much that is. Have you ever imported a bike from the US? Reason I ask is because I have a friend there where I could have the Canadian bike sent to (seller is offering free shipping to the USA) then he could send it on to me if that's any cheaper?
I've had quite a few sent over. If it's packaged well, I mean not be and compact, it should be less than $100 US for a frame, fork and other bits you can squeeze into the gaps without making the package any bigger. Of course that's not as good a deal as it would've been a while ago, what with the exchange rate.
OK....So here's my experience as I WORK for Canada Post.
Canada Post ships based on both dimensions and weight. That's why the price is so high. You'd probably be better off shipping through Purolator for UK shipments. If you can make it to Point Roberts/Blaine then your looking to go via USPS but becareful as if it is not pre packed then the outlet you are shipping through will charge a little more. If you have an account with USPS and plug in dimensions should be about 30% cheaper even with the exchange rate vs Canada Post.
I was very fortunate to find out that Air Canada Cargo offers cheap rates for pre packed items going to major destinations. If your destination is on the list of places that Air Canada flies then all you pay is the shipping cost and the other party is responsible for the holding fee and duty. West Jet does not offer this service.
If you go through the major carriers FedEx, UPS, or DHL then your on the hook for all the fees and shipping. Which is pretty high,but comparable to Canada Post.
If you have time and serious about shipping the bike then package it up and take it to Air Canada YVR cargo on Miller and get a quote in person. They are awesome!