around 5% (4.? rings a bell) duty plus 17.5% vat on the combined purchase price and duty.

One thing to bear in mind is the last i heard Jungle the Uk Santa cruz importers wouldn't deal with any warrenty issues for bikes in the UK not imported by them. 

i would look at getting a full built up bike instead as theyre great value in the US, around $2200 built up with LX mix. so your getting a full bike for the price of the British frame then just ebay the parts you dont need.  

if you ride it before you bring it back you may also get it through without duty 

USA Santa cruz dealers arnt meant to ship to the UK.

Import duty on a complete bike goes up to about 15% + vat iirc, and as for shipping the duty and vat is added on to the bike price and shipping, plus you may well get a customs handling fee from the company who deliver to your door 

It can. Early life failure.

This lot sell of ex-rentals that looked well looked after when I was there a couple of years ago. They had Blurs then and might do again soon. they sell off rental bikes twice a year and they will ship to europe.

its also a lot more expensive to send a frame back to the states than it is to send it from the states!

mind you some companies offer warrentys that would be valid you just need to find them.