common man

in my experience, i have never had to pay full msrp here in philadephia at the 5+ bikeshops i've gone to and the 10+ bicycles my family has purchased. i know some will disagree with this, but you shouldn't either.

you should ask your lbs for summer sales or when they have a sale or look around the various shops to see which one does have a sale.

for example, my lbs has a a promotion with trek...15% off if i pre-order by tomorrow (sale has been going around for 2 weeks)...they are selling the marlin for $470.

http://bikeline.com/product/11-trek-...on-72169-1.htm

http://bikeline.com/

my lbs is a corporate store so its prices are kind of standard...it's not like one haggled with the private owner for a super low price. ask your lbs about this kind of pre-sale.