Recumbent - Best time of year to buy?

So I'm thinking of going bent... I've dropped the idea of customizing or building my own - I just want a solid, reliable, comfortable bike.

So when will I find the best deals? Obviously, Spring and Summer look like high-volume times for dealers so there is probably no incentive to discount. Do dealers unload their bikes in the Fall? Before Christmas? When do the "new models" come out, and can one find a bargain on "last-year's model?"

Since there is NO (repeat NO) shop in my area that stocks bents, I'm probably looking at an online purchase (e-Bay?). If I consider used, is there anything to look or look-out for?

Thanks!

Now is probably the best time to score a used 'bent. Anyone who is selling their old 'bent so they can get a new one, is probably eyeing the new 2006 lineup right now.

The prices for new ones generally stay about the same (within $100) the entire year.

Now is probably the best time to score a used 'bent. Anyone who is selling their old 'bent so they can get a new one, is probably eyeing the new 2006 lineup right now. The prices for new ones generally stay about the same (within $100) the entire year.

Thanks, jeff-o! Now, where do you recommend I shop? E-Bay and CraigsList seem obvious starting points, but you may know of some I don't...

You might also want to try the classifieds forums on this forum, and on bentrideronline.

Also, check out actionbent.com I bought my bike from them and it is great! Cheap(ish) too!

www.hostelshoppe.com

So I'm thinking of going bent... I've dropped the idea of customizing or building my own - I just want a solid, reliable, comfortable bike.

So when will I find the best deals? Obviously, Spring and Summer look like high-volume times for dealers so there is probably no incentive to discount. Do dealers unload their bikes in the Fall? Before Christmas? When do the "new models" come out, and can one find a bargain on "last-year's model?"

Since there is NO (repeat NO) shop in my area that stocks bents, I'm probably looking at an online purchase (e-Bay?). If I consider used, is there anything to look or look-out for?

Thanks!
Most shops will have a last year's model around. As you know--or will find out, the hardest thing is finding a selection regardless of the price.

Chip

Another option - I'm driving to Minnesota this August to visit my daughter. While I'm there, Minneapolis has a "bent only" store there. Might I buy from them and then just bring the bike home with me?

Another option - I'm driving to Minnesota this August to visit my daughter. While I'm there, Minneapolis has a "bent only" store there. Might I buy from them and then just bring the bike home with me?

Sure, you could do that. Just make sure it will fit in your car before buying it... ;)

If you will only ride in the summer you need to consider the storage costs of a fall purchase.

If you will only ride in the summer you need to consider the storage costs of a fall purchase.

Fortunately, storage isn't an issue for me. I ride 365.

Not too many LBS's will ever have enough bents laying around to put them on sale. You might get a deal if a new or upgraded model comes out & you are getting last years model. Watching craigslist could get you a good deal on a used bent. Good luck.

You bring up a good question. Like Louisiana, Arkansas has no "bent" dealers. So opportunities to test ride them are few and far between. How do people overcome that?

Another option - I'm driving to Minnesota this August to visit my daughter. While I'm there, Minneapolis has a "bent only" store there. Might I buy from them and then just bring the bike home with me?


You could take a day trip to the Hostelshoppe in Wi may be in order too. Of course, if the MN bike shop is a Bacchetta dealer, then you won't need to go further. I may be biased though. :)