Southern California - Opinions - what would you do?

So I have a quick decision to make.

From my favorite bike shop I ordered a NEW Santa Cruz Superlight. The bike will be shipped in December. The Superlight has been redesigned. It's not a big change but there has been a change. The bike is gonna cost me around $2,000.

I just got a call from the bike shop. Santa Cruz shipped them a 2006 bike. It's basically the same bike - same color and component kit but different frame. They are selling this bike for $1,350 (if I come pick it up) or $1500 if shipped. When I add the King headset cost is $1,450.

What would you do? Wait for the newer allegedly improved frame and pay more (and have to wait) or take the deal being offered now? I would have to drive up to Santa Maria this weekend to pick the bike up. I need to decide shortly!

I generally prefer to buy last years model at a big discount-- usually I shop for bikes when I think that's what I'll get. Unless the design change was to fix some potentially serious flaw (e.g. bb inserts design problematic on pre-99 trek OCLV) you pay a big premium to get this years model.

the super light is a GREAT bike to begin with, I'm sure the small changes aren't worth 500+ bucks more. $500 can be better spent on a great set of light weight wheels or something or a super nice HID light set for night riding season.

Personally, I think Id save the money an go with the 06. That $500 could be better spent on me.:D

'06


Time is just a number...It was the absolute state-of-the-art just 1 year ago. It's brand-new, and now you can get it for a steal. No brainer.

Thanks - I called the shop and am picking up the New (old) bike on Saturday. I'm loving the fact I'm saving some money especially since I still need to sell the old(new) bike!!!!

Thanks for the input!!!

And BigSean... the money can actually be better spent on me! I still need to add the headset and most likely Hope Seat Post clamp and skewers (just because - I need to add some bling). Now, if the new bike would just make me a better rider....

On the other hand, if you do not get the bike you truly want, it will always be there in the back of your mind.

Thanks - I called the shop and am picking up the New (old) bike on Saturday. I'm loving the fact I'm saving some money especially since I still need to sell the old(new) bike!!!!

Thanks for the input!!!

And BigSean... the money can actually be better spent on me! I still need to add the headset and most likely Hope Seat Post clamp and skewers (just because - I need to add some bling). Now, if the new bike would just make me a better rider....


Oh well, it was worth a try. Id buy yourself something nice since you saved all the bucks. Thats what good deals are all about.;)

Come down here for a ride sometime and I'll buy you lunch with some of my savings! ;)

Come down here for a ride sometime and I'll buy you lunch with some of my savings! ;)


I am going to do that at some point, but I have a feeling you will spend the saving before I can get there.:D

On the other hand, if you do not get the bike you truly want, it will always be there in the back of your mind.

Having the $500 makes that a much easier pill to swallow. I find I only have buyers' remorse when there's two similar products at about the same price, and I opted for one over the other.

I actually went into the shop asking for the older model in hopes there would be a discount so I'm not unhappy. This works out great for me. Having bought two new fullies in 2006 I really didn't need to spend any more money!!!!!

I actually went into the shop asking for the older model in hopes there would be a discount so I'm not unhappy. This works out great for me. Having bought two new fullies in 2006 I really didn't need to spend any more money!!!!!



You got through bikes like I do. I buy just because I want a new one. Then I bought a Yeti, and its been love ever since.:D

Nah it's not like that at all at least for me. My buddy Richard yes he buys bikes like they are groceries... usually a new one each month (I'm not kidding). I've had the same road bike for 5 years (and before that the same for 20). I had an old hardtail for years and years and it blew up. I bought another hardtail (which I love and still ride) but was offered a used fully which I rode for a couple of years but then needed to move up and I bought the Spec on a whim. Probably should have researched it first. It's a tad too much bike for me. I really wanted the Superlight and passed cause it was more expensive and now realized should just have gone with that bike in the first place. SO... I get cancer, beat cancer and now reward myself with the bike I wanted in the first place. I'm hoping this one last a long time and who knows, if my skills improve I alway have the Spec.

Nah it's not like that at all at least for me. My buddy Richard yes he buys bikes like they are groceries... usually a new one each month (I'm not kidding). I've had the same road bike for 5 years (and before that the same for 20). I had an old hardtail for years and years and it blew up. I bought another hardtail (which I love and still ride) but was offered a used fully which I rode for a couple of years but then needed to move up and I bought the Spec on a whim. Probably should have researched it first. It's a tad too much bike for me. I really wanted the Superlight and passed cause it was more expensive and now realized should just have gone with that bike in the first place. SO... I get cancer, beat cancer and now reward myself with the bike I wanted in the first place. I'm hoping this one last a long time and who knows, if my skills improve I alway have the Spec.


Yeah, that Specialized is a nice bike, I have a friend that loves his. Im more into the less popular stuff. I am gonna have to start thinking about my next purchase, maybe a Ti hardtail or a custom steel hardtail.

Sean if you are serious about the Custom Ti or steel hardtail - look up Jim Kish, in Santa Maria. He built 5 bikes for my buddy Richard. The hardtail he built last year (all Ti baby) is a beauty is well worth the money (and RIchard and Scott at Main Street put on some really nice components - custom wheels and all). Main Street Cycles is an authorized Kish dealer but I'm sure there are others in your area. My dream is to =someday when my ship/prince/inheritance comes in= to have Kish build me a custom Ti road bike and then have it painted by Spectrum Powerworks.

Sean if you are serious about the Custom Ti or steel hardtail - look up Jim Kish, in Santa Maria. He built 5 bikes for my buddy Richard. The hardtail he built last year (all Ti baby) is a beauty is well worth the money (and RIchard and Scott at Main Street put on some really nice components - custom wheels and all). Main Street Cycles is an authorized Kish dealer but I'm sure there are others in your area. My dream is to =someday when my ship/prince/inheritance comes in= to have Kish build me a custom Ti road bike and then have it painted by Spectrum Powerworks.


I prefer to build my own bikes, I just want a frame. Its fun to build bikes, specially one Im gonna be riding.:D

I saw an ad in my mtb mag for Ti mtb frames for $400. I'll try and get a link for you tonight after bowling.

Again check out Jim Kish - he is a frame builder. Mu buddy usually buys the frames and builds the bikes up himself as well. Sometimes he has Kish build a frame just because he has extra components sitting around and he wants to dump them on something. Wish I had that kind of money!

Again check out Jim Kish - he is a frame builder. Mu buddy usually buys the frames and builds the bikes up himself as well. Sometimes he has Kish build a frame just because he has extra components sitting around and he wants to dump them on something. Wish I had that kind of money!


Yeah I need custom. Basic sizes wont work for my next bike. I want something special.:D

I want my Steamroller frame duplicated in titanium.