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10-07-03, 06:12 AM
This article was posted on the web and thought I pass it along.
"It's nearly trade show season, so rumors are swirling like mad about product changes for 2004. From what we've seen, there’s more carryover than expected in terms of inventory between '03 and '04. There's one overwhelming theme for 2004, though, and that’s steep price increases. As we mentioned previously in regards to Shimano Dura-Ace 10-speed pricing, the US dollar has lost upwards of 20% of its value against the Euro and 11% against the Yen in the last 16 months. Wholesale and retail prices for the 2003 season were established right as this tailspin began. As the year wore on, the steepest wholesale price jump we saw was around 5% -- if anyone had tried raising prices any higher, their sales would've stopped dead. As such, 2004 is the year where prices will get adjusted with a vengeance. 2004 frameset pricing will likely be in effect by the end of September 2003. If you're tempted in the least to buy a new frame, your wallet will be much better served by taking advantage of the low prices in place right now."
"It's nearly trade show season, so rumors are swirling like mad about product changes for 2004. From what we've seen, there’s more carryover than expected in terms of inventory between '03 and '04. There's one overwhelming theme for 2004, though, and that’s steep price increases. As we mentioned previously in regards to Shimano Dura-Ace 10-speed pricing, the US dollar has lost upwards of 20% of its value against the Euro and 11% against the Yen in the last 16 months. Wholesale and retail prices for the 2003 season were established right as this tailspin began. As the year wore on, the steepest wholesale price jump we saw was around 5% -- if anyone had tried raising prices any higher, their sales would've stopped dead. As such, 2004 is the year where prices will get adjusted with a vengeance. 2004 frameset pricing will likely be in effect by the end of September 2003. If you're tempted in the least to buy a new frame, your wallet will be much better served by taking advantage of the low prices in place right now."