Commuting - Toronto Bike Show (just came back)

Well I just came back a while ago from the Toronto bike show. They had some real fine machines there. I almost picked up a Norco Hybrid for $349. I backed out at the last minute... as it was more of a want than a need.

Anyhow, I did pick up a new helmet $100 (reg. $200) Specialized Decibal (team Gerolsteiner - 06 model)
I wish the colour was a bit more 'manly' but it's okay..baby blue will do.. lol
http://www.mikevaughancycles.co.uk/smsimg/2/188-645-full-l_07decibelgerolst-2.jpg


a Lobo Camelback $55 (reg $110)
http://www.cyclepath.ca/products/usrimage/cat277.jpg

Specialized ankle socks (2 for $20)

and a Discovery Channel Jersery (made in Italy) for $30.00 (down from $130) Mine actually is a bit different it has a yellow shoulder. They had the model in the pic as well but I preferred this one instead.
http://www.mistersports.co.uk/products_images/z1123.jpg

Overall it was okay. A part of me wishes I had purchased that Norco as a spring/summer/fall commuter because as it stands I can either continue to use my winter beater or my mountain bike for that.

Anyone else go?

I went, just checking out what they had on friday, actual purchases for another day.
Hardly any interesting bikes in my size. I needed a 49~53 sized frame, but most of the lineup was 54~58. The only thing I saw in my size was a trek 1000, lol.

Somewhat disappointing, so I'll most likely just get some shoes and pedals. :)
Didn't see too many people locking their bikes up outside, but it was fun riding in the snow.

Yeah....it was my first 'spring' show..it was okay. There definitely more people at the fall show, but i'm sure weather was a factor. The snow probably kept people away.

I went, just checking out what they had on friday, actual purchases for another day.
Hardly any interesting bikes in my size. I needed a 49~53 sized frame, but most of the lineup was 54~58. The only thing I saw in my size was a trek 1000, lol.

Somewhat disappointing, so I'll most likely just get some shoes and pedals. :)
Didn't see too many people locking their bikes up outside, but it was fun riding in the snow.

AEO, nice picture album. Do you ride with your camera all the time? It looks like you had that camera handy to snap a pic at a moments notice...lol

Yeah....it was my first 'spring' show..it was okay. There definitely more people at the fall show, but i'm sure weather was a factor. The snow probably kept people away.

I was planning on going today. However the 12" of snow forcast is keeping me away. I have a 40 minute drive from Cambridge. I'll check out the fall show.

I was planning on going today. However the 12" of snow forcast is keeping me away. I have a 40 minute drive from Cambridge. I'll check out the fall show.

Alfster, maybe you can go tomorrow? The snow is expected to stop by this evening....so by tomorrow the roads should be okay. I find the fall show is more like a flea market...where the spring show was like walking into a new car dealership with specials here and there.

Any good deals?

http://www.bikeforums.net/showpost.php?p=6303175&postcount=20

Thats my post locally. I need one or two winter items and possiblely a NYFU if I can get all that for $200. Hoping with the snow storm (some loss, others gain) less people will show up and the dealers overstocked for the show and are willing to negociate (sp?) with you for a better deal then to pack it all up and weigh down thier trucks in really bad snow weather driving.

sporting life had the regular NYlock for 69 if that suits you. They did yesterday at least.

Alfster, maybe you can go tomorrow? The snow is expected to stop by this evening....so by tomorrow the roads should be okay. I find the fall show is more like a flea market...where the spring show was like walking into a new car dealership with specials here and there.

I was really looking forward to going to the spring show, however Sunday is out for me too due to other obligations.

damn i'd love a ny lock for $69... all i get for that price locally is the krypto evo.

I'm heading to the show tomorrow... I've never been before, and I'm in the market for a new road bike so I want to see what's there.

I can imagine though that the snow today must be really keeping the crowds down.

A lock..argh...I totally forgot to get a lock. That was on my list of things to purchase....oh well. I never got a stamp and I don't want to pay another admission fee just to buy a lock.

Baby blue isn't manly? Someone please tell the Denver nuggets that. :p

Anyhow, I want a Gerolsteiner kit. I will have to keep an eye out for that helmet if I ever do purchase said kit.

AEO, nice picture album. Do you ride with your camera all the time? It looks like you had that camera handy to snap a pic at a moments notice...lol

naw, I only decided taking a camera that day because the construction notice was absurdly poor in notifying the bike lane being closed. I was just tired of being honked and yelled at, also getting passed dangerously on a bridge.

I think it's supposed to be at least 200m notice of construction up ahead, but that sign was less than 50m and hidden.

Baby blue isn't manly? Someone please tell the Denver nuggets that. :p

Anyhow, I want a Gerolsteiner kit. I will have to keep an eye out for that helmet if I ever do purchase said kit.

You know what...I take that back. I've been admiring the helmet since last night, and I love it. Absolutely love it, especially the colour....I think it is unique and just awesome looking. Not sure if i'd want to wear the entire uniform as i'm not part of their team...I think i'd feel a bit weird..almost as if I haven't earned the right to wear the entire uniform.

I googled the kit, and this is what I found.

http://www.bicyclinghub.com/gekitbyna.html

http://us.st11.yimg.com/us.st.yimg.com/I/bicyclinghub_1987_12338639

Yes, that is the one. Nice and simple. I have a csc jersey and with all the logos it looks like something from nascar. yuck

Yes, that is the one. Nice and simple. I have a csc jersey and with all the logos it looks like something from nascar. yuck


The more I look at that kit the more I think I wanna get it...I can mix and match those types of colours with others I already have lying at home. I can't wait for Spring...just can't wait!!!

Only problem is ordering online...im gambling a medium will fit. Sometimes with cycling clothing I need to go for a large.

I wish I could find a real store that stocks them so I could try them on.

sporting life had the regular NYlock for 69 if that suits you. They did yesterday at least.

Brad,

Which model are you refering to there?

http://www.kryptonitelock.com/Products/List.aspx?cid=1001&scid=1000&page=2

I am assuming the ' 3.25" x 6" (8.3cm x 153cm) ' model?


How can I confirm a store is selling the newest NYFU, NY Noose, or NY chain? What do I need to look for? I am still in a toss up of either going to the show or not.

Is it really worth the $13 to go for possible deals on a winter jacket seeing as the season is about a month or less from snowing anymore? I'm looking to prepare for next year to extend my riding by getting gear cheap then buying it in season and paying more for it.

Anyone know of any good deals on the PI Insulator jackets at thier local LBS and can drop prices here for comparison? BTW I'm from T.O for reference. I'm also thinking of a PI Vegabond jacket for cooler temps and a summer rain jacket.

I wasn't looking for a jacket, so I can't say if they did or did not have any. That being said, there is nothing wrong with preparing for next year. I wish the entrance fee was lower though.

Brad,

Which model are you refering to there?

http://www.kryptonitelock.com/Products/List.aspx?cid=1001&scid=1000&page=2

I am assuming the ' 3.25" x 6" (8.3cm x 153cm) ' model?


How can I confirm a store is selling the newest NYFU, NY Noose, or NY chain? What do I need to look for? I am still in a toss up of either going to the show or not.

It was the std nylock- not the fahgettaboutit.
I doubt there would be any left by this point since that's roughly 50% off (reg is ~120)

It was the std nylock- not the fahgettaboutit.
I doubt there would be any left by this point since that's roughly 50% off (reg is ~120)

I think that's just the show special. I somehow got passed to two CSR people at thier bike store location and they said they did nto have any NY series locks in stock and only had a box of fresh Evolution locks in but when I mentioned the discount both guys seems clueless to the sale of the NY series and suggested it may have been only at the bike show.

Speaking of the bike show...

For anyone out there that is a geek is there wifi in the bike show or short distance around the building that you can 'sniff' out?

Would be very handy to post findings at the show or email or IM people on BF or friends deals found nearly real-time or shortest delay. Cantenna ranges welcome. :D

I didn't make it because of the weather (I live in Guelph). Probably could of made it today, but thought twice about the admission, parking, and gas.

Was Devinci there? Did anyone see the new Devinci Toronto commuter with the internal hub?

I didn't make it because of the weather (I live in Guelph). Probably could of made it today, but thought twice about the admission, parking, and gas.

Was Devinci there? Did anyone see the new Devinci Toronto commuter with the internal hub?

I ended up not going. Was sore from 3 days of snow shoveling and still had to shovel out today. When I was done it was like 15:00 already.

I've not been in the beach for many many years like 20yrs or so but if I recall what someone said before right that you can park on the beach but it will be about a 2-3 block walk to the C.N.E but it would be free if my info is correct. Parking is ~$8 at Fort York. I'll have to explore this for future reference when the weather warms up and I can ride again.

I just got back, picked up my first road bike, a 2007 Trek 1500!
Got it for 1000 at the Bike Sports booth, with 105/ultegra mix
http://mtrencseni.googlepages.com/trek_1500_blue.jpg
Now if there weren't 30 cm of snow on the streets right now, I'd be out riding!

I think that's just the show special.

I guarantee you that's the show special. No way they're gonna sell those so close to cost, especially considering the overhead a shop like Sporting life has.

As far as parking goes, the only beach near there is Sunnyside... where I happened to be today:

http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a9/I_brad/Sundaystroll09mr08028.jpg

I think you can park there for free... and at this time of year you might find a spot. Don't even think of coming down here looking for parking on a nice warm sunny day though.

The CNE is about a 2-3km hike from there, and the conditions are about the same as pictured all the way there. Not a particularly unpleasant sunday stroll, but not worth doing just to save the $11 parking fee right at the show. Plus, once you got there you'd be burdened by warm clothing and heavy boots.

For future reference, the best place to score a deal on parking is liberty village, which is just north of the highway from the CNE. You can cut under the highway and tracks at the exhibition GO station. Of course, easiest scenario if you're stuck driving is to make it to the GO or the TTC and go from there. GO is pretty good. I hate the TTC but it beats driving if you're bikeless.

http://i199.photobucket.com/albums/aa131/AEObikes/misc/schwag.jpg

schwag I picked up...

Sidi scrape zeta $162.50
speedplay zero team csc $168
team discovery jersey $20
gloves $30
Pi cycling shorts $57
+tax

the whole thing in blue was coincidental.

AEO: Nice stuff there...love the pics and the blue looks sharp. I picked up the other Discovery Jersey on Friday.

Anyhow I went back today and was trying to figure out how to avoid paying cover again, as I just needed a lock, so I brought two of my purchases with me and told the girl i forgot to get a stamp when I walked out and she let me back in. I went to Sporting Life and picked up the KRYPTONITE: NEW YORK LOCK STD for $70.00 down from $110.00 The lock looks solid. My complaint is that I wish there was a cable lock attached to it..but I figure I can buy that at any time separately.

http://www.kryptonitelock.com/images/products/180104.jpg

Argh.. the loss of one hour of seep screwe dup my sleep schedule. :(

After looking at the deals people got I'm wondering if for the future or perhaps the fall show the BF members here can have a meet up else where and form a shopping group so if somone sees something they like at a shop and others in the group know it's a good price but not thier color or style but someone in the group wants it but the store has other items that the others in your shopping group like then why not use the shopping group as a power buy then? What I mean is everyone figures out the cost of thier items then gives the items to the person (we're all standing there anyways) so it's on one bill and thus get a better buy with a volume buy.

Just a suggestion but I think it has potential.

Sounds like a nice idea, but I went on the last day and the stores there just didn't want to take all the stuff back with them. I haggled a bit and the shops gave me a great discount.
30% off sticker + another 10~20% further off for a total of 40~50% off.
I know the trek store had amazing deals on inventory clearance bikes.
I really wanted the portland 54cm for $1199, but it was too big :)

Zero_Enigma, the idea is nice, but I doubt it would work. I'd be up for a nice meet, maybe exchange a few words.. would be cool.

I never thought though of haggling on the last day...i'll keep that in mind for next year or for the fall show

Sounds like a nice idea, but I went on the last day and the stores there just didn't want to take all the stuff back with them. I haggled a bit and the shops gave me a great discount.
Yeah I was talking to the folks at Trek Toronto, they were saying how the shop was packed with the new '08 stuff, and they were really trying to sell the old products (that's where I cashed in on my aforementioned bike!) The fall show should be just as good, if not better, in terms of haggling.

Yeah I was talking to the folks at Trek Toronto, they were saying how the shop was packed with the new '08 stuff, and they were really trying to sell the old products (that's where I cashed in on my aforementioned bike!) The fall show should be just as good, if not better, in terms of haggling.

Argh.... Trek Toronto... I wish I had gone there...or maybe I did and didn't even notice it. I'll keep that booth in mind for the fall show. I want a nice spring/summer/fall commuter but I don't want to spend a lot either.

Sounds like a nice idea, but I went on the last day and the stores there just didn't want to take all the stuff back with them. I haggled a bit and the shops gave me a great discount.
30% off sticker + another 10~20% further off for a total of 40~50% off.
I know the trek store had amazing deals on inventory clearance bikes.
I really wanted the portland 54cm for $1199, but it was too big :)

I am aware of last day dealing. Perhaps I'm not the best in dealing but I can bring the 6 pack if you're willing to help out :D. How do you deflect the negative views shops have on you if you're always going for the last minute show closing deals? I have heard of some shop owners saying something like 'we're packing now' as an excuse to try to keep thier price as is. Granted I did not really do any last day haggling at bike shows but I have at other anime//comic/sci-fi conventions. You do get that frown look by dealers as I've noticed when you're going last minute to buy deals. Well not really 'last minute' in relationship to when the convention offically closes all the time but within the last hour in hopes no one will buy the item you want forcing the dealer with a carry more luggage or sell at a deal/good-deal price to you. I kind of expect dealers to give the frown look to last minute buyers over the years from what some people have told me as they are repeat last minute buyers. Yeah for the customer they get a good deal an more money in thier pocket and are happy but to the dealer they don't always seem happy (well a few times I have seen them happy but lets just say the female shopper was :eek:;):D cute or hot ).

I ugess at the end of the day it comes down to how much you saved I guess then how light your wallet has gotten to make the delaer give the Anthony Robbins grin on you.

Sure, I wouldn't mind looking for items at the next show :)

I actually didn't intending to haggle, but it occurred to me that I did it when I was at the counter paying for it. The sales people seemed like they really wanted to get rid of the stuff since they really went deep in the cuts. I just had to get the stuff at that point. :D

Trek booth must have been the biggest at the show, I don't know how you could miss it. :)
One thing I overheard the trek sales people talking about when I went the first day is that they would be bringing in a few more shipments than what they had on the floor already.

So the way I saw it was...

1st day: Look around, snap up the best deals. (but if the item is left over, then you can most likely get a better deal on it)
2nd day: Look around to see any good deals. More stuff on the floor than first.
3rd day: Try and get a really good deal for whatever is leftover since the shops don't want to take it back.

Bikes, plenty of sizes left over in Medium to Large, not many sizes on the floor to begin with for XS, Small and XL. Saw a few junior sizes still on the floor of the last day. Not too many women's bikes, but they were still there on the last day. Trek 1000 with sora being the most common leftover at many stores.
bike parts: I saw the prices, but it's way cheaper to buy from the online stores.
Clothing: tons, if you're not looking for anything specific the shops had whole pallets of these on the last day. Just harder to find small and under. M~XL was very easy to find.
Accessories: some shops had great deals and they were gone by the end of the show.