Novara Randonee discontinued?
 

Anyone know the deal w/the Randonee? REI in Niles, IL (near Chicago) is all out and does not plan to get any additional bikes "this season." The on-line store, which per customer service reflects actual inventory, only has a 52cm available and I assume that's what's left of the 06 stock. Seems a little strange that they're all out and not getting anymore in June, no? REI customer service says they have no info on when--or if--they'll be getting more in. They only plan month to month. She couldn't tell me if it's discontinued or not.

I saw several in an REI in North Carolina a couple of days ago...perhaps take a look online.

That's actually not unusual this time of year. Some 06 models were depleted in certain sizes two months ago. Something about changing around machinery to produce the 07's and poor supply planning, etc. I doubt it's discontinued. It's a pretty popular model. Good luck getting one. It's a nice machine.

Thanks for the insight. That makes sense (although it seems REI's got poorly managed inventory)

Not so sure it is poorly managed inventory, remember it takes a lead time, from the time they place the orders until they recieve them. This past year has been a banner year for bicycle sales, I would assume at least in part to the rise in gas prices. Which I doubt anybody predicted. I don't know what the lead time on bicycles is from China but I do know that lead time on a lot of the seasonal retail junk that comes from over there is at least 9 months. Also when I checked into purchasing my Redline 9.2.5 there were only 6 total left at the distribution level and they were all 60cm. Some models/sizes of Trek's have been reported sold out as early as May of this year too.

Aaron:)

Did you call the Oakbrook store? It might be worth checking. They can also call other stores for you.