when is the best time of year to get a bike on sale?
 

I still haven't bought my litespeed tuscany yet. When is the best time to get a close out or bike on sale?

You should ask what the best price your LBS can do, and just ask around a few places in your local vicinity. Sometimes, you'll actually be surprised how well you can actually do.

Some bikes will be discounted just before the 'new' (often the same bike with different decals/colour schemes/components) models arrive.

The Tuscany, BTW, is a very, very nice bike. :)

I ride the 'poor man's' incarnation of the Tuscany, the Arenberg (2002 model), and am very happy with it. I got the frame 'on sale', when it was was struck out of the Litespeed catalogue. Later, it reappeared.

Ral,
Start looking now! The 04's are starting to roll out. Here's just a small example of what I'm talking about. I just ordered a Trek today. I saved 600 bucks of of list for an 03 model. On the flip side I'll have to drive 100 miles to pick it up but to me the savings was worth it considering my lbs was going to charge list for an 03 that they had to order. Look around is all I'm saying. Litespeed may be waiting until the Vegas show in Oct. to start releasing the 04's.

Generally, best time in the northern hemisphere is end of year/end of summer. The shops are motivated to make room for the new models, plus there are fewer bike purchases when the weather starts to get cold. I've seen incredible markdowns in Oct/Nov.

Ral,
I talked to a buddy of mine who works for Litespeed. He told me that they were ready to roll with the 04's. And, they would be aggressive in depleating their 03 stock. So, take that for what it is worth. I guess alot will depend on the dealers in your area. Good luck in your search.