How can I get my hands on new last year's models?
 

Paying full price for a currently model year road bike is pretty much not an option to me, but I'm curious as to how I can get my hands on last year's models? Surely they've got to be discounted a bit? And around somewhere...

Is this something I could ask my LBS?

If they have multiple locations,they might have what you're looking for at another shop. Most of the time though,you just need to do some investigating;call shops,check eBay/CL,do some Googling. Note:many shops have bikes listed on their websites,but do not ship.

I think that it depends on the brand. Some have dealership agreements that prohibit the sale of NOS merchandise over the internet.

Most brands roll out the new bread and butter models when they no longer have a full size run of a model. When that happens they generally offer the balance of their stock to their regular dealers at discounted prices. The high end cutting edge models usually don't roll out until after the bike trade show in October.

You may be able to find some NOS model bikes on the internet. Brands like Trek and Specialized you'll probably do better asking at your LBS.

I was able to get a 2012 GT at ~25% off at Performance Bike - they had to ship it in from back east. Your choice is going to be limited.

My LBS normally has some last years models discounted but the size may be limited.

www.competitivecyclist.com has 2012 bikes/frames on sale

i'm pretty short so maybe that will help lol

thanks for the info. i'll check with some LBS when the time comes!

You have nothing to lose by asking; the worst they can say is "No."

Approach it like this: "Hey, I LUV what you guys have to offer here, but it's just outta reach right now; is there something like, I dunno, a model from last year still laying around...?" You're giving them the opportunity to hook you up, unload a 'liability', at least keep up the 'pretense' of good relations. (I call last year's model a 'liability', because it's costing them money every day they don't sell it -- negotiable price keeps going DOOWWWNN....)

I bought two BMC's from them last year for 50% off.