gadgetadam 

When's the best time to buy a bike where you'll get the best deals? I live in Austin, Texas.
Anyone have any stories or experiences?

idcruiserman

At the end of cross season.

gadgetadam 

NS
There is about a total of maybe 10-15 cyclocross bikes in stores in all of Austin. Cyclocross is not very popular here so the bike shops don't have much of a selection but have a HUGE road bike selection. Being 5 foot 4 ANYTHING I want will have to be ordered. Are there some tricks or times when it would be best to order something? Would you recommend ordering something without trying it (can't try it anyway because no one has anything anyway that fits me and the selection is very small).


Thanks.

idcruiserman

Like you say, the average shop is not going to carry a bike that small, so you're going to be ordering something anyway. If you're knowledgeable about what size bike fits you, then you can get something online. It took me a few used bikes to figure out what fits me, including a 54 cross check that never quite fit. Cut to the chase and order something locally.

Captain Obvious today.

baconandraisins

The local bike shop should have access to a list closeouts from the manufacturer. At the end of the model year (from late May to about now), Trek/Specialized/whoever needs to get rid of their old bikes to make room for new ones. This is especially true if the model is being discontinued or changing drastically. Trek was selling some Madones at 1/3 off this spring because the new ones had been announced. If you're friendly with a particular shop, ask them to check for you if there are any closeouts.

Edit: Looking at your question again, the shop should also have the geometry tables so that they can get a rough fit on one of their road bikes, so you won't be ordering on blind faith.