softreset

I recently got back into cycling and in honor of a personal weight loss goal plus personal distance record I was going to treat myself to a new bike between now and the end of the year. The Raleigh R500 with Shimano RSX just celebrated it's 17th birthday last week and intend to convert it into a more commuter-centric bike versus a zipping around town/group ride 'fun' non-competitive bike.

When I first began my searching I had a budget of about $750-900 because the last time I bought a bike (1996) that got me a pretty solid ride but I suddenly find myself really interested in these new aero frames and far more exotic carbon bikes. So I bumped my budget up to $3000 (but less is better) and I've spent the past few weekends looking at Boardman, Cervelo, Ridley and Orbea.

The current generation bikes (2013) are out of my price range, even with the non-Di2 configuration and standard Ultegra. Over the weekend I looked at Litespeed and they offered a few Shimano 105 bike builds that were very much in my price range. I could careless about my drivetrain being Ultegra or even Di2 and I've tried very hard not to test drive a Di2 bike for fear that I'd fall in love and then either go out of my budget or have to tell myself: "No, you can't afford it."

I've historically purchased most of my larger value items (from cars, to TVs and computers) when they're a generation or two back. It's worked out pretty well for me as the product fits my needs and it saves me hundreds to thousands of dollars. I'm not really interested in buying someone's used bike, although I'd consider it from an LBS if they gave me some sort of guarantee/warranty. The last thing I want to is save a bunch of money on a Ridley Noah or Cervelo S5 only to discover that I've inherited someone else's problems.

To the point...

- Historically when is the transition from current generation to next generation? Is it an industry wide transition window or is it specific to the manufacturer?
- My three LBS(s) don't usually keep a bike that's older than the last generation, occasionally they will but by the time it's two generations back that price isn't going to go any lower than already marked (it's probably already close to a loss or break even). So I'm going to be targeting 2012 models when the 2014s come out, is my plan before they disappear from the show room floor.
- For those of you who purchase equipment like this, have you found framesets get marked down a greater percentage off original MSRP? I'm not going to build the bike but if I can put together a bike and have my LBS build it for less then I'd absolutely consider it, I already have a great pair of wheels that I had built for my Raleigh and a very nice saddle. Plus, I feel as though I could do a 105 build of a bike that isn't offered in a 105 build from the manufacturer for less than a Di2 model.

Thanks in advance for your input/feedback.

Cookiemonsta

The transition is usually around september. That is when the new models come in. Typically the older models get discount almost immediately or sometimes even before. This seems to be industry wide, or at the very least, similar for a lot of big brands.


No idea whether framsets get the same sort of discounts. My guess is that they do not follow the same "release schedule". But I am not sure.

Gjc985

check out competitive cyclist featured bikes

seymour1910

Do you have a performance bike near you? They have some nice prices on bikes, even their carbon bikes are well in your price range...here is a carbon with Ultegra for $2300 https://www.performancebike.com/bikes...0315&metaData= sizes are limited though.

onikazi

you could always go hongfu.

if you want the savings its a lot of calling and checking to see if the right dealers have the right frame. It took me 3 months to find the right shop with the correct frame when i got my first carbon. If it isnt your Performance or chain store, ask them if they are willing to strip the components and sell your the frameset alone. most likely they will make more money selling the groupset at retail that as a whole bike.

that way you can select the parts you want ebay/amazon/boutique parts, at a discount as well. My foil took 5 months to put together over the winter (thank God for chicago winters), but i got a full 2010 red set (sans brakes) for around $800 looking for deals.

softreset

Thanks for that, I have not previously visited their site. They definitely have a nice selection and I'll scan through it.

I do, as a matter of fact, I'm heading to my local one on Thursday after work. I take it you're referring to the 2013 Fuji SST 2.0 LE Road Bike? It looks quite nice and while I'm not 100% sure on my Fuji sizing I've so far been a 55-57 in everyone else, that I've tried.

justkeepedaling

A Cervelo S2 is a nice bike that you will certainly find available in your price range (especially on clearance). Race proven for years and was under winning riders left and right for the last few seasons. No finicky bottom bracket standards, weird chainstay shapes, and wind tunnel tested (independently) to be a very aero and kickass bike.

softreset

Indeed. I haven't had an opportunity to test ride one, yet but my LBS (Davis Wheelworks) where I'd like to do business appears to be big into Cervelo. I know to some the looks are debatable but I'm all about comfort, (feel of) ride and ultimately value-for-dollar. I'd love to upgrade my helmet, pedals and shoes with that $3000 budget but it's not critical as all three work just fine. So the closer I can get to the $2000 price point the better as I'm looking at $200-250 in sales tax (to maintain my budget) and support my LBS.

longbeachgary

Take the hundreds and thousands of dollars you saved on that other junk and buy yourself the bike you want.

bikebreak

I was recently in a LBS and asked the same question. The guy said that new stock rolls in all year, not at any set date, just depends when the manufacturer ships it out to the store.

I did notice that performance marked down all the 2012 stuff this past January or so.

caloso

I don't have much to add other than Wheel Works is a great shop.