rousseau

Apparently there's a one-day fall bike show at the Ex on October 21. Has anyone ever been to one of these shows? Are there really such great deals that they're worth going to? Meaning, could I find a nice trainer for super cheap there?

Toronto International Bike Show

Boudicca

The fall show is a lot smaller than the spring show, but there are good deals, especially on end-of-season bikes and equipment. So buy winter clothing at the spring sale and summer stuff at the fall one. And bikes at any time, provided you don't mind that it's last year's color. But I don't know about trainers. I would think this is prime trainer-buying season, so there might not be anything out there.

But it's still fun to go and catch up on all the latest gear and equipment. It doesn't cost anything to dream, does it?

somnambulant

Actually, it does, $5 to get in through the doors.

Boudicca

Five bucks is a fair price for a good dream.

nostromo

I'll be going to it, want to see what's it's like and bringing some friends.

Fivecoolcats

Get there as early as you can...like 7 am...!!

Seriously

It coincides with the ski and snowboard show....hmmmmm two sports that go hand in hand really well..

I have been the last two years...and its rammed!! OK deals on some stuff and very limited selection...I think trainers are going to be hard to find... These ghuys are usually unloading surplus equipment...which in my experieince has been mostly clothing..bikes ...frames and components.....WATCH YOUR PRICING... aside from NO TAX most guys aren't blowing out there stuff.. origianlly when I went I got a GIANT Boulder for about $379 no tax.....when I went to see the guy for a tune up...he had the next years model for the same price....but with tax....its all relative... Is it worth going>?>> I have worked out a deal with a guy north of Toronto for a bike show price...on a bike...he's just glad he doesn't have to ship another bike to the show....plus I get to deal with my local dealer... Also they rarely offer tune-ups or the freebies you get when you buy from the store..

hope this helps

just my $.02

Shiznaz

Its really hit and miss but I go every year anyways. It helps if you have a friend that can get free tickets.

TRaffic Jammer

I get those so I can bride you to be my friend. Did you get yours yet? Never know what you might find.

zippered

getting married just to go to the bike show? how cute.

i'll +1 what boudicca said, but this year i'm going to be in texass... so no new pearl izumi shorts for me *sigh*

TRaffic Jammer

^^^hahahaha^^^ thanks for the typo catch
Yea you NEVER know what someone will give you for a deal just he doesn't have to lug it back to the shop.

Fivecoolcats

So lets hear everyones deals.....!!!

chephy

Picked up some shorts and a jersey for about half normal retail price. Not stellar deals to brag about, but a reasonable bargain.

Boudicca

Nice winter jacket and very cool socks. Jacket was supposedly 60 percent off, socks were probably $5 cheaper than list, so I saved the cost of admission. Oh, and a new chain, which will probably sit around for ages with all the other parts I never quite get round to using, and mean that I spent money I didn't need to spend anyway. Red and black bar tape anyone? I got it a few shows ago. Still have it.

IronMac

Disaster for me. Didn't get anything on or off of my list and it was way too crowded. In years past, they would hold up the line in order to let the crowd thin out but not this time!

Ms. Tude

I went to last Spring's bike show in Toronto and found it a lot of fun --- lots of stuff to purchase - for both roadies and Mtb (and bmxers too) - plan to go again this March --- with a few more dollars though!

Zero_Enigma

Showed up to see what's going on. Dropped $5 into the hat. I didnt buy a thing. THey had nothing I wanted at all. I wanted some 6 pocket BDU shorts of nylon-mix construction but no dice. The lights the stores were selling were all "to be seen" lights. I could not find a Cat-eye EL500 or any high powered lights there. They didn't even any any noose style chains as well. Oh well, at least I did not lose much dropping $5 into the hat. They did have some nice bikes which I liked but I've already got two working bikes so no need to buy more tho that recumbent at $350 seemed like the price was right and weighing in at around 50-60lbs seemed ok. I rode a 'bent for the first time there so I'll take that expereince with me. Dunno.... next year I think some BF members should all band together and bulk buy stuff for better discounts.

What I mean is if someone wants to buy something at a store and wants a better deal then lets all see if there is something at that store that you want then we all pile our cash behind the original buyer to get volume buy. The buyer wins, and the other buyers win as well. The seller wins as they make back some funds and don't have to drop the petrol and costs to ship stuff back.


Just an idea.


Zero_Enigma