The best deals I have received have been in the fall or early winter on year old models. If I owned a LBS, I wouldn't be willing to deal much in June on a bike I have the whole summer to sell. It never hurts to ask but I wouldn't expect too big of a discount. You are more likely to be able to negotiate a discount on assessories, but I have usually been able to buy on the internet for even less. I don't think the cash thing is even that much of a factor because the 3% CC fee on $1000 is only $30. Unfortunately, sometimes buying bikes isn't a negotiating game like buying a car.