I looked at a few things today but didn't ride. In the forums, everybody dismisses the idea of MSRP, but I note that's what both shops I visited had on the price tags. I keep thinking I'm going to want dropped handlebars, but I don't think I'll know the difference between the road bikes and the "fitness bikes" other than that. I really just want lots of hand positions.

On the other hand, I don't want to spend a fortune, and the flat bars should work OK. I'm going to ride an OCR3, an FCR4 and a Specialized Sirrus tomorrow. I know what my wife is going to say--the OCR is too expensive, the FCR4 is also too expensive but more acceptable ($440 on the tag versus $600.) The Sirrus might be just right, and at the moment I like it a whole lot myself. Again, I realize this may all change when I ride them.

Anyway, the Sirrus is marked $519. MSRP is $519 (this is the '05 model.) I also want some extra tubes, CO2 inflater, and I want to look at MTB shoes and clipless pedals, shorts, etc. If I get the Sirrus I'll probably want to add bar-end grips. I don't know exactly what I'll end up buying, but I'm sure I'll need several things.

So what's a good price to end up at? $500? $475? $450? Any bargaining tips? Am I expecting too much just because this is an '05 and I'm buying some accessories? Honestly, I expected the prices to be marked down a little from MSRP on the tags.


PS--Ain't it pretty?