I almost never buy the latest and the greatest. Much of it is marketing hype. When it comes to something like a bike I buy used or wait for the end of year clearance sales. I bought a 1990? Giant Excursion "trekking" bike for about 50% of list price in 1993 Gently used works too. My local LBS always has something on sale, I have been shopping there for over 30 years so when I wander in they always direct me to stuff they have put on the clearance table knowing that I will probably buy it. A couple of months ago I picked up 4 sets of the older style SKS and Mt Zefal fenders for about $5 a pair complete. Promptly sold one pair and swapped another for some stuff from a buddy of mine. Thifty is good FWIW most of my bikes are in the 20+ year old range and ride just fine for me. If I were a Cat racer it might be different but I am just out to enjoy the ride and the world around me, not set land speed records.

Aaron