Does anyone know if the REI web price is the price? Other bike manufacturers MSRP is usually negotiable at the LBS. Will REI stores negotiate?

No, they won't -- but there's always a way to get 15% off, and members get 20% off twice a year. That's better than you'll get at most bike shops.

I believe the 20% off is coming up in a couple months.
I can't remember if it is march, april, or may.

Last year it was March. I bought the Randonee.

...and how is it?

I had a randonee I purchased in 06 until it was squashed by an SUV. For the price it is a steal.
It is a heavy bike with heavy wheels and a lower component list but at that price I would have expected sora shifters instead of tiagra. I recommend it.

If you're impatient, signing up for the mailing list will get you a 15% coupon.

REI has gotten really strict about their coupons and bikes. They now exclude bikes from their 10-15% off coupons. Also, if you buy a bike that has been marked down, you can't earn the dividend (cash rebate) at the end of the year. (sigh) Those were the good old days.

Thanks everyone

Will the 20% be good on bikes, I really like the element and 20% would make it fit "just right."

They only exclude non novara bikes. Unless that has changed for this year.

Yea, they got me last year by marking down a bike right before the coupon came out - preventing me from using it.

I'm pretty sure the 20% coupon is good for all bikes.

Nothing on sale/clearance counts towards your dividend. Considering some of the bargains I've gotten,I'm cool with that.

FYI,I had an Element for a short time and returned it. Couldn't take the ride of the alloy fork. Also noted that it wouldn't take tires much wider than stock.

dynarider-

Thanks for the input on the element. Without turning this in into a "what bike should I buy?" thread. I liked the price for a drop bar, disc. I am looking for a dedicated commuter that will perform better on my 14 mile (each way) ride. Right now I split time on a converted mountian bike with racks and my "road" bike that only carries me.

What did you end up with after the element?

And by the way, the need for disc's is still a question in my mind. And the Portland is just out of financial reach at the moment.

I bought the Randonee last year (March) at the 20% member only sale. Yes, I like. 16 mile commute each way.

-- John

This is the last 20% coupon I got. it was from last year. Fall sale? see the 6th exclusion. I cut and pasted from my email:

20% Off One Item
*Offer Exclusions:
Offer valid 09/07/07 - 09/16/07.
Coupon (or coupon code) must be presented at time of purchase. Online and phone customers must use code FALLCPN7 to receive this discount.
Offer not valid on REI Adventures or REI Outdoor School.
REI membership is required at checkout. Not a member? During checkout, you can join for a one-time fee of just $15.
Offer not valid on special orders, package discounts, prior purchases, REI gift cards or E-gift certificates, gift boxes, memberships, shop services, rentals.
Offer not valid on bicycles.
Offer not valid on boats.
Offer not valid on full-price skis, boots or bindings; snowboards, boots or bindings.
Offer not valid on GPS receivers, two-way radios, phones, personal locator beacons.
Offer is limited to stock on hand, is nontransferable and is not redeemable for cash.
Merchandise purchased with this offer is not eligible for the REI member refund.
Offer may not be combined with any other discount or offer. Limit one coupon per customer.
Cashier instruction: Apply 20% line discount to the highest priced item. Please refer to exclusions.

In the past Novara brand bikes were the exception and were discounted. Perhaps this has changed????

Or this is specific to the fall 20% off coupon. Who knows?

I just returned it. I wanted a cross bike with discs. I could've swapped the fork,but every carbon one I could find was either expensive,or also came with canti/V bosses. I live in a hilly area and the cross double didn't do it for me either,so I would've either swapped the cross double for a road triple,or the rear der/cassette for a MTB setup. Plus it had no chainstay bridge,so mounting a rear fender was going to take a touch of MacGuyvering. In the end I just said meh,nah,and returned it.

From what I remember yes. Each sale/coupon is a little different. The March member only 20% off is usually for almost everything. That's where the Novara bikes are include.

This seems to be discussed every year around this time.

Well, here it is! The infamous "almost spring" coupon. As you can see, it only works on Novarra and k2 bikes. Maybe they'll change it for the later coupons. These bikes can't be on sale; must be regularly priced. Can't earn refund dollars when using it. Still, not too shabby. Also, this coupon code is also on the website. Enjoy!

Fine print:

Use coupon code MEMDEAL online on any full price item, at any REI store
or by phone through 3/30/08. See exclusions:

Exclusions: Offer valid 2/24/08 9:00 pm - 3/30/08 11:59 pm Pacific Time.
Coupon (or coupon code) must be presented at time of purchase. Online and phone customers must use code "MEMDEAL" to receive this discount.
Offer valid at REI.com, 1-800-426-4840 and REI stores.
Offer not valid on REI-OUTLET.com items, REI Adventures or REI Outdoor School.
Offer not valid for sale items (prices ending in $ ._3 or $ ._9).
REI membership is required at checkout. Not a member? You can join for a one-time $20 fee during checkout.
Offer not valid on special orders, package discounts, prior purchases, REI gift cards or E-gift certificates, gift boxes, memberships, shop services, rentals.
Offer valid on Novara and K2 bicycles only; all other brands are excluded.
Offer not valid on boats.
Offer not valid on GPS receivers, two-way radios, phones, personal locator beacons.
Offer not valid on skis, boots or bindings; snowboards, boots or bindings.
Offer is limited to stock on hand, is nontransferable and is not redeemable for cash.
Merchandise purchased with this offer is not eligible for the REI member refund.
Offer may not be combined with any other discount or offer. Limit one coupon per customer.
To order by phone, call 1-800-426-4840 Mon. through Sun., 4 a.m. through 11 p.m. Pacific Time.
Cashier instruction: Apply 20% line discount to highest full-price item; please refer to exclusions

In reference to the Randonee, I happen to like it. With a moustache handlebar, it's a top hill climber. Without hills or a heavy load, the gearing is a bit low. My Giant Cypress came with higher level components at a lower price.

Just got today bike with 20% off, but it's only for Novara and K2.