Hi, I am interested in purchasing a new Gary Fisher bike from 2005-2006 since the latest model has a sucky paint scheme. Is this possible?

Only if you can find them in stock at a dealer. It'll be leftover, and usually they'll discount to clear them out. 2008 maybe. 2005-6 is going to be slim (if any) pickings. I kinda like the new schemes

Try ebay, of course.

There does not appear to be anything on ebay.

Assuming that I could get a new bike with a custom pain job for xtra $$,

1) Are new bikes generally unquestionably better than old models? I know that new models seem to have gone from 24 to 21 speed for example, so seemingly not.

2) If you have an old model bike, can you get exact replacement parts or are they obsolete too?

While you have some good thoughts, i think a little perspective is in order here.

2005-06 are not OLD bikes. that's still pretty darned new. Quality hasn't really changed at all in the last 3 years, and the components certainly haven't.


I wouldn't really be concerned about sight differences between 2005 and the present.

He's right in one respect tho. In some of the Mfg lines, the quality has dropped in an effort to keep the price down. What may have been 24 speed may now be 21 and you have to go a model up to make up the difference (with corresponding price increase). I've seen a lot of cheaper wheelsets also.

If they're not so old, should I then be able to find them at a LBS?

What's the top of the line fisher hybrid?

Go down to your local Fisher dealer and ask some questions. Odds are they won't have anything from prior to 2008. You can't buy a Fisher online, so don't ask your questions online. The bike shop is your friend.

Finding an exact model bike from previous years sounds extremely difficult bmnaut. If your LBS is a Gary Fisher dealer they may have some stock hiding somewhere in the basement or in storage somewhere and haven't gotten around to some spring cleaning.

As for components, do you know the specs of the 05-06 compared to that of the 09? If a certain model bike has been in production for years it is unlikely that any significant changes have taken place. Of course some components are better than others but most would not require significant cash if you upgrade (depending on what you upgrade).

Also your LBS may have networking capabilities with other Gary Fisher dealers, but may take some time.

1. I bought a 'new' 2006 model Kona Smoke at the LBS last spring (he gave me 30% off) and he still has a '06 Kona Sutra on the floor as well. That will probably be there a while longer since he just started stocking LHT's.

2. Go to the Gary Fisher LBS and ask them to contact their factory rep. The rep should know of any left overs that *might* still be available.

I think when we're talking about not so old, we mean operating status. A three year old car is a lot different than a brand new one. A three year old bike, not as much. It doesn't mean they're going to carry a 3 year old bike at your LBS.

My suggestion would be to pick out the traits of a bike that you want. (size, type, kind of wheels) and look on Craigslist/Ebay. There are tons of good deals out there on 1 and 2 year old bikes that have been barely ridden and now the owner is just trying to get rid of them. (That's how I got mine)

Is there a particular reason you have your heart set on Gary Fisher? (they are pretty nice, I'm just curious)

One component that is different is the derailleur. 24 -> 21 speed

rule #1 about negotiating price is never fall in love with any particular vehicle. this is mostly for car shopping but may apply here. you may wind up paying more for something just because you're asking specifically for it.

I'm in love and I dont care who knows it.

Brings to mind a question: What do the dealers do with bikes that don't sell?

Maybe they discount the heck out of those bikes and manage to get rid of them all. But...I gotta think that the average bicycle dealer usually ends up with at least one or two older models that didn't get moved out the door. What do they do with them?

I know a couple that Ebay them and another that sells them to other shops in the southern part of the US since he sells skis in winter. There are some shops that just hang onto stuff that until it sells but i think that is getting more rare.

I bought a new 2006 bike when the 2009's were coming out. I paid $2600 vs MSRP $4400 when it was new in 2006. The LBS just forgot about this display bike and was having trouble moving a top of the line women's performance bike. The LBS seemed very happy that I bought it. Sometimes I feel like I don't deserve having such a great bike - it is a joy to ride.

It is WAY different from my 1978 old bike but I don't feel that it's inferior to the 2009 rides.

They discount the heck of them to customers that know bikes and don't care about the year. I bought my Lemond for half of MSRP since it was a two year old leftover. I bought a 08 Gary Fisher in Feb this year for $200 since the model changed design for 09.

-R

That's good information to have. Thanks.