Do the “new models” shown/teased at say Interbike or new year models typically hit the LBS sales racks and warehouses in January, or?

Huh? New models do not necessarily imply improvements. There have been numerous times where new model bikes, in order to maintain a price point, have been much inferior to the previous model year. For high end bikes, yes, new models may incorporate some minuscule "improvements". What you see at Interbike type shows is what bike companies are hoping to sell you. Just like car shows. How many people can afford to buy a Porsche for their daily driving? Bike shows are about what people might want, and encouraging them to spend as much as they can afford. They are not about helping people find a better bike
My biggest beef with all trade shows is that they charge admission at all. Think about it: They want to sell you something, they have something you might want, and they charge you money to see something that you will be able to see, for free, in a month or so. What a scam.

Yup, I understand the realities of “new models” etc., and I stopped going to motorcycle and home improvement shows for the very reason that I dont feel paying to be a “duck in a barrel” consumer either.

But back to my question....,when do the new and new year models start to appear in the marketplace?

It varies with the mfg, apparently some are out now.

Typically coincides with the calender then?

Some models show up as early as 6 months ahead, so for example 2018 models being available in July 2017.


Geoff

Performance has had 2018 Fujis for a couple months now. There were 2018 Fat Bikes already out from a couple of the big brands when I was looking a month ago as well.