Jerseysbest

I've only bought used bikes for the past ten years, but I'm looking at a new one right now. I keep reading online about people buying the previous year's model (2005) for more than 20% below the newer bikes price, with there being only a slight change in components.

I guess they go on sale when the 2007's come out? When's that supposed to be? I think I'd rather a wait a bit and use the money I'd save upgrading my single speed road bike that I was gonna put off...

shokhead

They all come out differently but it starts around Sept and picks up steam.

BostonFixed

Fall. Especially if you are in the Northeast, bike shops generally want to move that inventory so it doesn't sit over the winter. Starting around sept or early oct, and generally running to early dec or so. Some bike shops also have mid-summer sales and the like, so it doesn't hurt to stop by and ask.

SemperFi

I had asked that same question several weeks ago, (but you've already got your answer to that one) thinking that I could pick up a 2006 model on the cheap when the 2007's came out. As it turned out I really didn't want to wait until Sept-Oct and as luck would have it my local LBS had a 2005 Specialized Sequoia Elite in stock. The list price was $1300 and they were asking for $800.

Well, my mother didn't raise a fool, so after a test ride and mulling the deal over for a few days I took it. The bike is great...and I was just lucky enough to be in the right place at the right time.

Happy hunting!

Jerseysbest

Eh, I guess theres no point wasting the entire summer riding season to save a little bit. I was just looking at the entry level road bikes (trek 1000, giant orc3 etc). I've read people buying the 2005 Trek's for $499 compared to ~$650 when they come out. I'm all for saving money, but oh well...

The shops around me don't seem to have any deals going on, I've been to about 4. F it, I need to ride...

alanbikehouston

Each community may have its own customs regarding sales. In Houston, many of the larger bike shops run sales in May. They are targeting the graduation present market, the summer rider market, the off to college soon market. Just a few models, at 10% to 20% off the normal selling price. But, a good selection of sizes of the sale models.

The last week of August and the first week of September is the "big" sale. Often 20% to 30% off. But, the most popular sizes are often sold out before the sale. What is left are the bikes that are too small, too big, or that are in a really awful color.

If I were buying a $500 bike, I'd rather buy it in May, and get exactly my size, and get my favorite color. Ride it and enjoy it during May, June, July, and August. Well worth paying an extra $100 compared to waiting to September, getting the wrong size and a bad color. (Black, or red, or silver are the "good" colors, of course.)

Peek the Geek

Since you have experience buying used, why not do that? I agree that there's not much sense waiting until fall just to save a bit of money, but you also hate to spend top dollar on something that will be significantly reduced in just a few months. Besides, you'd get a better bike spending $500 on something slightly used than you would if you spent $500 on last year's entry-level model.

edp773

Youi could ask if they will through in some extras when you purchase a new bike. Ask if they would throw in a water bottle cage, and or a cyclo-computer with the purchase. Maybe asking for a 10% discount on future purcheses would help you save money after the original purchase.

jimmuter

A lot of this year's popular models will be sold out anyway, especially if you need an especially small or large size.