todayilearned

Hi, I've mostly been into hybrid/mountain bikes but now I'd like to try out road bikes. I'll be going to the LBS later this week (just waiting to sell my Rockhopper).

This is my first time buying from the LBS and was wondering if there is a better time of year to go to get a good deal? I don't mind buying a model that is 1-2 years old so when do they usually clear out the older models?

Are prices firm or is there usually some room to negotiate?

Cyclomania

I would suggest the month of February. All retail is dead that month from my experience. April too is a good month; people are concentrating on their taxes, not on acquiring new things. I have never worked for a bike shop mind you and do not know anyone who has negotiated a price on a bike. Course if it's an expensive bike there's probably room for negotiating.

If you want an expensive bike half price, check out bikes direct online.

xrayzebra 

And, if you don't have a real specific bike in mind and cost os more of a factor than getting exactly what you want, look at used bikes, too. So many people buy them on a whim and sell them with fewer than 100 or 200 miles on them. But, you have to be patient. Half the ads on Craiglist say something like "MSRP $1000, I paid $600, but I'm only trying to get part of my money back at $500," but then, when you Google the bike, the MSRP is like $300 on the same model. You'll see some real goofball ads. In my market, it seems that larger frame sizes are much more rare than smaller sizes. I don't know what it is - but I suspect a lot of people buy a smaller bike than they need and then never ride it. One out of four people I see riding on my trail are on bikes that are too small, with the seat too low, pedaling with their arches, or almost dragging their heels at the down stroke.

Cyclomania

That's so painful. Proper fitting is essential! YouTube has excellent vids on fitting a bike BTW! Make sure you have an idea of your frame size, especially crucial for a road bike. I once got a used bike that was way big, not the most comfortable to ride. I'd tell myself how lucky I was to own a cadillac.
Buying used is great but make sure the bike isn't stolen, Craigslist is notorious for thieves selling recent snatches.