I am a keen recreational cyclist and have recently decided to step up a gear and purchase a road bike.
Given the time of the year, it seems that most stores are currently offering 2003 models for $300+ below RRP, as the 2004 models hit the stores.
My questions - should I be jumping at the opportunity to buy a 2003 model bike for the discounted rate? Or will specials continue to pop up post-xmas? Generally, is there any reason for me to spend the additional and get the 2004 model?
I am a keen recreational cyclist and have recently decided to step up a gear and purchase a road bike.
Given the time of the year, it seems that most stores are currently offering 2003 models for $300+ below RRP, as the 2004 models hit the stores.
My questions - should I be jumping at the opportunity to buy a 2003 model bike for the discounted rate? Or will specials continue to pop up post-xmas? Generally, is there any reason for me to spend the additional and get the 2004 model?
As I did for my new bike, I waited for the end of the season so that prices are a bit lower. If you plan on buying it from a big store maybe after christmas or during the holidays you'll be able to get extra rebates, but the little local shops may not lower their prices, but with a bit of arguying maybe you will be able to convince him to lower them!
The problem with waiting too long is that they might run out of bikes that are the proper size for you.
The best luck you can have is finding "new old stock" from a year or two ago that the store has had lying around forever, and happens to be a perfect fit.. 🙂
I don't know about Melbourne, but here in the US some good bargains are possible, like the one I got last week from Ebay, bidded (actually I was the only one) for a brand new Bianchi Vigorelli 2003(retails for $ 1,600) for the price of the Eros: $ 1,099 plus a Easton EC90 Carbon handle for $ 110.00 I just made sure it was from a local dealer, so I could pick it up myself and check out the integrity of the bike. Had a bad experience before, so I rather bid on things from dealers around my area, so I can inspect the bike before paying for it. Corsaire
From your posting time, I thought u must be Oz .. as am I and there are specific things that apply to us.
At the moment, as you say, you'll get 15-20% off an 03 bike. However, the rising $AUD has meant that 04 bikes are generally cheaper or better spec'd than 03, particularly Australian brands.
At the end of the day tho', its better to get on ya bike that to wait around for the dealer of the century. Just get the best bike you can afford .. particularly the one that fits you.
Originally posted by sars "be careful" starts to worry me 🙂
why am I getting the impression that bike shops are as trusty as used car salesman?
Like most salespeople (bike, car, electrical, hifi etc etc), they like to make a sale. My feeling is that this sometimes means they will sell you what is in stock rather than what is best for you.
Test ride as such as possible, talk to people, read as many reviews as possible but remember that in the end its your [censored] on the seat - there isn't one bike that suits everyone.
