joepa150

I see that dealers are starting to get 2011 and they may be clearancing out the 2010s. I called around and it seems like most bike shops in my area claim that they don't have a ton of 2010s and that they will not reduce the price because they expect to sell through them anyway.

So should I wait a little and see if they start to clearance out the 2010s?

When usually is the best time of year to buy?

JonathanGennick 

I don't think there's a simple answer to this question. I see deals at all times of the year. I've a neighbor who insists he won't buy his bike until winter, because he thinks he'll get a better price. Thing is, I got my frame on blowout this spring, and I remember one of my local bike shops have several older bikes on sale in spring at astounding prices. OTOH, I have seen blowout pricing online in the fall, iand in the late summer. Heck, I've probably even seen sale-pricing in the wintertime.

BurnNotice

No real way of saying. It is all timing. My example for instance, I was looking last year at the Felt 2009 Q720 at my LBS and the price tag was $999. I decided to wait to get back into mtb'ing and April 2010 went back to my LBS. They had the same new old stock 2009 in 19.5" frame which I ride and the owner lowered the price to $749 to just get rid of it. Timing is it, I was in the market and he wanted to inload it. I could have waited another week or so but maybe someone would have come along to buy it by then, maybe not.

I think your best time is around Jan. 2011 for leftover 2010's and start haggling a bit and taking a chance to leave and then come back again. Some dealers will deal to get rid of new old stock some won't! Good luck.

BurnNotice

Well put. Just look and keep shopping and do your homework. You will be able to find something.

jayvo86

If your not looking for anything specific, go now. Chances are you will find an older model that is marked down. You should also be able to talk the dealer down as well if it's a large purchase.

joepa150

I went to two bike shops today. The Treks were marked down $30 from MSRP. I asked if they start to clearance out the 2010 models, how will the prices look. He said about mayb another $30 off the sale prices today if I was lucky. I also saw a 2009 Trek 3700 for $360. While they were on sale today, I don't feel that $30 off is a "great" sale. I am looking to get about $100 off. I am looking in the price range of $350-$500 MSRP.

I guess I will just keep on checking.

MRT2

There might only be so much profit in a $400 bike to mark down. My sense is, a lot of bike shops make a lot more profit on accessories and service than they do on modestly priced new bikes.

TnDiamondback

Got my Felt Q720 for $700.00 out the door, shop is a big Felt Roadie and Diamondback MTB dealer, he wanted the Q off the rack,it was getting dusty, I helped him out and we were both happy.

zonatandem

After the fist snowfall or right after X-mas.