Originally Posted by
TiHabanero
Bike dealers are given a status with the bike suppliers, much like car dealers, motorcycle dealers, hardware stores, etc. The dealers that are given a "top tier" status get preference in available inventory and new model access. Typically a three store chain will be a top tier dealer and will have access to more inventory sooner than the lower tiers. Our shop went from a tier one status to a tier two status and it made a very noticeable difference in what was available and when it was available.
I'm hoping that's true since my local Trek retailer has about 10 stores here in So Cal. I guess I'll take a trip over there and talk to them. When posing this question I was hoping there might be some inside info from some of you connected to the industry. I'm just not sure putting a deposit down is really going to make the bike get here any quicker and then all I've done is enrich the dealer for 9 months. It's quite frustrating when you're itching for a new bike.