Best time of year to buy a bike

danielsbrewer

When is the best time of year to buy a bike in terms of sales etc.? And where is the best place to buy bikes? Ebay?

Just started to vaguely think about whether I need a new bike. Probably in the sub-£500 bracket.

veronese68

I would have thought now is a good time to buy as most people won't consider riding at this time of year so there should be more bargains if there are fewer buyers around.
For this reason I was going to wait until spring to sell my bike. Ebay is a good place to buy but beware of buying a stolen bike.

RufusA

It's always best to buy a bike when you need it, there is no benefit in saving a few quid at the expense of months of riding pleasure.

Traditionally new models go on sale in October, and discounts can be had from Oct -> when bikes have sold out.

In 2009 shops under-ordered, demand was high, and many new models were launched in the early summer to try and keep up. So there aren't huge numbers of 2009 or even 2010 models languishing in the shops anymore.

There will be bargains over the next few months as many employers aren't doing Cycle to Work this year, and the early snow in Nov / Dec had a big impact on potential customers.

Secondhand wise there are some sold in winter, but not that many as it's usually too cold to visit sheds and wash / photograph bikes. I find that around the first mow of the season is when people re-discover the bike they haven't ridden all year!

Ebay tends to be expensive (IMHO) for used bikes. Better bargains to be had following the for sale section of your favourite cycling website, or trawling gumtree, freeads etc.

As mentioned stolen bikes are a worry, also more commonly (and possibly innocently) people selling "Cycle to Work" purchases when they haven't paid them off yet - strictly speaking theft from their employer!

HTH - Rufus.

meanredspider

Yup - trawl the various bike site sales - they are close to (and reached) "Final Reductions" so some good deals to be had - selling a 2010 model in 2011 is harder.

stifflersmom

November to January seems to be a good time - plenty of discounts and sales on old stock from the shops, plus the dark evenings and poor weather mean a lot of people who bought a bike following the TdF look to sell on ebay etc.

jeremyrundle

Any time you can pay cash and not rely on credit, that way you can haggle.

AndyManc

Buy from a local bike shop.

My local offers 3 free services in the first year, I've also got a local Edinburgh cycles that has some amazing offers on at the moment , they also have regular 3 day sales throughout the year.

oceheb

Have a look at internet. All popular 2010 models with common frame sizes already in sold out category. The hunting process should be started when season ends, I think.

Valy

At the end of the "selling season" which is towards the end of the year normally. At that time you get quite a few discounts on many bikes - I got my Allez 16 2010 with 25% off for example!

beverick

Find out which bike you want and then trawl t'internet for someone who has one in your size only a prior year model - 2008 or 2009.

Use the price their offering as a basis for negotiation.

For example, I'd be tempted in this:
http://www.sowerbybroscycles.co.uk/prod ... 100&page=1

I'd offer them £995 take it or leave it. List price is £1999 for a 2011 model. You can't lose for £1k discount!

Bob