Buy now or wait for 2016 models

majormajormajor
majormajormajor Posts: 4
edited June 2015 in Road buying advice
Hello, I'm a new member. I've been doing a lot of research on road bikes and I'm currently deciding between a Giant TCR advanced 2 and a Giant Defy Advanced 2. I'm leaning towards the Defy because they appear to be a bit more up to date and preferable for commuting and longer rides.

I live in South Korea and the prices at the moment are around $1500/£900 for both bikes which seems like a pretty good deal, but I'm worried that the 2016 models may push the prices down more or the deals could be good on the new models.

Would you take the plunge now or hang on until after the Tour de France, when I'm assuming the new models will start appearing?

There is very little info about new models and the weather is great now so my money is burning a hole in my pocket.

Comments

  • ai_1
    ai_1 Posts: 3,060
    edited June 2015
    If you hold off a little while there may be discounts applied to the current bikes during the TDF or after any new bikes are announced/released for 2016. It would be pretty unheard of for new models to undercut the current ones as distributors would then be unable to sell any remaining stock.
  • hegyestomi
    hegyestomi Posts: 504
    I would also keep an eye on the 2014 models: it's not unheard of manufacturers only giving new paint job (using last year's frame) and replacing components/groupset with a less good one to reduce cost.
  • ai_1
    ai_1 Posts: 3,060
    [url=http://www.bikeradar.com/forums/viewtopic.php?p=19632995#p19632995]hegyestomi[/url] wrote:
    I would also keep an eye on the 2014 models: it's not unheard of manufacturers only giving new paint job (using last year's frame) and replacing components/groupset with a less good one to reduce cost.
    Yes, many manufacturers release new versions of their entire range each year but new frames only every few years. The build of the bikes may vary year to year, i.e. groupset, wheels, cockpit, etc..., and colour shcemes are frequently changed year to year. Value for money can go either way!
    If the changes year to year are minor, you're better off buying the previous years model on discount around the time the new models are released.....unless you really, really want the new paint scheme!
  • majormajormajor
    majormajormajor Posts: 4
    The Giant and TCR advanced 2 are on sale now at £900. Does that sound like a good deal?
  • hegyestomi
    hegyestomi Posts: 504
    [url=http://www.bikeradar.com/forums/viewtopic.php?p=19633008#p19633008]majormajormajor[/url] wrote:
    The Giant and TCR advanced 2 are on sale now at £900. Does that sound like a good deal?
    Link?
  • majormajormajor
    majormajormajor Posts: 4
    [url=http://www.bikeradar.com/forums/viewtopic.php?p=19633036#p19633036]hegyestomi[/url] wrote:
    [url=http://www.bikeradar.com/forums/viewtopic.php?p=19633008#p19633008]majormajormajor[/url] wrote:
    The Giant and TCR advanced 2 are on sale now at £900. Does that sound like a good deal?
    Link?

    I live in South Korea, It's the local price for both bikes. 1,500,000 won is approx. £900.
  • Bobbinogs
    Bobbinogs Posts: 4,841
    [url=http://www.bikeradar.com/forums/viewtopic.php?p=19632995#p19632995]hegyestomi[/url] wrote:
    I would also keep an eye on the 2014 models: it's not unheard of manufacturers only giving new paint job (using last year's frame) and replacing components/groupset with a less good one to reduce cost.

    Most definitely. Manufacturers know there is a £1000 ceiling for many (as much a perception of how much is reasonable to spend although the Cycle to work scheme is very popular too). This means that when the frames stay the same each year, the kit spec goes down and down in very subtle ways...originally the bike may have been all 105, then it is mainly 105 and by the end of the frame's marketing life the kit only has the odd 105 component. Same goes for tyre spec, wheels, pretty much everything. Hence, a brand new (or NOS) 2012 model can sometimes be a much better purchase then a current 2015 model.
  • hegyestomi
    hegyestomi Posts: 504
    It look like a good price, make sure the size is right.
    I personally decided to get my good bike built up last month although I couldn't really afford it at the moment.
    As the UK summer is very short I thought it is better to ride now and bear the grief from my other half then get it 4 months later (as I did 3 years ago) and ride it 3 time until next summer.
    You might have different seasons but worth considering.

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