New year announce/old year discount?

[norliss]

Whilst googling a few minutes ago, I stumbled across a trade site in which it seemed that some models for 2015 have already been unveiled.

In general, when do the bike manufacturers tend to formally announce their new year of models? Autumn time, or earlier?

Following on from this comes the (perhaps inevitable) question: when do the outgoing year's models tend to start being discounted?

 

[Pro Tour Punditry]

It's the most random thing ever. It used to be that new year models were introduced in late Autumn, but now with the introduction on "time travel" and corporate w*nk time you'd be as well ignoring anything in terms of "years" and focusing on trying to work out what you want.

 

[Flying Dodo]

It varies, but often from August/September onwards, depending upon how much stock the bike shop has left/how desperate they are to get some cash in, to get some new stock.

 

[Pro Tour Punditry]

e.g. earlier this week I bought a "2013" version for £70, the "2014" version was £300...they were the exact same thing.

 

[norliss]

Indeed, it's what I've started to think: that I'd likely get far better bang for my buck by waiting for the outgoing models to be discounted!

 

[vickster]

Or look for a 2012/ 2013 model. What is it your are looking for? If specialized for example, their discounts are pretty poor and they price control across all their retailers, so same price everywhere. Also, their spec seems to get lower year on year for the same spend, although they do apparently refresh their frames more often

Other manufacturers are less controlling, although trek only allow in store purchase, even if advertised online

Some manufacturers like giant on,y refresh their range every 5 years, but change the colour annually, so if you like a specific colour this year, buy it, the rest of the 2015 bike will likely be the same

 

[norliss]

Well, initially I set myself a limit of £1k (or possibly a shade over) as I was looking to make a cycle scheme purchase. However I've spotted the BMC Granfondo GF02 disc: I really like the look of this although the current 2014 model is WAY over that budget at £1500 ….

 

[vickster]

Evans? Got an old beater for £100 off? And don't forget Quidco. I think only Evans sell BMC in UK and they change every year, so you'd want to check when and if they'll get the new ones, and then whether they'll have your size on a deal

http://www.evanscycles.com/pages/tradein?promo_cmp=homepage_banner_set_1_1_image&promo_ad=Homepage*UNITED KINGDOM

http://www.evanscycles.com/products/bmc/granfondo-gf02-105-disc-2014-cyclocross-bike-ec053877

Now if it's the colour that appeals...

http://www.biketart.com/349386/prod...gin=pla?kwd=&gclid=CMGCuJm42b0CFW7MtAodkQEAdg

 

[norliss]

Thanks for that, Vickster.

Given they tend to make higher-priced bikes, I'm surprised that BMC is only available at Evans. I never really envisaged myself buying a bike from a chain outfit like them (I prefer the smaller independent shops) although in fairness I haven't read too many negative things about them. Are they a decent place to buy a bike?

 

[vickster]

A bit hit and miss, might be branch dependent like any chain, how good the mechanics are. I buy plenty of stuff from Evans, but I don't think I'd buy an expensive bike unless it was a superb deal. The good thing about Evans is they have a massive range and they are very accommodating on test rides unlike a lot of stores, including high end ones.

Are BMC available anywhere else? Google suggests they have exclusivity in the uk. Where in the country are you?

 

[norliss]

I'm in Cardiff. From what I can see, BMC bikes are only available in Evans. I've been in the shop once and the girl I spoke to was friendly and helpful. I do like their test-ride policy though: that they're willing to order in/assemble an expensive bike for a no-obligation test ride. I think many smaller independent stores would baulk at that.

 

[vickster]

It used to be that they charged a deposit to get a bike in, refunded if bought which is how many shops operate

What sort of bike are you looking for, only CX?

 

[norliss]

Yeah, CX now as I think it would cover a lot of bases. I don't want to go full-on road but neither do I think there's much point buying a hybrid now given I already have the Marin Muirwoods.

 

[vickster]

I'd go to Evans and have a few tests, avoid the weekend when they are busy

 

[norliss]

By way of an update to this, I went into my local Evans yesterday and to my surprise they actually had the BMC Granfondo GF02 Disc on display. So I went back there earlier and took it on a fairly decent test ride.

Admittedly it's been a very long time since I rode a drop-bars road bike so I have no proper benchmark or point of comparison but it seemed really nice. It was light and the gear change was smooth and precise albeit that the brake/shifters are a bit different to what I'm used to with my existing bike. The brakes weren't quite as powerful as I'd thought they might be although I gather disc brakes take some time to bed-in?

It felt like a pretty firm ride but interestingly I'd say it was if anything probably a little more comfortable than my Muirwoods. Also, given my height (185cm) I went in thinking I'd need a 58cm but I think the 56cm that I rode was about right. Bloke in the shop said BMC are quite big at the size i.e. that he's normally 56cm but would ride 54cm BMC.

Anyhow, I suppose I need to try out one or two others to get a proper comparison but I was fairly impressed with it.