Victorian bicycle shops that have price match/beat

[stradiot]

Im curious as to whether any Victorian LBS offer a price match guarantee? It would be great if anyone knew of any. On a sepearate note, how often do bike stores change their sales catalogue and are they likely to offer end-of-financial-year sales on a large range of stock?

[briztoon]

Not so sure on the end of financial year sale thing, but many stores will start discounting bikes around September as the next years range of bikes hit the stores. Another factor in discounts is how many bikes the supplier still has in the ware house. Last year (sept 2011) I was looking at a Scott CR1 Team and asked the store what the best price they could it for, and they said they couldn't budge from the $2399 asking price. By November/December the CR1 Team was down to it's current $1949. The owner of the store said that Scott had over estimated how well the CR1 would sell and that they still had a lot of stock in the warehouse around September.

As for price matching, just ask. First thing you could do is look on Bike Exchange and get an idea what the best prices are for what ever bikes you are looking at. You could ask the store what is the best price they can sell X bike for, or mention that you saw such and such bike available on Bike Exchange for X. No need to mention where.

If you can find a 2011 bike you like in your size, I don't think you're going to get a better price than what is currently listed.

[paulz]

Many shops have specials in June-July to coincide with the TDF.

[stradiot]

Many shops have specials in June-July to coincide with the TDF.

What does TDF mean? I'll keep it in mind to wait as I'm not in too much of a rush. As for bundling gear with a bike purchase, what do you think is reasonable. For a 450-550$ purchase, could I ask for a complimentary bike pump and helmet?

[Ross]

TDF = Tour de France - a popularcycling event held in France every year

Cycling Express have a price match thing going with some of the big UK online shops, not sure if they sell Scott, but I'm sure they have a number of other brands that are similar in price and quality.

[briztoon]

Many shops have specials in June-July to coincide with the TDF.

What does TDF mean? I'll keep it in mind to wait as I'm not in too much of a rush. As for bundling gear with a bike purchase, what do you think is reasonable. For a 450-550$ purchase, could I ask for a complimentary bike pump and helmet?

Mmmmm it doesn't hurt to ask, but I wouldn't think too many shops would offer much, if anything at that price point. Maybe a hand pump for your bike, but not a $60 floor pump or helmet. At that price you are buying the cheapest LBS road bikes on sale, Road Bikes in Vic.