Don't pay full price

Cycling can cost you a wad - but it doesn't have to. Here's a few tips to get good gear at bargain prices.

Don't buy the latest - Most companies release new product every year, with claims that it is the greatest ever. In reality, not much has changed in bikes over the years. The latest big change was probably indexed gears, and that was 20 years ago! Things do get lighter in time, and may work slightly more conveniently, but there's no need for the average person to change their gear until it breaks or it is otherwise holding them back. Buy last-year's model if they still have it in stock, (and you can get it cheaper, of course - sometimes the newer model is a better specification than the previous - so you're getting better things on it for less). I love my bike - what do I care it wasn't the latest model?

Subscribe to mailing lists/clubs - Many bike shops have mailing, or more frequently these days, e-mailing lists that will give you exclusive discounts. Two I receive are from Torpedo7 and Goldcross. Even many local bike shops will do this, to provide better service to their preferred customers.

Watch out for sales - Yeah... bike shops have sales, but stores like K-Mart, Target and Rebel Sport may have cycle gear, or other products that could serve as cycling gear, on sale. Kathmandu is a personal favourite. They have their Winter Sale starting this Friday (or Thursday if you are a member of their 'Summit' Club - yeah... I've subscribed to that one too!). They have their cycle gloves, computers and some bike lights at 50% off. They also have many first-layer options (merino 40% off, acrylic wicking fabrics 50%off, and some 3 for 1), 50% off some fleece vests/jackets and waterproof jackets on sale. I own a lot of Kathmandu gear, but I've never paid full price for it. Why would you? I'm gonna get a 50%off merino beanie, and a rear bike light.

Try online - Torpedo7, Phantom Cycles, Melbourne Bike Centre and even eBay are great places for cheap gear. I got my new saddle on eBay for 40% off what I would've paid for it in a shop. There's heaps more online shops, both in Australia and overseas (and o/s isn't a bad option with the strong Aussie dollar!)

Cheap - Cheap cost doesn't necessarily mean cheap quality. Check out Uno.

So, save money. Buy something! ;)

Cory

(Oh... and I don't get anything from any of these companies for recommending them - however either me and/or other RMIT Riders have shopped from them. Just wanna save you some $.)