When do bike shops have sales?

Bikes are like cars: New models arrive on the bike-shop sales floor each year, typically in the fall as the riding season winds down. This is the best time to look for deals, because shops don't want soon-to-be-year-old inventory lingering through the slower winter months.

While hot models in popular sizes will sell out over the summer, you may get lucky and find last year's model at a discount, but do your homework before buying: A model often gets a dramatic redesign only every few years, so if the new model has only different paint and minor parts tweaks, you'll save on last year's bike.

But if the new model has big frame changes or parts upgrades, then it can be worth paying for the new model. Beware of bikes that are more than a few seasons old. Advances in carbon fiber and component technology happen quickly, so a seemingly great deal may be only an average one.