Sunday, August 17, 2008

A Small Word of Warning to Cyclists

Prices are going up for 2009. We recently received our new Jamis and Giant catalogs. We have seen prices go up over the last few years, but never like this. It is partially from the cost of transport and partially from the increased cost of materials. Regardless, if you are thinking of buying a bike in the next few months, consider buying a 20008 sooner than a 2009 later. Some examples:

Jamis Aurora 2008 - $865 vs 2009 $1000
Giant OCR 1 2008 - $1100 vs Giant Defy 2009 $1300 (Same Bike)

Certain companies are keeping the prices the same (to fool consumers) while the quality is going down per dollar. Do your research and you will find that getting an older bike is more bike for the money.

The list of items going up in price goes on and on... the price of anything tires and tubes is going to be most noticeable. We haven't increased our prices yet because we got a warning of the future price increases. However, it is coming. If you know you need tubes, stock up now, even if it is for friends who aren't in the know.

Spread the truth, help out your friends. And the rest will become the norm, like $4 gas.

2 comments:

Craig Horton said...

Hi Salvagetti (Scott) - First, thanks for being candid and posting this data on your website. I appreciate the notice and it was expected. Second, thanks for the warning regarding quality of features. Personally, I would rather pay more for the same or better quality than purchase a bike at the same price point with lower quality parts. Keep up the good work - I appreciate it. Craig

Dave Barnes said...

The norm of $4 petrol?
Today, it is under $3 per gallon (US) here in Denver.

I think the bike manufacturers are going to have to recognize that the market conditions have changed in the last month and adjust their 2009 prices downward.