Best time of year to buy?

[torontocommuter]

The market (and the world) being how it is, I've been looking for an ebike for a few months now. I've narrowed it down to a few options, but as it's coming up on winter I'm wondering if I may be better off waiting until the spring to buy?

My current situation - commuting to work a couple of times a week, working from home the other days. Currently commuting on a regular bikeshare non-electric bike. It's difficult, especially going home as there are a number of larger hills. I'm coping fine with it now, but I'd love to just have it a little easier and not take twice as long as I should. I was planning on buying an ebike within the next couple of months and continuing to commute during the winter.

With how the COVID case numbers are rising where I live, there's been a lot of talk about potentially entering a second wave and another lockdown (during which I'd go back to working from home full time). In that case, I may have a larger window of time to buy as I wouldn't need to commute any more.

My question is - is there a typical time of year where there may be sales, or people are getting rid of inventory/marking prices down? I know there's really short supply at the moment especially with companies like Rad or Juiced, but I'd be looking at something like a Gazelle or Cube bike which tend to be more in stock near me. Would I be better off waiting to buy until 2021 models come out?

 

[rich c]

Typically November to February is the perfect time. This year deals will be sparse since nearly all inventory was sold. Some companies are already selling 2021 models as all 2020 models are gone.

 

[Taylor57]

My experience in buying things is there is typically no "best time" to buy. Usually if you wait for the perfect time, something else comes up. Whats the old expression, buying straw hats in winter?

 

[Marci jo]

Tough decision.
Depends on what stock is available in your area. Where I’m located in the U.S all the inventory in way down. My local bike shops are 80% empty and they don’t predict when new supplies will arrive.
If you find a bike you like, and think it would be a good winter commuter, why not get it now?!

 

[WattsUpDude]

Deals can be made when you wait for them...but I'm of the mind that you should buy what you can responsibly afford when you know you will be using it. Is it worth missing out on a season of good riding weather to save $200? Not for me.

 

[rich c]

Deals can be made when you wait for them...but I'm of the mind that you should buy what you can responsibly afford when you know you will be using it. Is it worth missing out on a season of good riding weather to save $200? Not for me.

I guess I was spoiled by going to Madison, WI. Demo bikes and last years bike could be 30-40% off. I bought two Haibikes for about 20% more than the price of one.

 

[Sierratim]

Our LBS is very low on inventory so no sales this Fall! Locals order Christmas bikes usually starting next month with the shop getting very busy with assembly and delivery from mid-NOV through Christmas eve. With our wet and sometimes snowy winters they get pretty quiet after Christmas so they usually offer their best prices then, but it'll depend on the inventory they were able to bring in.

YRMV.

 

[Riverman]

Typically November to February is the perfect time. This year deals will be sparse since nearly all inventory was sold. Some companies are already selling 2021 models as all 2020 models are gone.

Brought my road bike years ago in November. Got quite a bit off. Spring forward to now. Brought an e-bike yesterday. Dealer only had one left like I wanted in my size. No idea if and when new stock would be in. Bit the bullet and paid list price. I'm used to waiting for a good deal but with this market, who knows.

 

[antboy]

Typically November to February is the perfect time. This year deals will be sparse since nearly all inventory was sold. Some companies are already selling 2021 models as all 2020 models are gone.

I'd agree with this. Many companies carry their Black Friday sales through to February, but this is a weird year with the massive spike in e-bike sales. There might not be as many deals to be had, but happy hunting!

 

[Dallant]

I’m guessing now is as good a time as any, depending on how long you want to wait. The 2021 models are probably all you’ll find.

 

[bikeman242]

I bought a 5000 bike from lennys for 2180 on new years day last year

 

[FlatSix911]

The best time to buy is when there is no Pandemic! Simple Supply and Demand...

 

[Stefan Mikes]

Typically November to February is the perfect time. This year deals will be sparse since nearly all inventory was sold. Some companies are already selling 2021 models as all 2020 models are gone.

How true.

Whats the old expression, buying straw hats in winter?

This. And that's true. The e-bike market was weird in that respect even before the pandemics.

 

[ruffruff]

I guess I was spoiled by going to Madison, WI. Demo bikes and last years bike could be 30-40% off. I bought two Haibikes for about 20% more than the price of one.

Which store did you go to in Madison?

 

[Cyklefanatic]

The best time to buy is when you have the money.

 

[Alaskan]

Best time to buy is when you find a bike that works for you, that is available, and you can afford. Nothing is guaranteed in life. You never know how your world will turn if you wait. Every day you wait is a day you are not riding and that is the point of this. You will be happier and more fit. Get started as soon as you can.

 

[bob armani]

Why save with today's $$$ when it can be spent for tomorrow's happiness. If you find one and you like it, buy it now.
Then reap the rewards of your purchase that will pay you back 10 fold in riding pleasure!

 

[ElevenAD]

The best time to buy is when you have the money.

right on!

 

[Taylor57]

I am seriously considering a full suspension Bulls. For my first foray into a quality bike, should I get the Iconic w Gen 4 or can I save grand and get the Gen 2? What do I get for the extra $1000?

As much as I would love to ride a R and M, I think the Bulls would be a nice upgrade from my other 2 ebikes. (XP and Sport)

Also, is more maintenance required with the Bulls compared to my other 2 ebikes?

 

[Alaskan]

I am seriously considering a full suspension Bulls. For my first foray into a quality bike, should I get the Iconic w Gen 4 or can I save grand and get the Gen 2? What do I get for the extra $1000?

As much as I would love to ride a R and M, I think the Bulls would be a nice upgrade from my other 2 ebikes. (XP and Sport)

Also, is more maintenance required with the Bulls compared to my other 2 ebikes?

As owner of a gen 2 and gen 4 speed motor, what you get is more torque, better acceleration, less weight, better protection against water incursion, slightly better range and far less resistance when the motor cuts out or when you pedal without it. Plus with the added 30% more torque the performance puts an even bigger grin on your face. It is up to you to decide if these things are work the extra $$$. Gen 2 motors are super durable and quieter.