Is this Bike Special a Good Deal?

You found a bike deal but don’t know if it’s good or not?

You're in store or online and see a bike on sale, was $1,200 now $750. Sounds awesome right! Maybe, maybe not. How can we be sure?

Follow this 4 step plan to make sure you don’t regret your decision later!

First step - Define Requirements

Before you do anything else contain your excitement and go back to basics. What were you after, what was your budget and does this deal fit these basic requirements. If not, deal is off, else continue to step 2. 

Second step - Research

Part A

How does it compare to similar bikes? By this I mean, for the features and specifications, is the standard price of this bike comparable to other brands and models?

My go to website for this is 99 Spokes. Use the below link to get to the comparison section. Find the bike you’re looking at and select it. It will give you some ideas for direct competitors, pick 1 or 2. Next, look at the ‘Spec Level’ scatter plot to see where the bikes fit against all competitors. Mentally move the price point of the deal you're looking at and you will her a rough idea of where it fits against RRP prices of other options.

99 spokes comparison tool

Part B

Once you determine that this is in fact a good deal, against other bikes at full price, on the same site go to “Top Deals” and filter to the type of bike you're after (eg Mountain / Hard Tail), and prices just above and a fair bit below the special price. Scroll through the options from low to high price to see if there are any other current deals that may be better or equivalent. 

Part C

One you have found the most desirable deal, do a simple google search for the bike you're after. Scroll down to the 'Compare Prices' section in the web results (not the shopping section) where you should be able to see all bikes of the same model for sale and their availability. This will help confirm there are no better deals and also provide options of stores if there are similar deals.

Third Step - Confirm Availability and Postage

All the excitement may lead to disappointment. You may find at this point that there is no stock (against ACCC, but it’s only enforceable if they get caught out). Or the greater disappointment is when postage is either ‘unavailable’ or a ridiculous price (>$100). Or if you’re lucky, the store in question may be local.

Fourth Step - Buy

Green means go. If all the stars align, go for it. Buy away. 

---

Be Part of the Conversation!

Do you have any other sites you use to check specifications or confirm value? 

Share your comments below!