Originally posted by bounceswoosh
Will buying in the fall/early winter give me a better chance at a sweet deal?
As with most cycling stuff, "last year's models" are usually marked down when the new stuff comes out. Sometimes these are great deals, sometimes they aren't. If the only change in next year's model is something like color or tires, then getting a discounted 2004 model might be a great deal. But if there are significant improvements in the 2005, you might be willing to shell out the extra dollars to get the newer version.

As far as pedals go, I've seen lots of road bikes with mountain bike pedals (but never a mountain bike with road pedals). My road bike, my hardtail and my DS all have the same pedals and saddles. But I do use different shoes for road and off-road. My mountain bike shoes get pretty muddy and dirty. My road shoes stay pretty clean.