Best deals for gear

[Bad JuJu]

Like Sue, I patronize my LBS as much as possible. I love TE and Sierra Trading Post, too, and REI for some things. But they won't be here when I need help with changing my position or want to know whether new pedals will work for me or want to talk about new routes for rides or any of the dozens of other questions that come up that you want to discuss with someone knowledgeable, face-to-face.

Having said that, I do my share of online shopping when buying something I know will work for me/fit me well, but I can't well afford it at the LBS and I don't have any techie questions about it.

So, depending on what the specific gear is, your LBS may be the place for the best deal. At least you won't have to mail the stuff back if it's not right for you.

[SalsaMTB]

I came across this website for sunglasses. Looks like a good deal!

http://www.campmor.com/webapp/wcs/st...ategory_rn=246

[Quillfred]

I can personally vouch for Campmor. They have good discounts at times. I have found great prices of sunglasses and sleeping bags.

They also feature much winter sports items such as fleece, micro fleece, gore tex pants. They will send out a black and white catalog with sketches of items but you can look up for items now on the website for a color photo.

Quillfred

[Nanci]

Campmor is good for sports watches, too. Really cheap, and so many it's hard to decide.

[marylnsky]

Nashbar and PerformanceBike have lots of lower priced items - espcecially their own name brand stuff. You can ususally find some kind of online coupons as well that give additional discounts and free shipping....

[incstlouis]

I just got some really cool Giro shoes. I saw they were out and I love my Giro helmet.

I got some Kouro's http://www.giroshoesonline.com/showStyle.asp?idStyle=8

I won't wear them for cycling, but they fit great.

[Bluetree]

don't forget swap meets like Veloswap.

+1.

Spend some time visiting your regional online Forums (you don't have to participate, because some can get raunchy). But occasionally you can pick up news on local sales or Bike Swap Meets. If you hear of a LBS that's closing, they'll often have clearance sales... not that I wish that on any LBS!

I just went to a local swap meet at the Velodrome and scored a $10 l/s Shebeest jersey, $10 Sugoi shorts, $5 Specialized gloves and $1 bar tape. All were brand new. Just keep your eyes and ears open!

[Dianyla]

I got some Kouro's http://www.giroshoesonline.com/showStyle.asp?idStyle=8

I won't wear them for cycling, but they fit great.

Why would you wear these for anything but cycling? Shoes that are good cycling shoes are incredibly stiff and uncomfortable to walk in.

[Batbike]

When it comes to gear, I like to shop on-line and look for "last year's model". I also look for no taxes and what the shipping charges are -- some places even give FREE shipping at a certain price point! Oh, price matching is also good! Especially when I am buying non-clothing items -- you know helmets, shoes, component upgrades, I search for the best price I can find and then try to find the store with no tax, will price match, and gives a deal on shipping. It takes time, but every penny counts!

In fact, just the other day I found at discount some 2006 Campy components (cassette, chain, brake pads) that I need to replace this Spring. With the 2007 stuff out, stores trying to get rid of 2006! I priced match at a store with no tax and tried to get free shipping, only to fall short of their minimum sales ##. So, I searched the web for a discount/promo coupon deal and was able to get a code for 10% to use at the low price discount place -- the discount more than covered the shipping and almost most of the tax, so I got a GREAT deal!

I find the deals come ... if you look, wait, and buy when the deal arrives. I keep a "wish list" in my head (like the above mentioned parts) and buy when the deal hits! Of course there are times when you just need or really want something, but on other stuff waiting is good!

[Bluetree]

Hey Batbike...


What does "Batbike" mean? I'm picturing a slick black bike with giant fins and smoke coming out the back. Let us know in the "Getting to Know You" thread:
http://forums.teamestrogen.com/showt...=2001&page=110

Inquiring (nosey) minds want to know!

[Batbike]

Hey Batbike...


What does "Batbike" mean? I'm picturing a slick black bike with giant fins and smoke coming out the back. Let us know in the "Getting to Know You" thread:
http://forums.teamestrogen.com/showt...=2001&page=110

Inquiring (nosey) minds want to know!

hmmmm ... black bike with giant fins and smoke coming out the back -- would that mean I am going REALLY REALLY FAST?!

OK, I will fillout the above forum! So, NOT to hijack this thread and keep in sync, my bike frame was one of those *wait deals* that came along. I had a "new frame criteria" on my *wish list* and when I stopped looking and started waiting, my frame deal came to me ... it was a very good deal on a very special frame (yep, it has some black in it; yep, it is the reason for the name; nope, it has no giant fins and black smoke, but hey, a girl can dream!).