When is the best time of year to buy a bike? Is it soon, I hope?

[7rider]

I spend a lot of time in my lbs, so I know they slow way down in Jan and Feb. So if you want the best time to get waited on and ask questions, it's then. I don't know if you'll get the best deal then, but you'll probably get the best help.

You might get attention - and maybe even a deal - but you may not get the bike you want. Depending on the size you're looking for, inventory on "last year's" bike is getting rare (as you see REI sold out) and when they're gone...they're gone. "Next year's" bikes - they might not be so willing to deal on.