Mountain Bike Price fixing??????

greigc

Im in the process of buying a mountain bike, but I notice that no matter where I go to buy a bike, every single shop has the bikes at the same price! This is for the new 2005 model bikes.

Sure they have sale bikes, which are last years models, but I seem to have missed the sales now, so dont have much choice.

I mean its a bit suspicious that every single shop sells the same bike at exactly the same price, to the penny! I thought that this kind of thing was illegal or is that only for electrical goods? :mad:

Glad

Hi moved this to the shop board although I'm not sure if you wanted advice on pricing or were just venting


hope you find a bike though

greigc

Bit of both really!

Any help is greatly appreciated if anyone can find better prices out there, then that would be excellent!!

RufusA

Not sure if it is any help but you can get 12% off a largish range of bikes at Wheelies:

Wheelies - Affinity ABC discount

Affinity ABC are a staff benefits company that offer discounts for employees!

Only downside of ordering online is you don't get someone to built / check the bike for you. Personally I'd pefer to pay the extra and get it from a local shop which I trusted and could go back to if things weren't just right.

YMMV - Rufus.

Aretak

People worry about what year model a bike is when buying one?

Jesus...

Nesima

There is clearly price fixing / price maintenance going on.
I assume the manufacturers/distributors refuse to supply unless the retail price is guaranteed

greigc

Its not about the year really, they update the spec of the bike each year. Which is why people want the more recent ones.

Personally I'm trying to get a 2004 bike now, but the one I want I am struggling to get as I've missed the sales.

EvilMonkey

I've found there's a huge difference around if you look. There are definite bargains (and there's plenty still out there) for last years bikes.

Which bike are you looking at? I looked for a Claud Butler bike last year and though there were plenty of bike sold at the rrp, a couple of places were selling it at up to £60 off.

I can ask my mate about it if you like, he owns a bike shop.

greigc

I'm looking for a Specialized Hardrock pro 2004. I have seen it advertised for £350 (usually £500) but they have no more left. I have found one place that has one for £399, and they say they will price match, but they have not replied to my email yet.

Any advice on where to look would be grateful.

The point I was making was not about the older models though, but about the price fixing on new ones!

FruGal_2

there is also some kind of a template thing

boyzie

£320 hardrock sport