Cycling gear can be expensive, but strategic shopping can save you hundreds—even thousands—over time. Here's your insider guide to when the best deals drop throughout the year.
The Cycling Sale Calendar
Bike industry sales follow predictable patterns. Mark these dates:
Spring (March-April)
Retailers are focused on selling new models, so look for:
- Last year's bikes at 15-30% off
- Previous season's clothing clearance
- Pre-season sales on accessories
Late Summer (August-September)
The biggest bike sale season! New model years are arriving, pushing current inventory to clearance:
- Current-year bikes 20-40% off
- Summer apparel clearance (50-70% off)
- Component closeouts as manufacturers update lines
Black Friday/Cyber Monday (November)
The premier deal event of the year:
- Up to 50% off at major retailers
- Flash sales on high-end components
- Bundle deals on accessories
- Typically the lowest prices of the year on current gear
Post-Holiday (December-January)
Clearance continues after Christmas:
- Winter apparel at season-end prices
- Return and open-box deals
- Gift card sales to stack on future purchases
Category-Specific Timing
Bikes
The best time to buy a new bike is August-October when dealers are clearing current inventory for new model years. You can save 20-40% on excellent current-year bikes. Demo and rental fleet bikes also hit the market in fall at deep discounts.
Clothing
Buy opposite the season: winter kit on spring clearance, summer kit in fall. End-of-season clearance typically offers 50-70% off. Colors and sizes go fast, so act quickly.
Components
Watch for groupset updates from Shimano and SRAM. When new versions launch, previous generations drop significantly. 11-speed components saw major discounts when 12-speed launched.
Stacking Savings Strategies
Maximize your discounts by combining:
1. Cashback Programs
Use Rakuten or Honey for 3-10% cashback on top of sale prices. These stack with nearly all promotions.
2. Email Signup Discounts
Most cycling retailers offer 10-15% off your first order for email signup. Create a new email address if needed.
3. Loyalty Programs
REI's dividend (10% back for members), Competitive Cyclist's Riders Club, and similar programs add extra savings.
4. Price Match Policies
Many retailers match competitor prices. If you find a better deal elsewhere, ask before buying.
5. Credit Card Rewards
Some cards offer bonus categories for sporting goods. Time large purchases with bonus periods.
Where to Find Deals
- Competitive Cyclist - Excellent sales on premium gear
- REI - Member sales and garage sales
- Jenson USA - Frequent closeout deals
- Chain Reaction Cycles - UK-based with great international pricing
- The Pro's Closet - Certified pre-owned bikes and components
Pro Tips
- Set price alerts - Use Honey or CamelCamelCamel to track prices
- Buy last year's model - Often identical performance at 25%+ less
- Consider used - Lightly used components can save 50%+
- Wait for flash sales - Follow brands on social for unannounced deals
- Think ahead - Buy winter gear in spring, summer gear in fall
