Look for clearance deals at your local sporting goods store

If you're patient enough, you might be able to find clearance road bikes for sale by waiting towards the end of the year. This is typically when manufacturers release new models for the next year. When this happens, sporting goods store have to make room for new inventory so older models will be put on clearance. This would be a great time to find discount road bikes.

Negotiate with your local sporting goods store

Stores know how expensive road bikes can be so they're willing to negotiate on your behalf. Be reasonable with your negotiations and if you're still not getting the price you want, then you can always go to a different store. If this happens, the store you originally went to will usually comply with you. Also, if you purchase at a sporting goods store they may even give you free accessories.

Check your local classified ads

Searching for local classifieds is a great way to find quality discount road bikes for sale. However, be sure to ask for a test ride and ensure that the condition of the bike is optimal. While you may not be able to find a new road bike, you can easily find them used by searching local classifieds such as craigslist.com. You may even be able to connect with a fellow rider as well.

Search online retailers

Retailers such as Amazon are always offering great discounts on road bikes so be sure to check there often. You'll be presented with a huge list of road bikes varying across different models from multiple sellers so you can be able to immediately determine the best price for the road bike of your choice. Be sure that you are dealing with a reputable seller and to check their history.

Purchase discount road bikes at auction sites

Auction sites such as eBay are an excellent way to find quality discount road bikes. Buyers on eBay are always trying to find the best deals and sellers understand this. Most auctions are in a bidding style where you place your minimum bid for a particular item and wait for the item to end. If other people bid on the same item, then you will need to either increase your bid or find a different item to purchase.

As you can tell, there are many places where you can find discount road bikes. Before finalizing a purchase, be sure to thoroughly inspect the item. The last thing you want is riding on a mountain trail and having your bike break on you. Always deal with a reputable seller by checking their history and seeing what experiences other people have had with this particular seller.

While you can easily find great deals online or by purchasing used from a local seller, you need to do your due diligence and ensure that your bike is in good condition. You do not want your bike to break down after the purchase is finalized and especially not when you are out riding. When deciding on your next road bike purchase, here are some factors to consider.

One thing to note is that older lightweight bicycles can be very dangerous to ride depending on the condition since these types of bikes are more prone to having cracks and internal rust due to prolonged usage. The last thing you want is to have your bike fall apart on you while you are out riding. Not only can you not return the bike, but you can also inflict serious body injuries.

When examine used road bikes for sale, it is always best to examine the bike in person so you can see for yourself any problem areas. If however you are purchasing online, be sure to request from the seller closeup photos of any areas that might have cracks or rust. The reason why you may be able to find cheap road bikes for sale online could be that the condition isn't exactly optimal.

Always do research on bicycle recall items that are related to the bike you are interested in purchasing. Be sure to check the manufacturers website or actually give them a call to find out why a particular bike was recalled. In many situations, items like bars, stems, seat posts and other items may have been recalled because of the danger they pose due to defects.

Even when searching for off road bikes for sale, always ask the seller whether there have been any crashes or wrecks in the past. Obvious signs of a crash include bends in the frame, fork cracks, or any dents throughout the bike. Even small dents on a lightweight bike can weaken the frame and may be a problem in the future.

Once the frame has been thoroughly inspected, be sure to check out other parts such as the wheels. Even if a wheel has been through a crash and had its spokes replaced, there may still be internal damage that may cause new spokes to break under stress. Another part to look at is the handlebars. Ensure that they are straight and not bent in any way.

Any type of crash or wreck can seriously undermine a bike's ability to handle any type of riding so be sure to thoroughly inspect the bike ahead of time and to ask the seller what may have happened. Even after everything is in satisfactory condition, it is highly recommended to take the bike to a local bike professional to have them inspect it.

A great place to check to find discounts on road bikes is auction sites such as eBay. While you can find great deals, be sure to check that the seller has a reputable history and that other buyers have had positive experiences. Getting a road bike can be a very exciting purchase so be sure to make it count!