2012 Toronto Spring Bicycle show

http://www.bicycleshowtoronto.com/springshow.html

So what did you buy? I bought a slice of pizza pizza and paid $13 for parking. That's ok. I got to meet up with friends and shoot the $hit for several hours hunting for deals. Sadly there were no XTR drivetrain parts. Shimano Canada did not have a full booth at the show. But I did track down some Shimano guys to ask them some specific questions on the M985 crankset... More on that later.

Here is what I thought were good buys:

2010 Specialized Epic - top trim. Full XX groupset (brakes/shifters). Includes the Specialized carbon crankset made by Lighting Cycles.It was a "demo bike" but looked to be in very very good condition. $3500

Next deals comes from the Trek Toronto store. I find they always have awesome full bicycle deals "at the show". Some of the bikes there are demos. The others are just left overs from the previous years. But the demo ones are the ones that will save you serious money (Yes they have scratches on them, get over it).

Examples:

2011 Trek Fuel full loaded with all XTR M980/M985 groupset, with top of the line Bontrager wheels and cockpit. $3299.

 They also had 2 demo Trek Elite 9.9 SSL built up with full XTR M980/M985 groupset. Going for $2799, again previously used. But who cares? You are saving huge, and someone already scratched the bike. That means you won't cry as hard when you put a scratch on the bike yourself.

These 3 examples had me thinking about them real hard... stripping them down and selling them part by part on ebay. If I wasn't building up my Rocky Mountain Team Element, I would seriously consider any of the 3 options. The prices were just too good.

As always, you are better off buying complete bikes at the bike show. Also remember, cash talks. If you are dead serious in buying a bike, bring cash. Even if it is $5000. You'd be amazed at the look of the store owner's faces when you start haggling and you flash a thick stack of 50s in their face and how quickly their tone changes when they reject your first offer.

Happy Bargin hunting! Remember my motto. "Don't ever pay full price! I don't."

Fox Canada aka AuroraActionSports order has arrived

A couple of days ago I posted about Fox Canada blow out sale.

http://www.hackracer.com/2012/02/fox-canada-blow-out-sale.html

www.auroraactionsports.ca/

I love ordering over the internet. Receiving packages is like receiving mini Christmas gifts.

Some fine deals guys and gals. Being an avid http://www.redflagdeals.com/ supporter for 6 or so years this is worthy of posting there. I will let the cycling community vultures pick at the inventory for a bit before I post there though.

First off, free shipping over $150. Sold in Canada and shipped out of Canada with USA level pricing. For once it is nice not to be gouged with brokerage fees by couriers and post offices. What you paid for is final. The UPS man won't ask for 50 dollars on a 20 dollar shipment, Canada Post will not ask you for a 8 dollar brokerage fees...

What I got:

Part	Description	Price	Qty	Subtotal
24069-001016	Unabomber Glove	$19.00	2	$38.00
24069-008016	Unabomber Glove	$19.00	2	$38.00
24094-186016	Fox Reflex Gel Short	$19.00	1	$19.00
24101-103016	Fox Unabomber Glove	$25.00	1	$25.00
23140-001005	Fox Performance Race S/S Jersey	$31.00	1	$31.00

	Item Total:	$151.00
Shipping Cost:		$0.00
Subtotal:		$151.00
Tax (13%):		$19.63
Total:		$170.63

Unfortunately the current edition of the Fox Unabomber glove was no longer available ($25), so they refunded me that and the tax and the total came out to be around $143. Package arrived on Wednesday and they shipped it out Monday.

I'm a huge fan of the old original Unabomber Glove. I have worn out 1 pair of them already over the years, the current pair I have is starting to rip apart at the seems around the palm areas. Mind you they have gone through 100s of rides and since they are my favorite they get used all the time. They also get washed after every use in the laundry machine.

Unfortunately Fox decided to update their design so that this version is now discontinued. hence why I loaded up on 4 pairs. The reason why I love them so much other than the fact they fit absolutely perfectly on my hands is that because they are lightweight. Not overly padded. Protection on the knuckles that get exposed when you grab the bars near the edge. Best glove ever designed in my opinion.

The Jersey was not bad. The fit is the same as a Louis Garneau racer fit Large. The road glove fits just as nice as the Una-bomber. Perfect for those who like thin to no padding for their road bike gloves.

If you want some Fox clothing for amazing prices don't hesitate. You won't be finding these prices unless you find sales in the USA at local bike stores. Then you have to worry about shipping and cross boarded taxes/brokerage fees.

If you are into GoKarts there are some wicked deals on old "SPRINT" clothing that Fox made in the past. This stuff is circa 2004. But who cares. $40 bucks or so for a kart jacket, $30 or so for Nomex gloves. Beats paying hundreds for Sparco.