It was a turbulent year for bike shops. First, many bike shops feared for their existence during the lockdown, then they could no longer cope with the onslaught that fell upon them. To satisfy their urge to move, people emptied the shops - fortunately, cycling was always allowed. While the automotive industry was frozen in short-time working, bicycle shops were busy working overtime. The Zweirad Industrie Verband speaks of the industry's best year ever.
What reads well in principle, poses a problem for the cool-headed bargain hunters: the almost traditional discount battle between shops and manufacturers with price reductions of 20 per cent and more is only taking place to a limited extent this year. Stocks of complete bikes are so low that no dealer is under pressure to sell their goods at huge discounts. The usual autumn bargains can only be found very occasionally this year. "You have the best chance of getting a big discount on high-priced top models," reveals an industry insider who does not wish to be named here. And indeed, the discount signs on the outlet pages of the major direct mail order companies and in retail stores are mainly on models above the €4,000 mark. But the choice is not plentiful. "If you want to save money, you have to strike quickly," confirms our source with an insight into the warehouse of a major bike manufacturer.
Many bricks-and-mortar retailers use online platforms www.bike-angebot.de and www.bike-exchange.deto clear their stock. However, if you click through these pages, you quickly realise that 2020 bike models are rare. Really good prices can only be found on bikes from the 2019 model year. Nevertheless, you shouldn't just look for the cheapest price when buying online. This is because resourceful scammers on the internet are always managing to gain the trust of customers >> Online scams: How to recognise internet scammers. We have scoured the entire market and found some great bargains despite the difficult conditions, which we present here together with our test impressions from previous issues. If the prices are still too expensive for you, the only option is to buy second-hand.
Keep an eye out for these crisis-proof bikes, which could still be available at autumn prices:
¹Manufacturer's information; ²Researched in mid-August. Retail prices may vary.
- 10 %: Radon Jealous 8.0 - Carbon instead of condition
Mountain bikes weighing less than ten kilos have their very own appeal. The light-footed acceleration and the joy of climbing long ascents make every ride on such a lightweight bike an experience. The 1x12 Shimano XT drivetrain, a high-quality Fox 32 Step Cast fork and the DT Swiss system wheelset have proven themselves a thousand times over in use. We have never tested the carbon version of the Jealous, but the aluminium counterpart is one of the editors' favourites.
Weight¹ 9.7 kg
Discount price² 2699 Euro
Savings 300 Euro
Spring travel 100 mm
- 5 to 10 %: Canyon Lux CF - Fast and affordable
The Canyon Lux is the workhorse on which Mathieu van der Poel fights for World Cup victories. The bike was unveiled for the first time in 2018 and has been inspiring our test and technical department ever since. In numerous comparative tests, the Lux is always in contention for victory. The frame has not changed for the 2021 model year. New equipment variants and paint finishes have already been revealed. We expect to see discounts on 2020 models on Canyon's outlet pages soon.
No specific models reduced yet
Savings up to 1000 Euro
Spring travel 100 mm / 108 mm
- 15 %: Cannondale Scalpel SI 5 - For marathons and tours
The Cannondale Scalpel is getting a completely new frame for the 2021 model year. The 2020 models are therefore available with discounts in many shops. The race bike with the single-arm Lefty fork has always impressed in past tests with its high stiffness and not too sporty riding position. The Lefty fork responds extremely well thanks to its needle bearing technology. The BOC chain has 36 branches in Germany and is already offering a 15 per cent discount on the Scalpel SI 5.
Weight¹ 13.4 kg
Discount price² 2715 Euro
Savings 485 Euro
Spring travel 100 mm / 100 mm
- 7 %: Ghost SL AMR 6.0 - For the long haul
The SL AMR is the trail bike from Ghost.
In 2019, our editor Stefan Loibl rode this bike from Aachen to the Bavarian Forest on his Germany Trail. We can therefore certify that the Ghost is fully suitable for touring despite its downhill-heavy spec and high weight. The SL AMR is still available in all build specs in several shops, which is why we still expect prices to fall. We are not aware of any changes to the frame in 2020.
Weight¹ 14.5 kg
Discount price² 2777 Euro
Savings 222 Euro
Spring travel 130 mm / 130 mm
- 9 %: Scott Genius 920 - One for all occasions
Scott is a brand with extremely stable prices. However, we have occasionally found the Genius 920 online with a discount of 400 euros. Many bikes of this model were still listed on the platforms bike-angebot.de and bike-exchange.de at the end of August. For us, this is an indicator that the price is falling even further. In our test in BIKE 5/20, the Genius 920 achieved a test rating of "very good" with 188.75 points. Conclusion: a potent all-mountain bike with plenty of suspension travel and a smooth ride.
Weight¹ 13.67 kg
Discount price² 4099 Euro
Savings 400 Euro
Spring travel 150 mm / 157 mm
- 23 %: Specialised Stumpjumper - touring classic
Although this Specialized Stumpjumper model is from 2019, neither the frame nor the spec have changed significantly for the 2020 model year. The frame also remains the same for 2021. The bike is therefore almost up to date. In numerous tests, we have attested to the Stumpjumper's excellent downhill characteristics. The highlight of the carbon frame remains the integrated storage compartment in the down tube. The bike is still available in several shops. The best price was at liquid-life.com.
Weight¹ 12.9 kg
Discount price² 4378 Euro
Savings 1320 Euro
Spring travel 150 mm /150 mm
- 7 %: Cube Stereo 150 C62 Race - A rare bargain
Cube bikes are calculated ex works with an extremely sharp pencil. The calculated margins are so small and the demand for the bikes so high that discounts are rare. But the Stereo 150 C62 Race, our specialist retailer tip for enduro bikes under 3000 from BIKE 9/19, is such a rare case. With 181.75 points, the enduro bike achieved a test rating of "very good" at the time. At Rabe-Bike, the bike is available online or in one of the seven branches in all sizes except S at a slightly reduced price.
Weight¹ 14.09 kg
Discount price² 2799 Euro
Savings 200 Euro
Spring travel 152 mm / 157 mm
- 17 %: Trek Remedy 9.8 27.5 - The last of its kind
27.5-inch wheels have become rare. Even bikes with ample suspension travel are increasingly rolling on large 29er tyres. In BIKE 2/20, we tested the Remedy in a more affordable version and were absolutely thrilled with its playful handling. We were able to find numerous offers for this model with discounts of between 7 and 17 per cent. The best price was at Brügelmann's online store. But many bricks-and-mortar retailers also offer generous discounts.
Weight¹ 14.3 kg
Discount price² 4409 Euro
Savings 300 Euro
Spring travel 160 mm / 154 mm
