How can I get an Electra Townie bike for cheap?

Question

I've decided to buy a Townie 21 bike. On the Electra website it lists the townie at $380, which I assume is the MSRP. Problem is, I haven't been able to find one that's selling for this amount.

My local bike shop is selling them for $430. REI is selling them for $450. Since the bike is already rather pricey for me, I'd rather not pay an extra $50+. Is there anywhere I can buy one for $380 or less? Is it acceptable to bargain with the local bike shop by asking if they'll sell it for the MSRP or is that just not done? Does REI ever have significant bike sales or coupons that allow the bike purchases (most of theirs don't)? I live in Utah, fyi.

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Answer 1

There is another bike company that makes a semi-recumbent bike.

http://www.ransbikes.com/Fusion07.htm

The Rans website doesn't seem to list prices, so I don't know if it costs less.

http://www.ransbikes.com

Here is a photo of the bike my Daughter designed:

http://whoisbike.com/viewPhoto.php?fileI...

It cost me $270.00 to build, and people begged me to sell it, until we sold it for $1,215.00.  A profit of 450%!

I submit this as evidence that people are willing to pay for a bicycle that has some motorcycle safety features, namely moving the seat back, so the rider doesn't feel like he/she is going over the handlebars.

Electra's prices are high because people are willing to pay. People are on waiting lists to get an Electra Townie.

If you don't like their prices, do what I did and build your own.

Answer 2

My husband called Electra about the very same issue! It turns out that those prices are from 2004 and that that web page that you found that price has not been updated to reflect current cost. The actual current real MSRP for the 2008 Electra townie 21 is 450.00.

For us, we opted for purchasing the bike at REI. Some stores apparently carry it townie 21 for 430.00 and when we factored in the year end membership dividend, it was the best price.

good luck - and personally find it was well worth the money!

Answer 3

RANS makes superior flat-foot bikes, which they call, "crank forwards." Compared to RANS, the Electra line is barely above a Huffy. Unfortunately, their prices are in line with the better quality, and I think the lowest-price RANS is $950.

It seems the Electra lineup would be prime candidates for 'garage bikes,' that is, bikes that get used once then hung in the garage for the next 5 years. That's not a direct reflection on the rideability, it's a reflection of the target audience - thinking that taking up bicycling would be good for them, getting an inexpensive bike, then deciding to take up sunbathing instead. Look in garage sales and Craig's List.

Answer 4

Hello,

I looked at the Electra site and didn't see any prices?

Currently work for an Electra dealer, Electra strictly controls the price of it bikes. We currently sell the townie 21 for $429.99.  I have never seen one for the price of $380.00.

Keep looking :)