NEC Cheap gear?

Rukka were selling their stuff at RRP last year so I didn`t bother , managed to get a local shop to do me a big discount , picking the trousers up to go with my jacket next week

We had an avon stand at the show last year. and as far as i know we shall be there again this year. (i work in IT for Cooper-Avon) that reminds me, i must disable one of the sales and marketing pc's so i can get called out and then fix it in exchange for some free tickets!!

[Paul the 6th]

slick guy

[northwind]

Rukka stuff (and other premium lines) tend not to get discounted at shows, or anywhere pretty much. TBH once you eliminate all the total RUBBISH the deals at shows tend not to be all that amazing, in my experience.

Originally Posted by northwind

TBH once you eliminate all the total RUBBISH the deals at shows tend not to be all that amazing, in my experience.

I'd agree. You might get one or two amazing deals (but you'd have to be first through the door) to get people talking but that's it. If you go to a show purely for a bargain, you'll probably end up out of pocket once you factor in entry and travel.

On the other hand. If you are going anyway, to enjoy the show then it's possible to save a little money but not much.

[northwind]

I like them for shopping, just because of the huge choice, not so much the price. I hate shopping for bike gear usually- try this on, ride somewhere else, try that on, which one fits best? Don't know.

Originally Posted by northwind

I like them for shopping, just because of the huge choice, not so much the price.

+ 1, all the lines are there under one roof so you don't have to go to one dealer for one brand and another for a different brand. You can also get hands on with some products that you have to order before seeing from dealers/manufacturers too.

[Paul the 6th]

all in all, even if you're not spending a fortune, it's a great day out talking about bikes with like minded people, sitting on the latest models (and maybe even some bikes ), getting the latest info from manufacturers, trying on new kits, lots of freebies like carole nash calendars, hein gericke lanyards, stickers to stick all over your fridge/computer... and expensive crap food. I can't wait

Aye theres a lot of Tat there (Even more at Scottish show) and because its there people will buy it (even though its protection is probably quite low). I found that if you're looking for premium brands then only good deals on end of lines. Unfortunately they tend to be for big or small folk, not the rest of us in between. You might save a tenner here and there.

Agree with Northy over all under one roof idea though

I got myself some amazingly cheap gear at the NEC last year. Not the biggest brand
names but decent quality (have been wearing it for almost a year now). It is well
worth visiting the NEC and it also makes sense travelling there by car. Say, if you
get paddock stands as a free goodie it could be kinda difficult transporting them on a
bike (unless you are an experienced Indian taxi biker).