My thoughts, and I've been riding for... Ever.... Don't always put down the local bike shop purchases. They may be higher in cost but, if you have a warranty or problem with the purchase it's nice to be able to go in and speak with someone about it, not talk over the Internet. Most stores want to stay in business so they are there to help you, you get to see what you actually are buying, sometimes a purchase from the States that is a great price means random customs costs when the item gets through Windsor, or, additional costs from Canada Post at your door. Returning an item to the States can be a nightmare. Currency exchange now is high. Watch for imitations on the Internet or States purchases. Also the bike shows, hmmm, I've seen pepperoni sticks and beer nuts that have an expiry date of long ago, this is old stock they are pushing at the show. As some have said, pizza pizza for how much? A can of soda costs what? Outrages. But that's what it is. The sellers at the shows, I find, you must know the product and the prices. Those leather sellers... I'm a big guy and one seller didn't have my size chaps so he just walked over to another booth and picked up a larger pair off their table and started sizing me. I don't know. Also the leather remember you get what you pay for. Some of the leather is like cardboard. And it rains and I look at my friends hands and they are all black from his gloves, my gloves are deerskin from a local shop and soft and the colour never runs onto your hands. I bought a pair of thick buttery soft lined chaps in Toronto at that store on Yonge at Bloor on the east side about 6 years ago and the things are as comfy as can be, still soft and very warm. Worth the extra money. Helmets - someone said they don't go bad. Yes actually they do. Newer is better. Actually you should discard your helmet after 3 years of use because the sun breaks down the plastic, I guess most dont. Bike tires - watch those super show sales also. Always look on the side of the tire for the manufacture date, yes they get old. Even americade in New York might sell you great tire prices but look for the manufacturer date. Again, most reputable bike places around Toronto won't sell old tires. Hey it's buyer beware people. I'm just trying to tell you.
gP bikes is really good at the show and have a lot of stock. But please don't always put down local bike shops for pricing as one day you just might need that place for a repair or part and be glad they are still around. No I'm not a store owner, just an old biker. I hate harley dealers prices as much as everyone else around here and have always said if deeley H D would just drop the prices more people would use their services and keep them working harder. So I also run to New York once in a while to get parts. Just be careful at these bargain outlet places and shows and know what you get. Enjoy the beef jerky everyone!