Is there a better time of the year to buy a used bike?

I don't know about used, but this is the time of year to by the 09 closeouts.  I bought my tribike in Sept of 06 for 30% off plus 10% off all accessories for it.

For sure.  The 2010's are coming out RIGHT NOW for most brands.  Your local LBS could very well be trying to clear out the 2009's for space.

However, for the OP.  Trying to find a bike at your size is tough at any time of the year.  I was shopping for a 63cm road bike the last month and NOTHING was available from the companies that even make them (Cannondale, Trek, Felt, etc).  I ended up getting a 2010 Felt sight unseen just because 63cm frames are hard to come by and go fast.

Edited by Aikidoman 2009-08-26 4:40 PM

Look for times when the colleges are going back in session or letting out.  The kiddies need $$$ and often will sell bikes to buy books or for gas money home/spring break. 

Bought mine in September, but I'm short so they had extra of that years model around and I got a deal.

Edited because I'm tired and just noticed you said used bike.  I bought mine new from LBS and got a deal because of the fact I ride a smaller size bike and they had some they were trying to unload.

Edited by M-shell 2009-08-26 9:20 PM

From what I have seen in my shopping online, it all depends on what you are looking for. I am 6'4" just like you and have found at least 5 bikes each month for the last three months on Craigslist in the Milwaukee area. I expanded it to the surrounding area and found even more. Ebay typically has tons of bikes in all sizes. All depends on what you are looking for I guess.

I just picked up a used 09 Trek 2.3, yes a used 09!  This bike wasn't touched, beautiful, pristine and he had a cateye, zeroplay pedals w/ cleats and Michelin racing tires on it, beautiful for $1200.  College kid was heading back to school and needed beer money!  I love the bike and love the deal I got!  

I swear by craigslist!  I widened my search to nearby cities and that's where I found mine.  Good luck! 

Talk to your LBS to see if they are selling off their rental fleet. Mine does every year or two, sells them el super cheapo for sweet rides. We're talking $600 for $1500 and up bikes. The good thing about that is that usually the odd sizes are the last to go.

Good luck!