As the nights start to draw in and long-sleeved jerseys become the norm for early morning rides many riders are lamenting the end of summer. However, autumn can be a good time for cyclists who want to bag a bargain.

It’s around this time of year that the major bike manufacturers start to roll out the next year’s models. While, on the one hand, this might leave you wondering how you’re going to afford the latest tech and trends, it also leaves bike shops with last season’s models that they need to clear off the floor to make space for the new machinery – and this means there are bargains to be had. It’s a time when you can get a lot more for your money, meaning you can either save cash on the same bike you could have bought a month earlier, or get an upgraded spec.

Still, a tactical approach is required if you want to grab an end-of-season sale bargain and not get a bum deal. Here are six essential tips to make sure you get the most from your money.