If you shop online, you probably know about the “one deal at a time” sites. I think it was Woot.com that introduced the idea in the computer/tech market, and the trend has since spread to a variety of markets and industries – one of them is cycling.

The top deals site for cyclists is BonkTown.com. To illustrate the concept, I’ll give you an example:

Right now as I look at the BonkTown home page, there is a deal for a Castelli thermal jacket. Normally the jacket costs $200, but I can order it for $99.99. Sweet deal, but what’s the catch? Well…

• I have to order it in the next 25 minutes and 6 seconds.
• There are only 10 left in a size Medium.
• I’m competing against 1,674 other people currently browsing the site.

All of that information is right there on the home page. Deals last for 30 minutes or until sold out, whichever comes first. BonkTown provides you with live updates for number of items left in each size or color, as well as the number of people who are on the site.

So… given the limited time, limited quantities, and tons of other cyclists looking for good deals, how do you manage to get what you want? You follow my guide on how to get the best deals at Bonk Town, of course!

Here is what you need to do:

1. Be Registered Long Before You Need to Place an Order.

Registering for the site takes extra time that you don’t want to waste if you have your sights set on a hot deal. If you’re trying to grab a popular item in a popular size, every second counts, so make sure you are registered in advance.

Registration is free, so take care of that right now, and then watch the deals. Like I said, having to register at the last minute might cost you a deal, and there’s no reason not to register today.

So before you go any further, go register at BonkTown.com immediately. Because who knows, after you read this article, you might find an irresistible deal!

2. Know Exactly What You Need In Advance.

When items pop up on BonkTown, you probably don’t have time to debate if the item is something you need or just something that looks cool. If you have to think about it, you could miss out.

So, write out a little shopping list of the items you’re looking for (item, color, brand, size) and keep it right at your computer. This saves the debate about whether the deal is worthwhile, and helps stop you from buying stuff you don’t need, just cause it’s on sale.

Remember, it’s not a good deal if you don’t need it!

3. Quickly Double Check Sizes and Colors

A lesson I learned a very long time ago is to be very careful with checking sizing charts when ordering clothing online. Sometimes a retailer’s sizing chart doesn’t match a brand’s sizing chart, and there’s no sure way to know which one is correct for that specific item.

I like to pay extra attention to this on the deals websites, because the voice inside my head says, “if the item is only on sale for 30 minutes then gone, the site would put even less effort into exact photos and sizing charts.” This might not be the case at all with BonkTown, especially because they are owned by Backcountry.com (who provide great customer service.)

I should also mention that BonkTown sometimes gives you a sizing tip for each item. The point is, pay attention to all this for your best chances of getting something that fits!

But still, if it’s an expensive item I’m not that familiar with, I might do a quick Google search to double-check sizing and color names/options. It’s not a good deal if it doesn’t fit and you have to send it back!

30-Day Unconditional Guarantee:

You can return any product for any reason within 30 days of purchase. No questions asked.

But like I said, this is Backcountry.com. I’ve always had good service from them, and they seem to get good reviews from others, too. Their return policy is straightforward and returns are easy, so if there is only one item left and you can’t risk the time to do any further research, it’s probably worth just buying first and asking questions later!

4. Combine Shipping

Shipping costs can add up when you’re paying to ship each item separately. That was always the big problem with these kinds of sites. If you order more than one item per month, with all the shipping costs, it didn’t end up being a better deal than ordering from somewhere else and shipping 10 items in one box for one shipping charge.

Today, BonkTown.com offers combined shipping. You can “hold” items you purchase for seven days, then all items are shipped together.

I would use the combined shipping option unless you need the item immediately. I mean, why not hold the item from shipping for a few days in case you find another deal on there? It can save you about $5 per item.

5. Stay Alert

Going forward, the hardest thing to do is keep a close eye on BonkTown all hours of the day. Because you never know when a killer deal will show up!

Fortunately, BonkTown provides a number of ways for you to stay updated:

• Desktop alerts (for Windows and Mac)
• Browser plug-ins (for Internet Explorer, Firefox, and Chrome)
• RSS Feeds
• E-mail alerts
• AOL Instant Messenger messages

I personally like the Firefox plug-in because I usually have a browser window open. If you don’t, the desktop application for your computer would be a better choice.

Like in the screenshot, you might be busy browsing Velo News, but the little Bonktown pop-up will alert you of new deals!

If you have a desk job and are in front of a computer 8+ hours a day, it’s not hard to stay up to date!

If not, try SAC Alerts, CleanSnipe, or DealSpoon. These are third-party services that offer text alerts with the new deals, so you can be anywhere your cell phone has coverage. You would have to be able to run to a computer, though, or have a smartphone.

FAQ: Does BonkTown.com Carry Items In ‘Normal’ Sizes?

As with most good deals, you will find items in odd sizes and colors. Perhaps a rare crank arm size (180mm,) or jerseys available in XS and XXL sizes only.

But there are normal sizes quite often. For the clothing that popped up while I was writing this article, each item started with about 12 available in the normal sizes (small, medium, large.) Of course, you gotta be quick to get these! The smalls and mediums sell out quickly.

And remember, deals go up back to back, kind of like a Woot! Off, rather than Woot’s regular one deal per day. So if one item doesn’t fit you, the next one might.

So that is it. By now you should have a good idea of how to get the best deals on BonkTown.com!

Please post your success stories, or any tips of your own, in the comments!

FRS Healthy Energy has recently launched a new ad campaign. As you can see, they’re offering a coupon code FRS10POFF, which gets you 10% off your order from the FRS store.

But that’s for the general public. If you are a reader of CoachLevi.com, you get 15% off! Since I’m such a big fan of the drink they decided to create a custom coupon code for me that I can share!

Just use coupon code COACHLEVI in your shopping cart and you will get 15% off your order.

Don’t wait too long though – the code is only valid till March 31, 2009.

Go here to start shopping: www.FRS.com

(Read my review of the FRS.com online store for more details on their store.)

I like myths and wives tales…

A long time ago a friend and I used to compete at everything. On one occasion we decided to see who had the strongest thumb by holding our thumbs on a track pump to see who could hold the highest pressure. My sister (who was training to be a nurse at the time) had a go at us and told us that it was dangerous and we could force an air bubble into out blood stream! It this true? Could holding the end of a pump force an air bubble into you bloodstream?

Thank you, Nate Dawg

Hi Nate,

Getting an air bubble in your bloodstream is a serious issue due to the potentially fatal nature of it (in worst case scenarios,) but it would take more than holding the end of a track pump.

If you’re talking about a regular pump for bicycle tires, I can’t imagine that creating enough force to harm you. It seems like it would actually be more dangerous to hold your finger over an open tire valve, since that would give you a shot of air at 120psi or so. With the hand pump, it would just provide incrementally more pressure with each stroke.

The danger comes when you’re working with compressed air that’s powerful enough to run nail guns and other pneumatic equipment. With that amount of air pressure in one shot, it’s possible the air could pierce your skin and rip open an artery, and add a few air bubbles in there for good measure.

You’d have to think of it like spraying yourself with a sand blaster, but with air particles instead.

Most of the info I found about this topic in a Google search was simple hearsay and urban legend. Here’s the only reputable site I found that isn’t using the “OMG don’t use an air pump or you’ll probably die” tone:

http://www.ccohs.ca/oshanswers/safety_haz/compressed_air.html

So… Possible? Yes. Likely? No.

Do you like hiking, cycling, or snowboarding? Do you like to get good deals?

Then say hello to the new Woots on the block: Steep and Cheap, Chain Love, Whiskey Militia, Tram Dock, and BonkTown.

All these sites have the limited-time closeout deals ala Woot.com, but they fulfill your road cycling, mountain biking, freeriding, hiking, snowboarding, and camping needs.

They seem to apply the same “Product narratives are for entertainment purposes” editorial strategy as Woot, too, so you might get a good laugh. (Although if you are looking for nothing more than comedic writing, stick with Woot.)

But if you want outdoor gear on the cheap, here are the sites:

Steep and Cheap

SteapAndCheap.com brings you hiking and outdoor gear.

Typical items include backpacks, jackets, sleeping bags, sunglasses, sandals, etc.

Chain Love

ChainLove.com brings you road cycling and mountain biking parts and accessories.

There is quite a bit of freeride stuff like gloves, full-face helmets, pants, and jerseys. A lot of woman’s shorts and jerseys are there, too. Sometimes there are parts like Shimano cranksets, stems, handlebars, and even a frame or wheelset on occasion.

Whiskey Militia

WhiskeyMilitia.com has cool gear for skaters, snowboarders, and BMX riders.

Typical items include hoodies, longboards, snowboard pants, etc.

Tram Dock

Last but not least, TramDock.com brings you ski gear.

Typical items include ski pants, winter coats, ski socks, ski boots, helmets, etc.

Bonk Town

New for roadies! BonkTown.com (launched about 1/19/09) is for road bike accessories.

Note: These sites are brought to you by online retailer BackCountry.com. It’s a good way for them to sell off overstocked gear, and it’s a good place for us to get good deals!

To stay abreast of all the new deals, each site offers RSS feeds and deals widgets that automatically update with the latest items. (I recommend the Firefox plugin.)

August is here and that means back to school for all collegiate racers. Still need the perfect poster for your dorm room?

I have found it! While most dorm room walls are plastered with posters of sexy women, fast cars, and the occasional professional cyclist, there aren’t many posters with nude cyclists…

But art.com comes to the rescue with this poster for the 2nd Annual New York City Charity Nude Bicycle Race from 1997.

While there is nudity, it’s kind of classy, making it a tasteful poster suitable for most audiences. The 11″ x 17″ size is a little small, but it would be a poster for a dorm room or home bike shop.

You can check out the full-size version and the details at Art.com.

The real question is, why do they only have a poster for the 1997 race? Will there be a poster for the 2008 race, which would (theoretically) be today?