So i live in the nyc area, there are lots of bike shops, and they all have huge numbers of bikes on their websites. Some sites offer every version of a bike in every size. But you go into the actual shop and they clearly have a limited number of bikes.
I know the shops can order a 2009 version for you. But some shops are selling on their website all sizes of certain makes for an older model year. Do they really have access to multiple 2007 Allez Elites in every size from 48 cm to 60 cm? Or do they just have one 48 cm of the 2007 and they have not changed their website to reflect that there is a limited selection of the older year model? What gives?
selection on anything but 09s is going to be limited to what is in stock at the store and thats it. There may be few 08s left from the manufacturer but if its an Allez Elite you are after then it will be an 09. If you are a 47 or 61 then you MAY have a chance at an 08.
This is the shop I work at in the summer (https://shop.sunrisetri.com/display/5302/0/) as a general rule if we have it on the website we have it in the shop, but we may have it in the shop but not online. Always call. All good shops should have an accurate inventory that they can look up in a few seconds.