"How much did your bike cost?"

[Hammer]

It is a touchy issue. Usually if a bike person is interested, they can and will find out for themselves. So, I will typically chat about the cost of an item. I may ballpark it with a non-cyclist or inquistivie family member.

It is too bad that my hobbies are a bit spendy. Fortunately my husband doesn't grimace too much, he understands the importance of buying good tools and not wasting money on something that won't do the job. On the other hand, he makes me really think about whether I truly NEED the next bicycle purchase. We're still working on establishing our home and working toward starting a family.

My other hobby is photography. Talk about another thing that inspires equipment envy among observers... "How much did THAT cost?" I really should try to make money with that hobby so that I can support my riding hobby.

[Flybye]

I just tell them. It's not some kind of secret - they can walk into a bike shop and find out. I don't find it rude, either. What they do with the answer isn't up to me!

What it is worth and what I paid for it are two different answers altogether.

[denda]

I have never had anyone ask, but I wouldn't mind telling them.

[GLC1968]

Depends on what bike I am riding and who's asking (and the situation). If it's my mixte 'around town' bike, I tell the truth, no matter who it is. $80. If it's someone who seems to be interested in buying bikes (and asking "why do you want to know?" is a great idea!), then I might tell the truth if I'm on one of the other bikes. If it's someone I work with, I'll tell the truth. I often get a "well, you guys both work and you don't have kids, right?" as a way that they can justify it for themselves...which I find pretty funny!

If it's some random guy at a gas-station and I'm alone? I say it was a gift, and I don't really know. I often joke and say "way less than your car!" or something like that, too. Or I'll say "not much, I bought it used and it's 3 or 4 years old" or something.

I don't really feel like people are being rude, though. Anyone can find out the price of bikes if they want to...asking me is just a short cut.

[SadieKate]

my response would be, "why do you want to know?"

if they want to know because they like it (or just are interested) and want to buy one (whatever it is, bike or otherwise) fine, we can discuss the item and its merits, cost, etc. i would expect this would normally be a bike person and they would have some idea of bike prices. if they just want to talk about money and how much i do or don't have, well, that's not really something i'm comfortable discussing with strangers. you can usually tell when people are asking for this reason, but asking their motivation never hurts.

This is my approach. I ask why and then if they say they want to get into cycling I find out what kind. Give them a starting cost for a decent bike for the purpose and suggest an LBS that I think can help them. Gives me an avenue to direct them to resources including clubs.

Some folks just seem to be fascinated with what people spend on bikes and either try to play one-ups-manship or want to imply you're a fool for "wasting" money. I refuse to engage in that kind of conversation. It doesn't matter if they don't think they're being rude. In our culture it is rude unless I've hired the person as my financial adviser.

[amy]

I used to be shy about the cost of my bike. I was brand new to cycling and kind of felt like I had no business riding a carbon fiber Madone, so I didn't really want people to know how much I spent. I guess it was probably more personal judgment... like had I just wasted thousands of dollars on a bike I might not ride?

Now that I'm absolutely in love with my bike and love being on it... ask away. I spent a lot, but actually saved $1000 off MSRP because it was the last 2007 available in the US before the redesign. I like to brag about that... haha

[sundial]

The park ranger once asked me about my mtb. And because he was very diplomatic and apologized in advance for asking the question, I was happy to share the value of a really nice mtb.

Other people have wanted to know for less than noble reasons and those questions are often redirected.

[Trek420]

$5,000 on a TV I can't even imagine. . . .

That's what my road bike cost I seem to remember $5,101 with tax.

But then my mixte I found in the dump. My LBS says I am singlehandedly lowering the average cost of his clients bikes with my dumpster mixte, 10+ y/o commuter-mobile, thrift-store Giant ...

I don't discuss what my bikes cost unless on TE

Other day on the train a cyclist but kinda an invisible kind was asking me how much my bike cost, what the wheels cost "I like your wheels!" (well, getcher own Mavic's thank you), what kind of bike etc.

People are curious because the powder-coated commuter has no decals.

He insisted on a price and I gave him the party line "ranges from" line. I just do not feel comfortable talking price in public. If you ride .... you know, if you ride you know underneath the paint it's a cheap old GT Outpost trail!! .... if you don't I'll help you find your bike but give no info on mine.

I admit this sounds a little paranoid but I've had one bike stollen

[sundial]

....a cyclist but kinda an invisible kind was asking ....what the wheels cost.....

Oh gosh, I just remembered. Hubby mentioned the Mavics he bought for his zippy bike and his tightwad friend started grilling him about why he even needed those, is it worth the cost, how will it improve the performance.....

[Andrea]

It's not considered kosher to say what cost is from sponsors, so when another cyclist asks, I tell them what the retail cost would be.

[kie_fujo]

i tell them. although, i guess my $1200 is mid range so it doesn't bother me. if they look at me like i'm crazy i tell them i got it cause i couldn't afford the $3000+ de rosa i really wanted. most people are just curious and i don't mind filling them in. it's kinda like me being vegetarian. if they ask, i answer. now if i was out riding and someone asked me that might be different. i might be worried they are looking to take it from me. have never had that happen though.

[Kano]

I used to be shy about the cost of my bike. I was brand new to cycling and kind of felt like I had no business riding a carbon fiber Madone, so I didn't really want people to know how much I spent. I guess it was probably more personal judgment... like had I just wasted thousands of dollars on a bike I might not ride?

Now that I'm absolutely in love with my bike and love being on it... ask away. I spent a lot, but actually saved $1000 off MSRP because it was the last 2007 available in the US before the redesign. I like to brag about that... haha

Amy -- your post sounds just like what I would write about my Specialized Roubaix! It's my first road bike too, and yeah, carbon fiber seemed mighty fancy for a first road bike for a 220# 49 year old couch potato. But, like you, I saved a bundle buying "last year's model" and actually paid about what I had budgeted for a bike in the first place.

Karen in Boise

[KSH]

If it's someone who rides and is in the market for a new bike, I'm pretty honest and tell them what it cost.

If it's someone who doesn't ride and is curious. I just say, "it was pretty expensive". And then they can guess if they want, and I'll say higher or lower. It ends there.

I'm not really offended by money talk like other people can be... so it doesn't phase me when they ask.

[SouthernBelle]

I'll usually ask them to guess first. I love the range of answers. & since my bike is an '05, prices have, and are contiuning to go up.

[shootingstar]

If the person is someone I know, I will give them the cost..and add I have 2 other bikes also.

Being car-free for so many years, it's VERY easy for me to justify the cost of my bike(s) against the cost of owning and using a car even for half a year. Or tell people that the I prefer to cycling outdoors vs. plunking down annual membership fee at a fitness club.