Ben just bought a Specialized Roubaix Pro, carbon frame....sweet! It cost slightly less than what one year at nursing school is costing me. My Specialized Allez Sport was around $700...I think. It has been a year since I bought it and by the time I bought helmet, jersey, shorts, shoes, bike cages, water bottles, and Eggbeaters who know what the bike actually cost!

In any case, I tell people who are interested in biking and want to know how much to spend this, "Don't get a Walmart bike or you will quit in a week! Go ahead and fork over somewhere between $500 and $1000 and get something nice." It is all the difference in the world. My personal theory is that the more comfortable, speedier, and easier to ride (ie, smoother shifting, lighter weight) the more apt you will to be stick with the sport.

Now waaaaay back in my horse riding days and I was asked the cost of of horse upkeep here was my answer, "Every morning when you wake up flush a hundred dollar bill down the toilet. And when you can do that without flinching plus six months you are ready for a horse!"

Back to the bike question, I am truly embarrassed to tell anyone the cost of the Roubaix. YIKES! Also.....I WANT ONE TOO!!!!!! That will be my present to myself when I pass the NCLEX for RN's.