I've been thinking about this perception that bikes cost a whole lot. Compared to what? Can you think of a machine that does what it does and costs less? (I mean in a literal sense.)
I am going to try to analogize it with furniture. Yes, you can go to Wally World and get particle board furniture if that's what makes sense, but you'd better take care of it and recognize that it's not meant for long mileage or hard use. Same with a bike - just as with cheaper furniture, you *can* get mroe out of it... but it's hard.
I think people have an artificial mindset - part of perceiving bicycles as toys - that makes $400 for a bicycle seem "out there." As a "transportation appliance" instead of a toy, perhaps the prices will seem more reasonable.
Nobody's ever asked me how much my bike cost. THe blender, yes