DH and I often think back and laugh about a time just over two years ago when we were in a LBS buying a couple of Trek 7300 hybrids. Being new to biking we thought we were splurging by buying such nice bikes. As we were making our purchase there was a lady in the shop spending around $1200 for a road bike. We were amazed that a lady who otherwise appeared to be sane would be spending so much money for a bicycle.

Wow!!! Have our standards ever changed since that day. Within three months we were riding new aluminum road bikes, which have since been replaced with custom steel (mine) and custom ti (his) road bikes with high end components. And the family grew again last week when we added a couple of touring bikes. (And I will admit to being intrigued by tandems.)

If anyone suggests we spend a lot on bicycling I quickly point out that I live a simple life style and probably spend no more on bicycles than most people do on green fees, wine, ball games, or whatever makes them happy. What I also think (but don't say out loud) is that "I'm 54 years old, I can afford a nice bike, so what difference does it make how much it cost."