"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.

[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.