"How much did your bike cost?"

[lph]

I love answering that question, 'cos my three bikes were all bought used or at a clearing sale. People are usually assuming I ride really expensive bikes because I ride so much, so I jump at the opportunity to tell them how you can buy a really decent bike that lasts for years with just a little more cash than most people would give for a clunker, if you shop wisely.

I don't tell them that I've paid for them several times over in parts...

If I had a high-end bike that I didn't want to defend all the time I'd like to answer "Oh, it cost me x days/weeks/months wages", and leave them wondering. It's still considered rude to ask point-blank how much someone earns, I think

[tulip]

I get that question alot with my Bike Friday. I tell the inquisitors, "Bike Fridays come in a variety of models at a variety of prices. It depends on what you want in a bike." They usually don't pursue the line of questioning any further. If they do, something like, "Oh, I had to save up for it" satisfies them that yes, it costs probably more than they want to spend, but also indicates that I don't just spend wildly, which is really what they want to know anyways. People are so sneaky and wiley.

When I commuted to work, I would get that question, and the "alot less than a car" response shut them up really fast.