"How much did your bike cost?"

[violette]

I tell them: "less than smoking"...

[Crankin]

I rarely get asked that question, one, because my friends know better, and two, people know that this is how I choose to spend my money. But last week, at the B and B we stayed at, the owner asked my husband how much our bikes cost. My husband was truthful in his reply, but he also added that you can get a really nice road bike for 2K and a good entry level one for $800.00. That was the end of it, I think because the person asking is familiar with what people spend on power boats and golf clubs. I think if you can relate the cost of the bike with the cost of something familiar, it's good.One of the few times I was asked about the cost of my bike, I just laughed and said " a lot."
I don't think people should make assumptions about how much others spend. It's personal. I relate to the person who said that some question whether she really needs to work, like that's anyone's business. When I go back to grad school in a few weeks, I hope none of the other students make assumptions about me because of my stuff. I worked for 30 years, can finally afford to do what I want (within reason) and if I want to change careers or spend x amount of dollars on a bike, it's my business.