"How much did your bike cost?"

[Aggie_Ama]

I am of the "why are you asking" camp. Some people have this attitude of talking about how much they make, how much they spend and like to size up how much you spend. I was raised in the way that asking those questions is rude. Now a friend of mine recently got interested in riding because her boyfriend races with DH. She asked how much my mountain bike was an I was very comfortable telling her how much I paid, how much a comparable one costs, even how much my pedals were. I knew why she needed to know. I also loaned her my extra bike for a month so she could decide if she liked riding before rushing into a purchase. But most casual friends I wouldn't loan one of my bikes to for more than a ride. I have only known her since April.

Other than maintenance cycling is as free as I want and I like that. I could ride to at least two mountain bike trails and do countless routes in all directions from my house. I am fortunate that my riding style usually means I get way longer out of my chain usually around 4,000 miles (shop says I must pedal light), cassette and even tires. In fact I am more likely to cut a tire than wear it out. On the flip side DH has to replace his bar tape 2x a year, chain at 2k, tires sooner than me, grips on his mountain bike 2x a year. Already has had to have a shock rebuilt on his 2 year old mountain bike, the list goes on. So no you can't ride forever on stock parts but getting in good with your LBS can soften the blow. I am fiercely loyal to mine and it has helped me before.

Oh and my Sidis? I balked at the price but I have had them since 2007 and they still perform great. I know plenty of people who need the latest and greatest cycling stuff, getting new shoes, helmets and even bikes yearly which doesn't appeal to me. But if that is how they like to spend their cash I am happy for them.

[Ann G]

There is really a price difference between basic and quality equipment in any s sport or hobby - cycling, photography, audio equipment, golf, boating, etc. Most people are willing to spend more on a something that is important to them, and are willing to settle for something basic that gets the job done when it's not a priority. I don't have an expensive camera, but I'm satisfied with the photos I take. When other people are surprised at what a cycling enthusiast spends on a good bike, they are experiencing the difference between something for an occasional user versus an enthusiast. I would guess that almost everyone who asks the question has an area where they have spent money on products that they don't sell at WalMart.

[BluOrchid2]

I am really happy to have found this thread. I was having a hard time wrapping my head around how much a new road bike might cost, but with all the justifications and comparisons made in this thread, I am having an easier time with it.

[Trek420]

We're happy to enable you

[malkin]

Whenever anyone asks about the tandem Brewer says "We don't have a boat."

[beccaB]

I just got a new bike and was having feelings of guilt until the first time I rode it. It was more that I thought I'd ever spend, I'll say that much, and some non bicycling people would think I was crazy.

[ACG]

When I'm asked about the cost of my bike I am honest. If they are shocked, well then they are shocked.

My sister spend $3000 on her cat, he was in a coma in an oxegyn tent.

My other sister had to go out and buy her kids and husband the new apple Iphone when it came out

I know people like a lot of you do who spend 4 figures on TV's

I've had a few women comment that they'd rather spend that kind of money on a designer purse

My bike shoes cost more than any other shoes I own. My first set of shoes lasted me 5 years, well worth the expense.

My shorts and jerseys cost more than my regular clothes.


I think it is all relative, you spend money on the things that are important to you.