I was just thinking the same thing myself yesterday about the equipment upkeep of these machines. Since mine is carbon I inspect the frame everyday and I have to be super careful about where I rest it and how I'm holding it (it already has one scratch in the paint but the frame is not cracked). Every week I clean the frame and the chain and relube and polish. You have to always tote around tools incase you're 30 miles out and get a flat. It can get quite aggravating.

But... the zen you feel out there on the road, enjoying the sights and the sounds and just spinning and breathing... it's worth it, I think.

Also, being honked at by people in beater cars who think they're very cool (mostly young teenage boys) and knowing that your bike is probably (likely definitely) worth more than their car. Hehe.