Okay, this is starting to make sense now. It's reassuring to know that the price differences are not simply hype, and that these differences can be described objectively. It's also reassuring to know that, beyond a certain point, the differences are too small for a middle-aged amateur like me to worry about. (So--I won't worry, though I hope to continue to learn about this subject.)
About the bike salesman I mentioned earlier: I now suspect that he was correct--the $2000 bike probably shifted more precisely than the $1500 one. But I also suspect that the $1500 bike would have been plenty precise enough for me, especially if I kept it adjusted right (something I should learn to do for myself, probably.)
Anyway--thanks for all this information and input. I've learned a lot here.
Last edited by Mild Al; 01-22-06 at 06:54 PM.