Originally Posted by
njkayaker
Many people think a bike is just a bike (ie, they are all the same). Many people think they can get a "magic" bike for very little money.
Having a budget is reasonable. It just has to be a reasonable budget. The problem is.. [see first paragraph]
People have no idea about the first stuff. They do understand dollars (and they are cheap). GOTO: first paragraph.
This is the core problem; as I see/express it, people ignore the fact that, since 1975, nearly everything has gone up 500% or more -- gas was 40c/gallon, a Big Mac was 55c, a pack of cigarettes was 50c, a new Firebird was $5000, and a good bike could be had new for $100-150. Now, a basic car is $20K, gas is nearly $3/gallon, a Big Mac is like $2.75, cigarettes are $5/pack... and a good new bike can be had for <=$1000. But people don't get it; they think a good bike can still be had, NEW, for $100, and go nuts WHEN, not if, it doesn't work out that way.
$100 Wal-Mart Mongoose =/= a good bike. $75 Wal-Mart Roadmaster = boat anchor.
Two types I just LOOOVE:
1. "That bike has to have (insert impossible condition here) before I spend MY money on it! If I'm spending $100, it's gotta be PERFECT!"
2. The ones who think there's no difference between a Wally bike and an LBS bike except price.
It's a sad truth that a 90's bike from just about ANYONE is likely better than a new bike from a box store.