IMO, leather toe straps are over priced for $100
but then again, I don't use straps or clips and instead use $80 clipless shoes and $90 clipless pedals, so maybe $100 isn't so bad.
No, in fact, FG stuff is dirt cheap.
Decent Road cranksets do not cost $30 shipped.
Decent 10sp chains do not cost $5.
10sp Cassettes do not cost $25
You don't even have to worry about shifters or derailers.
So true. If these are "big bucks," try building a road race bike. A Rival groupset alone lists for more than most of the bikes here. Building a color-coordinated fixed gear to videotape yourself skidding down hills on is way less expensive than many other cycling pursuits.