I think we miss another point about the real price of bicycles. Very few bicycles get sold for 10 to 20k. They are the halo market, Porsche, Corvette, Ferrari style. The majority is far less expensive and no one tends to pay MSRP. In all honesty I think the manufacturers do a pretty good job of providing a bicycle in the price range most people can afford. Even at a LBS you can walk in and buy a bicycle for $350.00 for a bike like the Giant Cypress. The fact that a road bike starts higher isn’t any different that the fact a sports car tends to cost more than a compact commuter.

The major manufacturers also do a reasonable job of making an entry level road bike that isn’t dependability wise that far below a mid range or higher end road bike. The rider doesn’t need to move up to a higher end bike until they are experienced enough to know what they want. For the average club rider or cat 5 racer 1500 to $2000.00 will work pretty well. Only when their skill level is closer to those they ride with do they tend to consider the ultra light weight high end bikes as a necessity, even if it might be more of a want.

I think the real price of bikes is about what should be expected. I can’t complain about those who can afford and want a $15,000 to $20,000 bike if they can afford it. It isn’t my place to question their concept of need any more than I question someone with Rolex when I a wear Pulsar.