.... my 2 cents.

_I am saving up for my dream bike right now (Not very far along). I had the realization a few months back that if I ignored frames, components, wheels etc. that are on CL or at the LBS and just keep putting away the money, then by the time I have enough cash to jump on a new bike there will be new tech, better frames and nicer wheels when I have the money. At that point my bike will be a snapshot of the best tech I feel is awesome (right now can't honestly justify anything over 105 / rival anyway... likely to be that way even later), and I will have it built... exactly the way I want it with no debt or guilt or [____]... I think having to hand over the money makes you really question yourself on if you "Need" the bike enough to drop the paper. CC and debit cards make it too easy... even when you have the cash somewhere else.

Oh yeah, I don't finance. I paid cash and haggled my bike... LBS owner thought it was entertaining till I pulled out an envelope with $3k, then he was listening very closely (cc machines etc have hefty fees that can quickly cut into profit margins)... he particularly likes the cash.