Apparently I have gotten off easy. I bought a new Rans Stratus in 2008. I added a rear rack, and put a trunk pac on that I already owned. The first winter I upgraded to a Sram 7 RD for about $75. I also upgraded the seatback webbing to the new velcro strapping that hold the webbing much tighter. Since then I think I have bought 4 tires and one chain. The bike has about 12,000 miles on it. Other than that just the usual wintertime cleaing and regular maintence.

Granted I take super good care of this bike, and never have ridden in the wet. But as you can see I havent begin to spend anywhere near what some people have spent on their bikes. This has been one of the best bang for the buck purchases I have ever made.