I can fully understand the used bike deal. I just can't wrap my head around what a mid-level road bike costs new, much less a more top of the line model. Every time I walk in the LBS I browse a little while wating, and compare the bike prices to prices I've paid for cars/trucks I've driven, and usually the bike is not far off. Of course I'm a real cheapskate, the last car I bought (Prius) was a wreck from a salvage auction I hope to repair. Can't believe my used Frankenstein of a road bike cost almost as much as the Prius.