Succinct and well said, Is that a quote?

I'm often asked by cycling neophytes what kind of bike to buy. Personally I’m not very conversant with all kinds of models, since my N=2, and I buy about every 20 years. So my general advice is first decide what you want the bike for, and then determine your price range. I also tout using a bike shop.

IMO, I think bikes stratify within price levels, e.g. under $200, about $200-500, 500 -800, 800-1200, up to 2000, to 5000, and sky’s the limit. So any brand and model within those arbitrarily suggested levels are probably equivalent. My own shopping strategy for any big-ticket item is take a look at the most expensive items first to see what's the best available, and work my way down to see which features I can eliminate and still be satisfied. I think it's somewhat better to buy reasonably somewhat above my price range than below.

My LBS used to have a very nice primer on cycle frames and components that explained the features that increase the level of quality. It's no longer on their website, and if anyone knows of a similar resource, please let us know.

When I bought my first adult bicycle, a Schwinn five-speed Suburban with upright handlebars and a wide seat, I soon realized it was not what I wanted, and replaced the handlebars and seat. Next bike, circa 1972, I wanted one of the best and extended my price range to buy a Mercier road bike which was a great bicycle but with sew-up tires was not made for loaded touring, so I eventually replaced those wheels. Ultimately the bottom bracket wore out.

I didn’t realize my Bridgestone RB-1 circa 1990 would become a classic and it was ideal. I bought it because it fit and was a good deal as a year-end model. There was only one shop in Metro Boston that carried my size, but I have never been back there. Afterwards my now-personal LBS opened near my home, and that's where I bought my N+1=2, a used rental Cannondale Mountain Bike as a beater.

After the beloved Bridgestone RB-1 was totaled in a crash in 2012, it was agonzing to think about shopping for a new bike. I knew I wanted a carbon fiber road bike and my trusted LBS would not steer me wrong.

I tested a couple of bike slightly over my intended price, but then the manager told me that knowing how I ride, I should get a Specialized S-works with an MSRP at about FOUR TIMES my anticipated price, but as an end of the year model could get about one-half off. So double my price range was really a good deal.

At least now I don't have to imagine what I might be missing, had I not bought it.