The article states that bike prices are increasing faster than the rate of inflation. *But, your top shelf 2014 bike has a LOT more technology than a top shelf 1984 bike. *Steel replaced with aluminum, aluminum replaced with carbon. *If you want to compare inflation, compare the same thing. *Build a Reynolds 531 or 7075 aluminum frame with 6sp indexed down tube shifters, no carbon anything and compare to the inflation adjusted price of the old bike. *

Of course, whether it's a 1984 or 2014 model, it's still much more about the motor than the bike. *A few pounds off the bike is nice, ergo shifters are really nice, but all the modern carbon parts in the world won't help you if the other guy is just putting out more power. *The pros are in a gear race because the top guys are really all so close to each other in performance that they do need the equipment. *The rest of us, not so much. *