So my MG (car) has let me down again and is in need of yet another head gasket. No, this isn't your old, easy to fix, steel engined jobbie, this is one of the 2005 models with the complicated modern motor. IF it's only the head gasket, I'm looking at $1,000. If the liners have shifted, thus explaining why it's gone again after only 8,000 kms, it's pull the motor out and machine the block, for a cost approaching $5,000.
This could be considered unfortunate, certainly annoying ... the money could be better spent on push bikes.

Sooooooooo, a bit of bike dreaming. Given a budget of between $1,000 and $5,000, what would YOU buy?
And if it's not allowed to have gears.

I'd probably look at a Llewellyn Cadenzia - Columbus steel, lugs, custom made (he refuses to do it any other way, and why would he?)