I am a school teacher, and while I live comfortably, I do not have lots of money. I have always rode what be considered professional level bicycles. I gave up other things to be able to afford the bike things. I went years with rabbit ears instead of cable, I would do staycations on my breaks, worked part time jobs, taught music lessons. I remember being very frustrated with my Ultegra 600 friction not wanting to shift when I needed it to, I got an on campus job and did a layaway on a Trek 770 with Dura Ace SIS at Wheelsport Bikes in Spokane. It wasn't about having the coolest stuff, it was about having equipment that worked for me. Even today, my equipment choices are based on my needs as a rider and it is important enough to me to give up buying other things.