Originally Posted by
sam_cyclist
I test rode bikes up to the $3K+ range. I decided on a far less expensive bicycle. I had to buy it, fell in love with it first ride and every test ride afterwards and post purchase has backed up my decision, and then some.
Tiagra 10 shifts perfectly, front and rear. FACT.
Even low end tektro calipers are acceptable, and getting better with each ride, as pads wear in (and after a few minutes of adjustment).
A simple $350 upgrade can save an additional 1.5 lbs off my bike, which would bring the total to about $1600. I'm not sure if I'm going to upgrade wheels.
There are plenty of forum members who weigh 200-350+ lbs. No point in getting a bike 2 lbs. lighter then. It simply makes no difference.
The way I see it is this.
You're a tightarse - didn't actually test / ride any of the high-end bikes that you seem to know sooo much about, then opted for a cheap option and vainly attempt to justify this option to others. You potter around on your bike, do not race, so obviously have a bugger all to offer when someone is asking about the dynamic / performance aspect of a bike, particularly the difference between a mid-range to high-end one. Some would say you're the fount of all velo knowledge - congratulations!
Plenty of perfomance benchmarks provided by bicycle manufacturers and independent testers on the internet - just look past the $50 frameset category and you'll find some.
Now, I'm gonna go and ride (one) of my $1500 bikes (I bought demo and/or built from framesets, so got what I wanted at a reasonable price - hardly high-end either) and be happy.
cheers