Expensive stuff is about ego. Bicycle is about freedom. Looking at the world through the eyes of a child makes you see a red/blue/whatever bike, not a carbon frame Dura Ace equipped bike.


What works well and lasts long, at least when it comes to Shimano is middle of the range. Acera and above MTB and Sora and above road equipment.


BTW, my motorcycle is a 14 year old 600cc Yamaha and as far as NEEDs go - it is more than I really need - but no 400cc bikes in good condition were available in my country at the time I was looking for a 2nd hand motorcycle.