I've worked in the bicycle industry pretty much all my adult life which means I pay about half off retail for any bicycle related products. With this knowledge I've convinced myself that anything I buy (cycling related) is a great deal! So . . . no worries, right?

Not exactly. I am also half Scottish, so I'm a horrible cheap-skate / skin-flint. As a result there is always that conflict. Plus, all my bikes over the years (except my folder) I have built up from frames without keeping close track of what all the bits cost. I don't think anyone has ever asked me what any of my bikes cost, which really makes this a non-issue (at least for me).

I admit to being fascinated with SRAMs new wireless group . . . may fit one of my bikes with that eventually . . . though it is rather pricey.

Big Picture: Ride what you like and can afford (as long as it works and fits well).