I don't think anyone made that point though surely. Advising people to maximise the value of their purchase to get the best bike they can for their money is not stating no maintenance is required and components will need replacing in time. I don't think we should lose focus and somehow state all bikes at the same price point are broadly similar that certainly isn't true. Many products have complicated logistics, high marketing expenses and simply come from companies that work to and desire higher profit margins. $300 can purchase a bike that under a different brand could be double that amount or more. Here in the UK I've seen bikes for £300 that look great quality and bikes for £800 that are unacceptable quality for me using lower end components in places than the £300 bike. That's paying £500 more to get an inferior product. Yes generally paying more gets a better product but you cannot assume that you have to look at the detail of the product.