I think one should buy a bike because they like it, not because of some future resale value or because of it's perceived value by others. Frankly, that's a fools game as:

1. Almost all bikes will depreciate considerably over time
2. The purpose of a bike is to be ridden and enjoyed.

I have a couple of middle of the road nice bikes and some (what would be considered) clunkers. For various reasons, I enjoy them all. If you have an eye you can pick up some very decent thrift store bikes and replacement parts are fairly cheap for the < 8speed genre. Obviously a modern low end department store bike comes with some quality issues but that doesn't equate to all HiTen or inexpensive avenues.

One of the nicer bikes I have is a 92 Trek Mutitrack. HiTen but surprisingly light and responsive, well made, triple crank, canti lever, gravel tire capable, fender and rack mounts... An excellent all roads bike. The one negative (because I worry about frame strength) is that it is a step thru design. The only bike I currently scan CL for is a similar model in a diamond frame. When I see it I'll buy it and turn it into a gravel bike and invest in putting braised cage mounts where I want them.





Here's a guy who only works in HiTen. His bikes have a somewhat cult following: