Originally Posted by
cubewheels
Most cyclists in the world are on cheap generic-branded (100% China-made parts) bike <$400.
Either most cyclists in the world are ticking troll bombs or are actually writing legitimate queries based on their own experiences or observation of other cyclists. I doubt that BF is or should only be for cyclists interested to talk about >$1000 bikes.
Oh, 100% - I'm not interested in only talking about expensive bikes either!
My eye-rolling was more about the wild swing from 'i have a Walmart bike so heavy that I can't lift it onto my rack' to then 'looking at a carbon bikes in the 2-3k range that is ~20 lbs.' and finally 'What is the cause for such a jump in cost in bikes from a Walmart aluminum bike to a carbon bike?'
The OP has answered his or her own question, but I acknowledge it would be better to just answer pointing out that there's a wide gap there and YES, they should consider something in between as even a non-carbon, non-$3k, >20 lbs. BUT non-Walmart bike WILL yield appreciable gains in quality, less weight, and better operation and cycling enjoyment both immediately and in the long run.