"bare minimum for a decent new bicycle that's not from a questionable "brand" is $500. that's a bottom-of-the-barrel bike that you'll probably wear out everything on it within a few months riding several days a week."
Not necessarily universal. I have a customer that has been riding a Giant Cypress for the last 12 years and is well over 20,000 miles. Has original wheels, fork, and ft der. on it. Rear der has been changed out as the pivots wore loose around 17,000 miles.
How does he do it?? Maintenance. He's an old Dutchman from the old school line of PMS thought (preventative maintenance system). He maintains the bike by keeping it clean, keeping the chain clean and lubed, repacking hubs every 3 years, riding with properly inflated tires, etc. Basic stuff that anyone can do. I have a lowly Alivo rear der on my short commute bike I use in all weather for short trips to the bank or store. It has been faithfully serving me for 5 years now, and before that it was on a neighbors mountain bike. I maintain my stuff and it lasts. You do the same and you will get the same results.