Originally Posted by Ranger

More BS. How often you ride your bike has nothing to do with how much it costs. This is a misconception that i held as well when i started. Many told me that a Trek 4300 should only be ridden a few times a week for short rides, blah, blah, blah.

I've got 8,000 miles on one 4300 and over 5000 on the other and I ride virtually every day, and have for the last couple of years. I've ridden in 100 F weather, snow, rain, -20 F windchilll and not one single problem mechanically except for normal wear and tear and flats.

A bike is basically a frame with a bunch of components hanging on it. A $300 mountain bike is just as capable of riding very far and often as a $3,000 bike. That is a secret, but i'll let it out. The only difference is that a $300 bike may have components that are slightly better, but they will wear out just the same. Trust me, i've worn out quite a few things up to this point. Even better stuff.

Interestingly, i bought a minivan last May for $14,000. Since that time i have spent an extra $1500 on repairs. So with payments since then and repairs, I have spent almost $4,000 on it and driven it probably about 8,000 miles.

So the Trek 4300 was $350 new and i've gotten the same mileage out of it. ANd have never had a break down the way i have with the stupid van! Entry level means your bike didn't cost as much as someone else. No direct connection to how durable the bike is.