Mechanics often use Snapon tools which cost roughly 10 times as much as Craftsman tools. They spend a lot on their tools because they use them every day to make a living, and it is worth it to them. If you felt a Snapon wrench in your hand, you would know why people are willing to spend so much for them. I'm not a professional, and I can't afford Snapon, so I use Craftsman, and they work fine.

I imagine the same is true for many people who work on their bikes. riding the thing day in and day out it should be more than just durable and functional. I can't afford those pants, or a Vanilla either for that matter, but I can certainly appreciate why a working class person who works on his bike would be willing to spend more on bikes and cycling clothing than I can justify for myself.

I think it's too bad that bikes are apparently considered high priced toys rather than tools. People in all income brackets spend an absurd portion of their income on cars, and justify it because they need their car as a piece of transportation. People don't bat an eye when someone spends half their annual income on a new car, why should it be so absurd for a bicycle messenger to spend one sixth of their annual income on a bike especially if they don't even own a car?