Originally Posted by podman

a lot of comments mentioning this bikes worth as to how many miles it has functioned.
i think this is a fair gauge to use... but as for the potential buyer that is not yet bike savvy, i think there should be more mention of the tweaking done to this bike as well as to the inconvienence in having to do so. for most this would entail a trip to a shop or the purchase of tools to perform the task (an entry level set of tools can easily equate to the price of the bike in question).

i am not an elitist but i commute on a nice bike. i buy more than bare necessity because after riding a quality bike i can hardly stand riding a cheap one. mis-shifts and clackety crap drive me nuts, i certainly don't want handlebars that can't take an aggressive ride without bending.
i learn more and more to look at a product for its quality as opposed to its price tag. cycling is a good teacher in this respect although it is a spendy hobby/sport... however, it is an inexpensive mode of transportation even when considering high end bicycles to perform the task (4,000 dollars doesn't buy much of a car).
which is my way of rationalizing the cost of my kit, although i will reserve the right to deny the rationalization.