Eh. I ride a lot and still think four grand's a lot of money to drop on a bicycle. Doesn't mean I wouldn't spend it if I had it as disposable income, but even then, I'd still acknowledge it doesn't take that much to become an "avid cyclist".
I'm far from conceited, and the $4000 included not just the bike but the total as I looked package.....i.e. Jersey, shorts, shoes, PEDALS, etc. Those can add up to many $$$$$ themselves. My Tomasso was around $3200 as setup with many bling items.
Since my original posting, the guy who initially asked me did get a new bike, a trek 2.1 with performance clothing, nike shoes, polar computer and the rest of the goodies. No not $4000, but very nice setup indeed. We rode for a while and I gave him pointers on climbing hills........Don't move your body so much...rather rip the bike side to side while pushing up w/ feet, keep a line in a pack, etc.