Yes on both accounts but I wouldn't let the latter stop you.

Seriously though, unless it's going to put you in the soup-line before you have to trudge back to the carboard box then spend as much as you can comfortably afford if it'll make you happy.

Ultimately, it's up to you. However, I'd consider 2 things:

- Expensive bikes will be tempting to theives. Yes, there are some super-tough locks out there, but if someone wants to steal it badly enough, they'll find a way. If you live and work in a low-crime area, this might not be an issue.

- Expensive bikes aren't necessarily any more reliable. Unless you're talking about an ultra cheap bike from a department store, you can find a perfectly reliably bike at a reasonable price. With expensive high end bikes, what you're paying for is lighter weight, more comfort, smoother shifting, etc.

I have a perfectly good Trek XO-1 cross bike I use every day that I'm perfectly happy with. As some components have worn out, I've replaced them with better ones, so it's been upgraded from entry level to mid-level. Personally, I just can't see spending $2000+ plus for a f uckin' bike. To me, a bike shouldn't cost more than a decent used car, but that's me.

My momm's side of the familiy were farmers. Living in the country getting up at the crack of dawn working hard labor until sun set. That generation all lived well into their 90s My dad's side of the family were all city dwellers. Relying on machines to do wrk for them eating greasy, starchy food. They almost all died in their late 60s! America need to incorporate moore physical labor into everyday life. Driving is boreing. I'd rather ride. Unless there is a hurricane coming!!

I'm right with you. In 1989, when I was poor, I didn't think too hard, before spending $900 on a Trek 520. I could do this, go out to eat whenever I wanted, and see an occasional play or movie. Life was easy on $15,000, because I lived in an inexpensive appartment and I didn't own a car. Oh, and maybe because I didn't have any kids yet.

It is so sad how automated and machine-driven everything has become! I used to have everything in my home so automated that I didn't even have to get up off the sofa to turn any light and/or appliance in the house on/off.

The public is now paying the price for automation...Obesity!!! Thank God I got out of that rut!

As long as i'm not fat, i'm good.

Unfortunately you choose a "me need to feel good" response instead of a "me need to enlighten fellow commuter" response.

1. bike commuters are a micro presense. Whatever we all can do to promote safe bike commuting helps us all.

2. the goal should be to open a dialog to the benefits of biking.

I am never good when put on the spot like that, but a response that might cause your regular fellow commuter to rethink his position might be something along these lines:

"You're right. Managing money is important. I find time is harder to manage so I combine my commute and workout times. Pretty good Health club fees, right?"

Others may have better alternative responses. If you tried your approach here, you might very quickly find yourself under the wheels of a cowboy truck. Just so you know.

Hi 'o

It was a little harsh, but then again, when you use your bike for transportation, you get tired of people being rude just because you're on a bike! Especially when you know you're doing your part to keep your body healthy AND the environment!
When I first started using my bike I felt kind of silly because I didn't have a car, and that somehow I was lower than other people who have one! But there are lots of countries in Europe where people use bikes for transportation, and a lot of Americans think of Europe as sophisticated. That changed EVERYTHING! Besides the fact my legs are built like a brick you-know-what house!
sometimes construction workers yell at me when I ride by (which is annoying!), but mostly I just ignore people being rude. Like you said, they're the one's getting big fat guts n' butts!

Um. Um. Yeah, I don't know why I never thought of trying to enlighten the minds of the toothless redneck flying a big stars and bars on his pickup.

I'm partial to the "Someone has to be in shape to do your wife" comment and the "get a bike" outpacing manuver. I dunno how I'd feel about opening someone's back door, especially since it will jut into traffic and it provides a great weapon to kill me with.

Really tho, unless they start throwing things, I tend to leave the matter alone. As degrading as it can be for 10 seconds, after 60 seconds more pedalling, I don't care. I am one to call the cops at a moments notice if I feel in danger however, and they get nice letters from me all the time. (no sarcasm, they really do get nice letters from me).

SCORE!!!!!!!!!!!!!