If both bicycle choices are $300, there probably isn't much difference in components between the two.

But if one bicycle is $300 and the other bicycle is $3000, you can bet there will be a big difference!

Probably, the difference won't be as significant as in the case of a Toyota car, which the author of the topic says to be of the highest quality, for $30000 and a new car for $3000.

A bike for $3000 will have no built-in DVD player, no auto transmission, no fan, no gold chain.

Like so many things, the sum cost of the parts exceeds the price of a whole new unit. In the case of a new higher quality wheel, what would you expect to pay? I am thinking it might be around $150 for a good quality rear wheel. That is already half the price of the $300 budget for a new mountain bike.

It is ironic, to be sure.

I agree with its the components not the bike. Unless you are breaking frames the bike has nothing to do with it. The cheaper the bike the cheaper the components. I have been riding the same Trek since 1991 and have used and abused it with all weather/any weather riding, cyclecross, and mtb racing. I have only had to true the front wheel once when not clearing a ditch. Other then that regular maintenance has kept it bullet proof.

I will NEVER, EVER buy a bicycle from a big-box, con-man, or on e-bay.

DOWN WITH WAL-MART!!

Afraid of getting a good deal?

Everyone keeps trashing Alivio components. My bike has Alivio Seems to work fine. The gears shift smoothly and quickly.

I really don't get this component elitist thing. Frames I get. My bike is kind of heavy, and I really feel the bumps and jolts. I'd go for

I'm sure nicer components are more responsive, but is it really so significant? Are they more reliable?

Yes, yes they are.

I changed a worn XT front mech for a Deore. Same cables. The Deore was noticeably slower. I've done a similar comparison with X.7 and XT derailleurs.

And the front mech is dead simple. I assume that the difference would be even more pronounced with the more complicated rear.

No significant difference with non-mechanical or non-stressed parts like seatposts and handlebars though, unless you call minor weight reductions "responsive".

Also, not sure why you'd want a hybrid for the road, when you've got a mountain bike. Get a road bike, leave it in the shed with the mountain bike, and see what comes out in the spring!