In an apples-to-apples comparison this is probably true but since most of us who own multiple bikes use each bike for different things. For example I enjoy my very inexpensive singlespeed more than I enjoy my much more expensive mountain bike.

Also- Having six wheelsets for one bike seems like a sign of some sort of hoarding disorder.

I'm thinking that you're asking the wrong question.

If you took your most expensive bike and installed the wheelset from your least expensive bike I think most people would agree that you have decreased it's monitary value. Having done that, do you think you would find riding the bike more enjoyable?

I own a '1988, 753 Reynolds Steel framed Raleigh. I also have a 2001 Trek 5900 USPS SuperLite. The trek doesn't even come close to the Raleigh's greatness...

To me it isn't any one component or even a mix of components that make a bike more or less fun, it is the type of riding. Maybe it's because I'm not a racer and generally enjoy a moderate length rides at what most would consider a slow pace that having 'performace' bikes means less to me than it does to most. I think if I won a $5,000 race bike tomorrow it would be wasted on me because I'd still rather be lollygagging along the local MUP on it rather than training to race with Lance in the next TdF.

Actually, I ended up with the wheelsets by paying ridiculously low prices for them. I have been wanting to build two new bikes-hence the wheelsets- but I found out I could have almost a "different bike" every weekend by switching wheelsets. And since I can afford them, what the heck. It is only money, and I really don't have any bad habit to spend money on, so wheelsets it is.

Remember, if you can afford it, it is no skin off anybody's nose. And it is definitely not hoarding.

It depends on what you mean by enjoyment and what you want out of a bike. Todays bikes clearly out perform older bikes. But technology and prgress comes with a price tag. A modern CF bike with aero wheels and 10 or 11 speed group rides quicker and handles better than a 30 year old steel frame with a 5 speed freewheel. But if you like the feel of something that old, then you get enjoyment out of it. So if speed and handling are important, yes cost is the price of enjoyment.

Is it me or what that the bike is too small for the rider? Look at his right leg. At that pedal location, the legs should be nearly fully stretched. But it is fairly bent.

Who said a good fit is key to enjoying a bike?

And lets not confuse a classic bike with a enjoyable bike to ride.

Be careful in underground parking, tunnels, or riding under vertical traffic lights.

I ride 175's and find most of the world dreadfully underscaled (well, at least my head does).

I enjoy riding my more expensive bikes since they are more tailor made for my riding needs, but I enjoy riding my inexpensive bikes as well since I don't have to fuss over them as much, and they are much easier to replace in case of theft; mainly, they are less for me to worry about. For me, it just depends on when, where, and what type of riding I'll be doing that will determine my level of enjoyment from any of my bikes.

...

I completely agree! I would much rather be riding a bike I enjoy, even if it is one like my Raleigh Superbe that has a value of ~$300.

I am willing to bet that my 38 year old "All Steel Bicycle" Raleigh will still be around and being ridden long after a very large number of the $$$ wonder bikes have bit the dust. Increased cost does not necessarily mean durability. I rode steel road frames for years with things like Suntour Superbe Pro equipment, it was a good compromise between cost and performance. Unless you are a top shelf professional racer the biggest gains are made in the engine rather than the components. However if someone wants to spend $5,000 on a bike that is their choice, you could probably cover most of my collection of 25+ bikes for that dollar amount.

Aaron

I was just teasing you in good fun, I hope you didn't think I was serious.

I have 13 bikes and enjoy them all on their own merits as each is unique and offers a different riding experience.

I figure my mtb is the most expensive bike I own... replacing that would cost about $3000.00 and it is the finest steel hard tail ever made (a hand built Rocky Mountain Blizzard).



At the other end of the spectrum it is probably my 1940 CCM that cost the least as the frame was free and it is cobbled together from salvaged parts save for the rear wheel that I had to build. This bike has given me a lot of joy as there is just something about riding it that really pleases me... she isn't the fastest or the most comfortable (the ride is pretty smooth) but she has some unique style.



My polo bike cost next to nothing to build and the fun factor when I ride that is off the scale...

I don't rate my bike by how I paid for them. I rate them for job I bought them to do which makes how much each one cost a non-issue if I did my job of selecting each one for the job right.

Well you must be very proud of yourself.

It all depends upon what importance you place on the value of money.

If you were gifted a $3000 Cinelli Supercorsa, you might well find it your most enjoyable bike.

But... would you view it as your most expensive, or least expensive, bike... and what value would you place on your enjoyment of it?

I think you would be forced to value it in terms other than monetary... (ie. "It was a treasured gift from someone special", or "I worked hard for it", "I found it in a skip and re-built it" and so on)....

... which to me is a better way of looking at life in general. (Sorry if that's a bit deep )

+1. I love my xtra townie to death, but after 15 miles, my rear is aching. But since I have a short commute and use it for errands, it's perfect most days.

My most fun bike is my most expensive one for a couple reasons

1. it was pro built and tuned so everything works like a fine watch

2. Its really freekin fast and easy to accelerate, and to me fun is hammering it as fast as possible like a guided missile.

That said I often get the most enjoyment out of my middle bike (the BD Mercier I built with Campy Parts), mainly because I can ride it more often... taking a triathlon bike out on the streets here is asking to become road pizza.