was thumbing through the bicycle magazine review of bikes and was amazed at some of the prices. thousands of dollars for bikes.
i was wondering, i have a 1982 fuji del rey racing bike that i think back in those days sold for 200 or so. do you really get much more for the extra money in bike when you spend say 2000 or more? i can't see much marginal utility after the initial 300 dollars or so spent on a bike.

These days, $300.00 will only get you a bike that is lower entry level and on year end clearance. I have bought decent bikes in the $700.00 range. Of course, those who want really nice rides are talking 2K+++. Some lof the more serious local riders spend $2,500 to 3,500 on year end clearance bikes and end up with very nice stuff. It all depends on what you want. bk

Keep in mind that Bicycling Mag is totally obsessed with "ultimate" everything. They aren't going to review too many $1,000 bikes.

An equivalent bike would probablycost $800 now. Gearshifters and brakes have become more complicated and expensive, but also easier to use. Rear hubs have had huge improvements. There have been great improvements in clincher tires for only modest increases in costs.
At prices over $1500 you get wheels with exotic rims and spoke arrangements.

Yes.