we ride < $100 bikes here in India, and few serious bikers at it. I am visiting one of those rare bike shops tomorrow that sell trek bikes here – http://bumsonthesaddle.com – to see some bikes. I am worried about its usage however, it is not easy to ride in Indian city traffic.

@Spork – Check out Rivendell’s Bombadil.

Here in Geneva (Switzerland)we have a HUGE problem with bikes : they get stolen all the time. This is why I seldom use mine and prefer to take the bus and walk.

Sometimes, bike would be better than walking (in my case, it would be much faster to go grocery shopping), but you’re never sure you’ll find your bike when you go out of the store …

So I don’t think I would ever buy a $1500 bike …

Helen

I got the Surly Cross Check a few years back. Best investment I ever made. Tough enough for potholes and dirt tracks, and fast enough to make even very long commutes a pleasure. I even did fully-loaded touring on it, going up and down the French Alps. For the price and versatility, it’s a tough ride to beat.

how about:

http://masibikes.com/tab4_subNav2.php

I like the CX myself, it’s similar to the Bianchi San Jose I ride to work every day. These single-speed bikes are efficient only when your terrain is relatively flat, but what a joy to ride!

LOL, I suppose in reality – you COULD use a breeding buck for transport. In fact, I wouldn’t be a bit surprised if somewhere in the world they don’t

I have friends who drive their goats, so why not?

I use a hybrid bike that I got custom built from a used nonprofit bike shop for under $500, which included all the accesories- lock, lights, reflectors, rack for placing bike bags on, full repair/inspection/tuning etc.

Anything more $$ and it would be worth more than my car

Want a great bike-get bent! As in recumbent. I bought a used Ryan for $400 – I can ride for hours in complete comfort. I use it for all my short errands.
“With the recumbent, people are discovering that their bicycle does not have to cause them pain.
Not at all. in fact, they can be ridden for hours and miles without ailments such as the sore butt, stiff neck, aching shoulders or numb hands that afflict the conventional bicycle rider. Instead the recumbent rider experiences far greater comfort, a better view of the world, a toning and strengthening of the abdomen. even a better sun tanning position.” http://bikeroute.com/WhyBent.php
and http://ryanownersclub.com/history/ryanhistoryrcn.htm
I will take my Ryan over a $10,000 bike.

If you want to indulge you don’t have to buy a new bike. You can spend the same amount on a good new bike as you would spend on a tricked out top of the line used bike. The vintage steel bikes from 20-30 years ago are beautiful. If I’m going to spend a lot of money on a bike, I’d rather have a handmade steel bike with decoratively carved lugs and full campagnolo components. Check out the *nice* vintage bikes on ebay.

Hi Jacob, Really interesting concept. I’m so cost conscious I would never think of spending $1,500 on a bike…. but that’s also because I don’t ride much! Your premise is very sound. Giving up the car and replacing it with a premium bike is brilliant. Once again, put your money towards what YOU value! Barb

If you can build up your own bikes and have parts laying around, a Surly LHT or Cross Check frame is a great frame for just $400.

I have an LHT.

I just cant stop eye gouging at Surly Karate Monkey frame It’s just so universal- good for offroad, for winter commuting, but it is still 29er, so I could just put slick tires on it and hit road. And so many drive train combinations- single speed or fixie for winter, derailleur and more gears for summer. Just great frame to have fun with.
But I just bough last year sweet cross bike, so I just can justify buying new bike

If you buy a $1500 bike you should do something to make it look ubly. Spray paint it silver or neon green including the tires and rims. Even better is to put duct tape on the frame and then spray paint it. Otherwise, it’ll probably get stolen. At least it will be stolen here in the college down where I live.