Well, since we're comparing; Never spent more than $900 for a bike before I bought my America used for 4 thousand in 2007. Course, just like Ian, bought them used (and sometimes junk and in pieces). My first house cost close to 50 K total after I finished building it, 9 years after starting it. I borrowed 25 K to build my second house and it will probably cost 50 K total if I ever finish it. (It's about 80% complete now and plenty cozy, if not pretty everywhere.) I don't suppose I'll EVER spend that kind of money on a machine ever again, but I had to have something brand new and REALLY nice just once that I didn't slave over. My advice would still be the same however. Buy slightly used and save a fortune!
