Originally Posted by Eric F

The cost of one bike over another does not always need to be justified by quantifiable performance gains.

Originally Posted by Eric F

For me, my bike purchases are all about my personal enjoyment. They serve my needs for the way I want to ride, and the way I want my bike to perform. I buy bikes that are exciting to me (even just to look at), and inspire me to want to ride. My bikes excite me in the same way sports cars do. I have bought used high-end bikes because I can get a better bike (lighter, higher-quality components, better wheels) for a lot less money than buying new. This is primarily budget-driven. I have nothing against new bikes. I also could not care less about making any kind of profit, because I don't ever buy a bike with the intent to sell it.

My 3 most-ridden bikes were all purchased used, at less than half of their original cost. However, I didn't know what I didn't know about gravel bikes, so I jumped in on a used bike that was a very good deal, started to figure out what I liked and didn't like, and began replacing things. I eventually ended up replacing everything, including the frame, and spent new-bike money doing it, but I ended up with a bike that is perfect in all the little details that make a difference in my enjoyment of the ride. I don't care that I probably could have done it a cheaper way. The learning process that went on during the process is also valuable to me.