Originally Posted by pgjackson

That is the truth! The typical progression is to start out on something in the $300-400 range (something heavy with low end components, these are the cheapest bikes at real bike shops one step up from a basic sports-store bike). At that point you either are hooked or the bike sits in the garage. For those who get hooked, the next purchase is usually a nice aluminum bike around $1000 from a reputable manufacturer with upgraded components like the 105. The next purchase will eventually be a $2000+ full CF or Titanium bike with an upgraded groupo like Ultegra or Red and branded racing wheels. If you stick around long enough you will be assimilated.