Bikes weren't really "high class" where the glitterati were riding them with gems. What makes a bike expensive is generally less rather than more.
When/where I grew up, the most expensive, baddest bike on the planet was a Merlin. Frame/fork was around 3.5k...unheard of then. In comparison a top end De Rosa dripping with c-record was cheaper complete. I am certain that was a factor in me lusting for a Merlin years later...they were imprinted on my impressionable mind as the paragon of quality. It also didn't really disappoint...that Merlin is the finest production bike I've ever ridden.
Last edited by KonAaron Snake; 10-04-16 at 07:36 AM.