nomadmax 

If we were at a BF get together the below text would be spoken words and they would include inflection and all the things written words can't convey. IE they wouldn't come off as abrasive. I said all that to say this; I'm making a case for having a passion, like bicycles, and really enjoying it without the "OMG this is more expensive than buying a new bike" feelings.

We can kibitz the terms "uncommon", "rare" or "just plain expensive compared to everything else". It all comes down to this; if you want something specific you have to be prepared to pay the going price or do without it. I'm sitting in my office with a few bikes that have parts on them that I've paid DEARLY for and I smile every time I look at or ride them. I have zero regrets about how much I paid for any of them.