In the spring of 1980, I used my tax refund check to buy a Centurion Super Elite, for $400.00. 22lbs of steel riding pleasure(with 27 inch wheels!). My friends all thought I was nuts for spending $400 for a bike. Later that year I drove from NJ to Ca and back in my 1968 VW, with the bike on a rack I got a a flea market for $10.
I still have the bike, and have upgraded a few things, BB, headset, changed from a five speed to a six. I used it to ride my kids around in the baby seat(that had an interesting effect on the ride). I still ride it from time to time, it reminds me of how far bike tech has changed when I have to reach the down tube to shift, then then tune the friction shifter.
I'll never get rid of that bike.