This is such an interesting topic from a sociological perspective. The idea that we don’t want to talk about costs with others has always confused me. My wife says it’s because people make judgments about others, but who cares?
Ultimately, it’s a conversation about the application of subjective values. Do Rivendells cost a lot? To me, with my income, yes. To others with theirs, no. Do I think they’re a great bargain? Totally. Do I care if someone thinks I spent too much? No. Unless I overpaid out of ignorance, but that’s really my own fault. I wouldn’t want a comeback for someone having a different opinion of value than me. It’s one of the great things about people. We value things differently. Even people spending the same amount on a specialized carbon bike would think were silly for spending that much on a heavy steel bike. And what do we think of their purchase? Did you know some people don’t like Brussels sprouts? I can’t believe it either. Best, Aaron in El Paso On Monday, June 28, 2021 at 3:50:29 PM UTC-6 Kushan wrote: > Speaking of mid-life crisis car, I am going to need one of these > <https://www.amazon.com/CafePress-MidLife-Crisis-Sticker-Rectangle/dp/B00PRA1VE2?th=1> > > for my bike :) > > On Monday, June 28, 2021 at 2:21:23 PM UTC-7 Jeffrey Arita wrote: > >> I 100% agree with Joel Stern - better to simply not state how much it >> cost. Cost, like many things, is relative. What is inexpensive for some >> is extravagant for others. Keep the cost private. >> >> Jeff >> Claremont, CA >> >> On Sunday, June 27, 2021 at 8:43:51 PM UTC-7 Joel S wrote: >> >>> Of the few people I have told about the cost of the bikes I have only a >>> couple get it, one is a bike guy. Most people will not get it. It’s the >>> same with guitars, cameras, etc. Best to not discuss with those that >>> really do not get it. For most $1,000 is an extravagant bike. Jewelry, >>> watches, best not to discuss. >>> >>> On Sunday, June 27, 2021 at 11:12:57 PM UTC-4 Kushan wrote: >>> >>>> Wife and recently marked the 10th anniversary and decided to get each >>>> other nice presents. She is getting me an Appaloosa built and I got her >>>> something she really wanted in the jewelry department (of 20-30% higher >>>> value than the bike). >>>> >>>> We are both financially responsible people, don't live lavishly, and >>>> can afford both items. However, the reactions of the friends and family >>>> who >>>> hear about our gifts and their values have been somewhat puzzling for me. >>>> While no one has given a second thought to the price of the jewelry, the >>>> reactions on the bike have almost universally been that of astonishment. >>>> And these are from people who know me well, know I enjoy cycling, and that >>>> I only have one bike right now which I am planning to sell when the new >>>> one >>>> arrives. >>>> >>>> So that got me thinking, I can't be the only one who has experienced >>>> this. What are some other similar stories? More importantly, what do you >>>> say to a well-meaning loved one when they ask things like "$3500 for a >>>> bike?" and "but isn't your current bike orange too?" >>>> >>> -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "RBW Owners Bunch" group. To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to rbw-owners-bunch+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com. To view this discussion on the web visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/rbw-owners-bunch/716d7d83-35d3-4e47-a108-606a24edce7bn%40googlegroups.com.
