What makes a bicycle so expensive?

Question

I just started looking into buying a better bike (i.e. not Target) and looking at craigslist, there are some bikes they are selling for 1300 bucks!

Why would a bike be so expensive?

And if I just wanted a bike to run errands and possibly ride down a dirt trail, what would be your recommendation?

Answer 1

Bikes are a lot like lingerie, The more you spend the less you get.  The less in this instance is weight.  Serious bicyclists spend a lot of money just to get a lighter bike.  To get lighter bike that is still strong enough to do the job they use expensive materials such as titanium and carbon fiber.  There are also tiny enhancements that help a bike shift smoother than its cheaper brethren.  If you are just running errands in relatively flatland you don't need 27 or 30 speeds, get a three or seven speed internal gear bike.   The maintenance is near zero and reliability is great.  If you are going to do some recreational trail riding any mountain bike you purchase at a actual bike shop (not wal-mart)  will fulfill your needs.  The technology that the $1200 bike had a few years ago has now trickled down to a more affordable bike.  Consulting a good local bike shop would be your best first move.   Find one with lots of brands to choose from.