your car is nice probably cost you hundreds eh hehe

I just bought a cool new sports bike and happily rode it onto the road, ready to enjoy the freedom and flair that cycling brings. But just as I stopped to take a sip of water, a group of onlookers gathered around my bike, and the familiar scenario unfolded once again:

"How much did your bike cost?"

"It must be a few hundred, right?"

"It probably cost at least 300!"

"..."

Most cycling enthusiasts have experienced this scene more than once. Without any prior interaction, being abruptly asked by strangers about the value of their beloved bike often leaves cyclists feeling awkward. Such "sudden attacks" can catch cycling enthusiasts off guard.

The questioner may be unintentional, but the respondent often has to think carefully, wanting to maintain some privacy while naturally resisting such inquiries. They might casually throw out a lowball figure like "500" or "1200," far from the bike's actual value, just to end the meaningless conversation quickly. The result is indeed meaningless; the passerby doesn't get the real answer, and the cyclist adds another awkward encounter to their record.

Sincere cycling enthusiasts, when they answer truthfully, sometimes receive sarcastic or mocking replies:

"8000?! My motorcycle costs about the same!"

"70000?! You could buy a decent car for that, why buy a bicycle?"

...

(The price of a certain model on Codoon is enough to buy several Apple X phones.)

Later, they might even tell their friends and family, "I saw someone riding a bike that cost 70000 today. Do you think they're crazy? Balabala..."

A truthful answer often just gives some inquirers more gossip for their idle chatter, while the bike owner is left feeling resentful.

It's unclear what kind of answer would satisfy them.

Sports bikes are professional sports equipment, not just simple commuting tools. They differ greatly in both performance and price from regular commuting bicycles.

If the inquirer is merely curious and directly asks a stranger about their bike's price, it's extremely impolite. Imagine being suddenly asked by someone you know how much you earn per month; most people would feel uncomfortable. It's the same principle, especially with strangers.

Many people think of bicycles as cheap, everyday items for commuting, shopping, or carrying goods. When they suddenly see a cool-looking "special" bike, they become extremely curious and think there's nothing wrong with asking about its price.

If someone says it's just curiosity and not to take it so seriously, then why doesn't anyone ask the price of a Ferrari parked by the roadside?

Everyone knows that asking a stranger about the value of their luxury car is extremely rude. So, based on their preconceived notions about bicycles, they think it's okay to ask about the price and make comments without considering the owner's feelings. Isn't it the same principle?

Courtesy shouldn't be reserved only for what we subconsciously consider prestigious..

If those who are curious about the price of cyclists' bikes genuinely like cycling, they can easily find information on various forums or shopping websites in today's internet age. Even if they want to learn directly from experienced cyclists, they should communicate in a more harmonious manner. Most cyclists are happy to share information, including the price of their bikes, as long as the conversation is appropriate.

However, if it's just out of curiosity or to find some "fun," directly asking about the price without any prior interaction is too awkward, and cyclists really can't handle it!

So next time someone asks:"Nice bike, how much did it cost?"

Even if you're riding a shared bike, just reply:"None of your business, you can't afford it anyway!"

[Interactive Topic]

What "awkward" questions have you been asked during your rides?

Feel free to share your experiences in the comments section.