£4000 challange

Goodness, even for an explicily hypothetical game, the thrift scolds come out.

And what a remarkable inapposite comparison the "handbag" thing is. The whole point about fashion items like that is that the extra money doesn't buy you any extra functionality. Whether or not the extra functionality in a really nice bike is good value for money is another question, of course, as is whether or not you're a good enough rider to make use of it. But bloody hell, why not play the game at least?

Four grand? Okay, you can pick up a complete mechanical Record groupset for a little under a grand. Hang that on a Colnago CX Zero frameset, about £1500 from Germany. I'm tempted to stick with Italian bling for the wheels, but for something really exotic and feathery light (with alloy braking), how about American Classic Magnesium clinchers? £900 or so for those leaves maybe £600 and change for some really nice finishing kit. Say a good carbon seatpost, alloy 3T cockpit, and a lightweight saddle and titanium-axled pedals of whatever flavour you prefer (Fizik Arione and Keo blades for me)?

That's superlight, space-age, beautiful-looking, race-tuned but comfy. Now if only there was a spare £4000 down the back of the couch somewhere...

I am having similiar idea in my mind for some time already.. but with tighter budget 2500 with di2 ultegra 11s any suggestions ?

Giant Propel Advanced SL2. £3,999.00. Bam! What do I win?

I'm not quite sure why this chap is getting so much grief. If he has that sort of cash to buy a new bike, then good for him. It makes no difference to me whether someone has a nice/expensive bike, just as it makes no difference to me when someone in a fancy German car drives past my Mondeo.

I had a similar dilemma earlier in the year, my main criteria were hydraulic disk brakes and Di2. I was looking at the De Roda idol but the lacklustre reviews turned me off. I ended up getting a Rose Xeon CDX 3100Di2, which I'm very happy with, plus I saved myself over £1000 when compared to the De Rosa.

I'd try and ascertain what features you are after (Aero, Light, Endurance, Groupset, brakes etc) and then look around and draw up a shortlist. In a couple of years I'll probably turn the Rose into a winter stead and get something super light as a new summer bike.

If you love riding and have the cash, why not treat yourself?

You would get a fine bike for a quarter of that; it's a bike, not a handbag.
It's what you do on it that counts, not how much money you spend.

I've got a lovely Foil you can have for £4k. Not worth close to that but if you're really keen to hit that limit.

When do the school holidays finish?

Is there a prize? Do we get to vote and the winner gets their bike made for him? Or do you have £4k to spend and are shouting about?