Damn. How is it that in a (generally speaking) bike-unfriendly country like the US bikes are so cheap, while in a bike-mad European country where sales per capita are probably >10 times as high prices are so much higher?
They buy them at the little shops.
> and lack of overall consumerism.
Feature, not bug.
It needs front and rear lights, fenders, chain guard, and likely a built-in lock. It also needs to be able to stand up to being outside in the rain for long periods of time.
While a bike in the US, used only for sunny days and by people who aren't wearing office clothes, and which is stored in the garage or basement, doesn't have the same requirements.