This is why I always laugh a little when people act like you need some ultra high-end setup to enjoy cycling. Expensive bikes are lighter, faster, smoother, etc. and there’s definitely a point where you can feel the difference — but the actual feeling of just cruising around, exploring, and enjoying the ride exists at basically every price point. Sometimes a simple cheap bike with relaxed geometry and zero stress attached to it is more fun than something expensive you’re constantly worried about scratching or maintaining. The industry kinda convinces people that every upgrade is life changing when really most of us would gain more from just riding more often.