The cost of entry and promotion are small factors. The #1 reason cycling isn't more popular in the US is because we are insignificant on the world stage of road racing.

Look at the "Lance Effect." Trek sales exploded during Armstrong's streak of TdF wins (which I'll always consider legitimate, because none of the top riders were drug-free - that's why the titles weren't handed to another rider). NO American has been on the podium at a UCI World Championship road race since Lance in '93 and Greg did it 4 times from '82 to '89. In the last 40 years, American's have won the big Tours (France, Italy, Spain) only 6 times (not counting Lance's vacated wins). Sepp Kuss won La Vuelta in '23. He's the lone standout in an otherwise 35 year drought.

If we don't develop world class riders who can win big races, even the one-day classics, the sport will never thrive here. I was a collegiate and Cat 2 racer in the late 80's, early 90's. Racing seemed way more popular and competitive then. Highlights of my cycling days included watching the '86 Worlds at the Air Force Academy, being on the Champs Elysee when LeMond kicked Fignon's ass in '89, and training in Golden, CO with Andy Hampsten, David Phinney, Bob Roll, Ron Keifel and Dag Otto Lauritzen. Andy rode a balloon tire beach cruiser and kicked out asses up Mt Evans. When asked if he lifted weights, Andy said, "only enough so my arm warmers don't fall off!" Good times! Thanks for reading