So far I've got $180.00 total in the bike. I replace the heavy seat and stem and had to replace the bottom bracket. Steel is real. Aluminum is too harsh of a ride and Carbon is too much $$$. I have no suspension on this bike other that the chamios is the bike shorts and the air in the tires. I thought about getting a road bike but this is working out great. And besides, all the decent entry level bikes, Trek, Specialized are all made in China. Mine is USA. I ain't giving Walmart/China another dime of my money if I have to make everything myself.