Supply chain. Entrepreneurism. More business opportunities. More tax friendly. The list can go on and on. Every European country I visit I'm amazed at the lack of department stores, and lack of overall consumerism. Where do people buy things? Where are all the stores that aren't little shops?

> Where do people buy things? Where are all the stores that aren't little shops?

They buy them at the little shops.

> and lack of overall consumerism.

Feature, not bug.

Another factor is to consider what's expected for a city bike for a daily commute.

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.

In the UK you can get a bike for comparable prices (here's an £80 mountain bike). Again, they'll fall apart aftera few months though. The cheapest decent bike? Hmm, personally, I'd guess around £300, but I haven't done enough research to know for sure.