How bout this for rags to riches...
14 YOA - Peugot Ranger 15 speed
15 YOA - Emmelle Dolomite 18 speed
16 YOA - Team Marin 21 speed (Syncros Cattleprod, Bullseye Hubs, Mavic MA40MB rims, Magura Hydrostop brakes, SPD's (1st model...whichever that is))
17 YOA - Funk Pro Comp 21 speed (gripshift, campag group)
18 YOA - Funk out, Car in.....Boohoo
Riding Mountain bikes 19 years now....but i confess with a gap for women and cars in between.....back with a vengeance in the last few years though...(However, maintaining an interest in women & cars of course)...