Fifty Plus (50+) - Does being 50+ change view on equipment?

I just ventured over into the Road forum and left with a thought I'd like to shoot out here for others to kick around. There's an apparently frequent discussion about who "deserves" high end equipment. During the recent incarnation of this discussion, there is a fair amount of chest thumping, name calling, etc. Frankly, I don't understand the logic. I suspose when I was younger I had some need to assert myself in the larger world, but not concerning bike equipment. I've always thought it best to buy the best equipment you could afford. Granted, I had to work a second job in a bike shop to afford decent equipment, but I did so gladly.

When I first started taking guitar lessons in 1966, my music teacher said, "Buy the best guitar you can afford. You want an instrument that produces great sound and seduces you into playing longer than a poor sounding one." My grandmother, who was a professional chef, said, "Buy good knives even if you don't cook that much. Your tools should never stand in the way of enjoying your work." I've kind of approached bicycles the same way. Buy what seduces you to ride even longer, and try to avoid anything that takes the joy out of it. Is this view abnormal, or more typical of those over 50? Or, maybe it's not age related at all?

If you like something, we agree: buy the best you can afford.

I'm familiar with the arguement you're reffering to. Someone says it's not right for an overweight, older guy to have a $5k bike, or some such nonsense.
I can't afford to spend $5k, but I just spent $2k on a new bike, and even if it was $5k, it's my hobby, my sport, and my money, and it's much cheaper than motorcycles, cars, or other things we could spend our money on.
After I turned 50, I think it's easier to justify any bike expenses.

I think as we mature, the judgements of others mean less while we simultaneousy tend to avoid judging. This thought does not apply necessarily to all, but is rather generalized. Nor does it apply solely to cycling. I imagine there are younger folks out there who wish they had my bike and feel that a fat, grey old man shouldn't be riding it. In the army, younger troops tended to accept and even support the priveliges of rank, understanding that as they progressed those priveliges would eventually acrue to them as well. I appreciate respectful jealousy.

For quite some decades I;ve found "do your own thing" works for me. I learn alot about myself along the way, not always what I expected either. Lets me consider the same privilege for anyone else. Course that doesn't mean that all is 'equal'.
I consider cycling a 'higher form' of enlightenment, so the approach brought to it by the rider matters a lot. But that in no way is related to equipment.
On many planes the bici as industrial art, visual candy, symbiotic extension, math & physics applied, instrument of torture and pleasure can be appreciated without any inference into the act of 'riding'. And ownership has significance only in 'accessibilty', it implies no 'higher being' to the owner.
It seems increasingly hard for the global 'us' to separate selfworth from accummulated crappage.
There is no 'worth' curve to what you are buried with, contrary to what the Pharaohs thunk.
And we all do get buried...
So the earth of worth is 'flat' and whether one rides a carboniferous one-off, vin-taghe gaspipe or discountstore beater, one always rides on the same plane.
after all, enlightenment is a bit more difficult than whippin out the plastic.

Does being 50+ change view on equipment?...
yes
... 50 miles changes view on equipment...

Life is short and you only live once, twice if your lucky, so my motto is no regrets for the rest of my life as I ride my expensive bikes and loving it.

I always figured that if you were good enough, you'd get the good equipment given to you. So I've always fallen for the line that you should earn the right to use the best equipment. Part of this is just the mystique of really good bike stuff. When I was a young bike racer, Campagnolo brakes were the ridiculously-priced epitome of bicycle technology. I never used them, not just because I couldn't afford them, but because I didn't feel like I deserved them. I don't remember when or how I got my first set of Campag brakes, but it wasn't for full retail from the LBS, and I think I was over thirty, and I was getting on the podium fairly regularly. I think it's dumb for parents to buy Dura-Ace or Record-level equipment for junior riders; they need to win them. But then, I think it's OK for cyclists over 50 to use Record-level stuff because they can usually afford it, and there's a certain latitude you have to allow for age. However, having said that, I think that if you're going to use Record-level stuff, you should look like you know how to use it.

I like the notion of "being seduced to ride longer." As I was riding up the hill to my house this morning, I was admiring the thick lines of the front Ultegra dual-pivot brake, the simple black Bontrager stem, the Kestrel EMS carbon fork, and I was glad to be on the bike. Something very aesthetically pleasing about looking at good equipment.

- L.

Someone says it's not right for an overweight, older guy to have a $5k bike, or some such nonsense.


Of course when he becomes an overweight older guy, it will be alright.

Sadly, that forum is becoming a festering cesspool of penis envy and a barren vacuity of wisdom. :(

Have to agree that better equipment will be better and nurture your enthusiasm, but heart can be given to those of us that cannot afford the top equipment. Your abilities will only allow you to ride to your abilities- no matter what equipment you have.
If the legs and lungs are not up to the standard of a TDF rider- do you need the ultra expensive bikes that they ride?
There is a progression that all sports, hobbies, and skills take. I am not saying that you are better off buying the low end bikes until you improve, but I do think that it is pointless paying extra $$$$'s for a bike with top of the range equipment that has to be taken care of (Cannot be abused by poor riding) and is 14ozs lighter, if you cannot use it to its full extent.
Common sense tells me to buy the best I can afford- without buying the Ultimate.

I started off with an old heavy bike- found out that I liked it so progressed up to a decent bike. Then I have just started road riding. Road riding skills are different to mountain biking so decided to start gently. Instead of Buying a $2,000 bike- I was around the $800 mark. Remember, I am already a cyclist. So far I have not found any failings in the bike. In myself yes but the bike will do me untill I want to do a 100 miler in 6 hours, or am able to.

I dont know. Its kinda like golf in a way. You can be the world's sorryest golf player. All your friends know you suck, your wife knows you suck, the golf shop you trade at knows you suck, and to top it all off, you yourself know you suck too. But all of that is irrelevant, because if you have passion for the game, and you can afford it, then you're going to have the best g'ddamn golf clubs money can buy.

Whether you deserve it or not is irrelevant. I've read posts from some of those young punk roadies, complaining about some overweight 'old geezer' undeservedly riding his 5K bike, and looking 'silly' in his team kit, and how the punk ran him down and dropped him as he so richly deserved, then goaded himself into triumph for doing so on his sub-standard crappy road bike. All I can do, when I hear that is tilt my head back, face pointed to the sky and 'bark' out laughter, because it is indeed funny.

I ride a '91 Tommasini, Columbus framed, custom painted, chromed and engraved rolling masterpiece, and am just the overweight guy these young punks need to drop. Does my skill level or fitness level match the bike???...."Hell No" it dont match the bike, but you can bet your sweet arse I deserve it.

Whether you deserve it or not is irrelevant. I've read posts from some of those young punk roadies, complaining about some overweight 'old geezer' undeservedly riding his 5K bike, and looking 'silly' in his team kit, and how the punk ran him down and dropped him as he so richly deserved

A few months ago I was riding through a neighborhood I rarely visit, and I passed some guys in their late teens or early twenties in a driveway, all standing next to pretty good road bikes. As I passed I could see them talking, and about 30 seconds later one of them came spinning past me going half again faster than I was. As he passed he turned and gave me "the look." Then he turned around and rode back to his drivway.

This guy actually hopped on his bike and chased after me to prove the point that he was faster than an overweight guy in his fifites!

I've never worried much about what other people think of what I do or buy. Not being a big fan of advertising I tend to remove or cover up labels on my bikes, I think the bikes look much better that way, sometimes a biker will express shock when they realize I've removed the labels from a custom frame or covered the labels on my high end componants. I earned the money to buy a really nice bike that I can enjoy, I didn't buy it for status and I certainly don't care if someone thinks I don't deserve it.

It's a good thing I don't get what I deserve or I wouldn't have much. Having quipment envy and moaning about it is silly and says a lot about the person doing the moaning.

...So the earth of worth is 'flat' and whether one rides a carboniferous one-off, vintaghe gaspipe or discountstore beater, one always rides on the same plane...
Is this a quote from that mathematical thriller, "Flat Land?"

...As I passed I could see them talking, and about 30 seconds later one of them came spinning past me going half again faster than I was. As he passed he turned and gave me "the look."
This summer I was out on the 39 pound 5 speed Collegiate. I had stopped by the lake to watch a Loon, when a 20 something dude buzzed by on his CF/TI whatever steed and sneered at my wheels. I decided to see how fast he was "not" going and caught up in about 1/2 to 3/4 of a mile. As I pulled along side I said, "HI! How are you?" He looked very confused. When we came to a Stop and T intersection, I asked if he wanted to continue riding together and that I was turning left, he said he needed to turn right!

When I was a young bike racer, Campagnolo brakes were the ridiculously-priced epitome of bicycle technology. I never used them, not just because I couldn't afford them, but because I didn't feel like I deserved them.
I finally got my first set!

When I was 18 I got my first full Campy bike. Nuovo Record. That was Campy's top of the line then, so I was riding a pro gruppo. When Campy brakes came out, I got them too.

When I started riding again after many years I found my ego did not require the very best, just something very good. The proliferation of top end equipment made it possible for me to choose among 3 Shimano groups (105, Ultegra, DuraAce) and 3 Campy gruppos (Centaur, Chorus, Record). I ended up with Centaur, I'm very happy with it, but it's a choice that would have left me dissatisfied 40 years ago, since it's not "the best". Though frankly I think each one of the six is better than my dearly loved and fondly remembered Nuovo Record.

That being said, I still love and appreciate the top end stuff, and respect anyone of us 50+ (or for that matter 50-) who choose to ride it, as long as they're really riding and appreciating what you have. If you're just riding to Starbucks to hang out at the corner so people can view your equipment, no respect.

Sadly, that forum is becoming a festering cesspool of penis envy and a barren vacuity of wisdom. :(

Perhaps the 50+ folks should invade the road cycling forum all at once one day "en masse" and change the "festering cesspool" to a beautiful lagoon?

When I first started taking guitar lessons in 1966, my music teacher said, "Buy the best guitar you can afford. You want an instrument that produces great sound and seduces you into playing longer than a poor sounding one."

Let's follow this analogy a little deeper. Like guitars there are bikes built for different puposes. I often have seen riders on "solid bodies" when they should have bought "acoustic".

I own a bike shop. I could have the nicest set up from any bike line I carry and write it off to "overhead" or whatever. I choose to not ride the high end as I feel it is often just gilding the lily. One or two levels below the highest end will often give the same performance and durability at a much lower cost. I do not do it because I am cheap. I ride the bikes I do because I sell them in my market. My market does not have deep pockets.

That said, owning any level bike or equipment is up to the owner. They do not have to justify their decision nor should they feel the need to. But many do. If someone wants the most expensive rig in my shop, I will gladly sell it to them without judging whether they are worthy. As far as I am concerned having enough money to pay the price is justification enough. Anything else is just rationalizing.

The problem I run into more often than not is riders not picking out equipment based on perceived usuage, but price. Having the right equipment is more important than having the most expensive or the cheapest.

when I was younger and my wife and I were raising our kids, the family always came first all the way to college three kids now all grown.
Since I have been riding since 1979 i have seen the biking industry take a big swing upwards with innovations, larger $ amounts and better technologies, as well as inflation.
Now I spend what I want and on the equipment that I want, without hesitation, and do not care how others perceive me.
there will always be someone that can spend more or be more conservative and spend less.
It is up to each individual, i view my cycling as a passion and defiantly a plus towards my health so in my mind as long as my bills are paid, and we still live comfortably it is no ones business on how much I spend.

Perhaps the 50+ folks should invade the road cycling forum all at once one day "en masse" and change the "festering cesspool" to a beautiful lagoon?


Let's follow this analogy a little deeper. Like guitars there are bikes built for different puposes. I often have seen riders on "solid bodies" when they should have bought "acoustic".
And don't forget that there may be a few 50+ folks who don't give a darn about "road cyclist" conceit or owning/coveting the "best road cycling bike" money can buy.

Having the right equipment is more important than having the most expensive or the cheapest.
Exactly!

And don't forget that there may be a few 50+ folks who don't give a darn about "road cyclist" conceit or owning/coveting the "best road cycling bike" money can buy.

+1

It sort of depends upon one's purpose(s) for bicycling, IMHO.

I happen to bicycle because I enjoy it, I like (and need) the exercise, it gets me from one place to another at times, and it is just plain fun.

In order to meet my goals, I do not need the "best." I need "appropriate."

Does being 50+ change view on equipment? Yes, at least if you actually ride a lot. By the time you're 50 you realize that even the good, expensive bike stuff eventually breaks or wears out.

You also realize a lot of old guys pay attention to goofy stuff.

Perhaps the 50+ folks should invade the road cycling forum all at once one day "en masse" and change the "festering cesspool" to a beautiful lagoon?




You mean like go over there and clean it up?? That sounds like fun. :D

You know, it could be done very cleanly too.

You mean like go over there and clean it up?? That sounds like fun. :D

You know, it could be done very cleanly too.

Hey, don't get carried away - it was just a sort of thought! We wouldn't really want to do that, would we?

I finally got my first set!



mmmmmmmmmhhh...........indeed!!

Nuovo Record???

Have you thought about stripping them down and polishing them? :D

You also realize a lot of old guys pay attention to goofy stuff.

And so do young guys and middle aged guys and women also. Life is full of folks paying attention to "goofy stuff." Just read some other forums. So what?

Hey, don't get carried away - it was just a sort of thought! We wouldn't really want to do that, would we?



:D :D

I actually got an email from a guy one time that I owned too many high end bikes. He took me to task for being so affluent while there was more deserving people out there who couldn't afford even one decent bike. I didn't know the guy from Adam and I'm sure he didn't know me either except that I had "things" that he wanted and couldn't afford. I explained to him how I had lived modestly, never went in to debt and made some good decisions in life (like working hard) and that if he followed my plan, he could own nice toys when he was 50 also. :)

I do enjoy nice equipment... and some day may ride some, but my drive is different now... still an obsession, but different. :D I have never cared too much about what others have thought, and I have been a bit bohemian about my bikes... but I actually see more value in nice equipment now... it doesn't have to be expensive or have a high bling factor, but good functional durable and nice looking. I am actually looking forward to trying those new brifter things some day. :)

By the way, many (though not all) of the posts over in the road forum are tongue in cheek. I rode with a small group of them at the Lancaster Covered Bridge ride and the ones that showed up there are not the ones that publish their exploits, but hanging out with them helped me to understand the humor a bit more.

There are some testosterone driven types over there, but their theads are usually a gaggle of activity making fun of the original post.

Two simple reasons why you should feel fine about riding the nicest bike you can afford if that's your thing:

1) The nicer it is, the more you'll want to ride it.

2) Life's too short to ride a crappy bike.

(Note that the latter reason in particular is more likely to resonate with 50+ers than it does with youngsters.)

I always figured that if you were good enough, you'd get the good equipment given to you. So I've always fallen for the line that you should earn the right to use the best equipment. Part of this is just the mystique of really good bike stuff. When I was a young bike racer, Campagnolo brakes were the ridiculously-priced epitome of bicycle technology. I never used them, not just because I couldn't afford them, but because I didn't feel like I deserved them. I don't remember when or how I got my first set of Campag brakes, but it wasn't for full retail from the LBS, and I think I was over thirty, and I was getting on the podium fairly regularly. I think it's dumb for parents to buy Dura-Ace or Record-level equipment for junior riders; they need to win them. But then, I think it's OK for cyclists over 50 to use Record-level stuff because they can usually afford it, and there's a certain latitude you have to allow for age. However, having said that, I think that if you're going to use Record-level stuff, you should look like you know how to use it.

I like the notion of "being seduced to ride longer." As I was riding up the hill to my house this morning, I was admiring the thick lines of the front Ultegra dual-pivot brake, the simple black Bontrager stem, the Kestrel EMS carbon fork, and I was glad to be on the bike. Something very aesthetically pleasing about looking at good equipment.

- L.

This intrigues me. I have other friends who made it to Cat 1 & 2 racing. They hold the same view you share at the start of your post. I think this was a cultural thing they learned from others who coached them and those who raced with them who were better. Yet, using my cooking metaphor, when I started working in my Grandmother's kitchen, she was adamant that no one would be in her kitchen without the right tools. The first set of knives I brought into her kitchen, she promptly told me were crap, wouldn't hold an edge long enough, and were not welcomed in her kitchen. I had to return them and buy a more expensive set that were actually better perfroming. Is there a cycling culture out there that says from the very start, "If you're going to race and do it right, get the best you can afford."?

...a number of older gentlemen give too much interest to foolish things.
Hmmm? I wonder what those things might be? Could it be riding a 40 year old 39 pound Collegiate? Just curious.

Life is too short for cheap running shoes and cheap bicycles.

I agree with most of the posts prior-enjoy what you can afford. My beef is with the racing set that looks down on those who don't race, who ride for the enjoyment of the outdoors and wind in your face, and yes, to try to get some positive physical and emotional feedback from the activity. I generally try to, at least, wave to oncoming bikers and usually get a positive response. More often than not the CF set takes on a holier than thou attitude that, IMHO is the antithesis of the "biking experience" as a whole.

good post

Being more into XC I've always wondered about some of the bikes I see on the trails. Myself included, most of the people I see on high end bikes will never use them to their full potential.

And then there are those that ride their FR bikes into town for dinner...I'm no longerr surprised to see VP Frees, Moments,and Spyders chained up on our sidewalks

My grandmother, who was a professional chef, said, "Buy good knives even if you don't cook that much. Your tools should never stand in the way of enjoying your work." I've kind of approached bicycles the same way. Buy what seduces you to ride even longer, and try to avoid anything that takes the joy out of it. Is this view abnormal, or more typical of those over 50? Or, maybe it's not age related at all?

This thread can easily turn into a political discussion about income/wealth disparity.
There are multi-millionaires on bikes and there are folks who bike since they cannot afford a car.
I have seen bikers on $7,500 bikes who never go fast but like the feel of the bike----AND----most important, they can afford any toy they want.

I am frugal. I do not like to spend serious money for something I do not need. There are too many things I enjoy and most of those cost a lot of money. It comes down to spending money for an ideal bike visa a cultural trip of Europa and sample fine art and music. Tough choice for me.
That choice forced me to be creative with my bike purchase. I had to balance the wishes of my wife also.

One thing I can say with some authority: If you want to go far and fast on a bike in reasonable comfort, you will have to spend some serious money or take risk on purchasing used equipment. (there is a cost associated with that risk also)

My view of equipment hasn't changed much over time.

At my good times, I am a strong, fast recreational rider. I know that there will be other guys out there who can shut me down and that I am stronger than some other riders.

Personally, as far as performance goes, I don't think the bike makes much of a difference. Dura Ace is a couple of pounds lighter than 105 and Dura Ace equiped bikes tend to have lighter wheels and frames so a Dura Ace bike can be about 4 lbs lighter than a 105. That 4 lbs is not that big a weight difference. It would be important on a mountain stage in the Tour de France. But I am a recreational rider and most recreational riders can afford to lose 10, 20, 30, 40 or even more lbs. Obviously, conditioning and diet far outweight the minor edge components can give.

That being said, some people appreciate a superbly crafted machine. I know some people who have Colnogo bikes and the paint jobs are really beautiful. I would be afraid to ride such a bike and get a *gasp* scratch on the paint job. But if you like that sort of thing go for it.

If you don't ride something a bit less expensive.

Also, at 50+, we are generally a bit more affluent before and we can afford top of the line. Remember, as far as toys go, bikes are cheap thrills compared to boats, cars and motorcycles.

Another thing is at 50+ how many more riding years do we have? At 35, it seemed as if I had a riding eternity. But now things are different. If one feels the desire to ride the best in the time allotted to them, who is to say them nay?

I think choosing the correct price/quality tradeoff point is very much an individual decision and I pretty much respect the decision people make. However, it is definitely not cool to sneer at someone else's modest bike or expensive one for that matter.

I always buy the best of whatever it is that I can afford, or even stretch to. I've found that if I don't I end up buying later anyway. Then it cost me more than it would have if I'd just bought the better one to begin with.

Hey, don't get carried away - it was just a sort of thought! We wouldn't really want to do that, would we?
Only if you would welcome the regulars from other lists posting their "message" here. Would you like posting about hipness chic or the Simple Life Mantra on this list? Maybe some posts about bike lanes? This list has already sunk into the helmet proselytization morass.

Hmmm? I wonder what those things might be? Could it be riding a 40 year old 39 pound Collegiate? Just curious.

Hey, that gives me an idea: a 50+ "Ride your Age in Bike Weight" thread. One pound (none of this metric shilly-shallying!) of bike weight for each year. That means, basically, Huffys with a couple of bricks on a cargo rack for most of us. :D

I always buy the best of whatever it is that I can afford, or even stretch to. I've found that if I don't I end up buying later anyway. Then it cost me more than it would have if I'd just bought the better one to begin with.
I buy what I like and continue to use it as long as I enjoy it. The availability of allegedly better products does not reduce the pleasure I get from what I do own.

Well, there have been some very interesting points/ideas kicked around, and I appreciate folks sharing them. In reviewing them, it seems as if there are several themes, at least through the filters of my hidden bias (I'll be forever recovering from the bias I hold, yet am unaware of them).

1. There are those who don't worry about or give much credence to what others think of them and their rides.

2. Some believe that at 50+ you've earned the right to ride what you want - more discretionary income for some; rode for years on mid level equipment; don't have all that many years left to ride; have paid the dues with years of hard work, supporting a family, etc.

3. Some believe that it's simply a matter of individual choice and no one else's business.

4. Others wonder if folks really need equipment that is above their ability (for me this would mean that a Schwinn Varsity is above my true ability.... the bike is capable of much more than I am. :D ).

5. Some note that there will always be those with a need to look down or judge others, and this is not always age related.

6. Others see the logic of the best equipment should be used by the best riders and must be earned (yet this is also a sense, for some, that if you can afford it, got for it.).

7. There is also some recognition of the motivations / experiences that drive the dynamics of those who look at others and judge. This ranges from those wishing they could have what they do not have, to those wishing to demonstrate that they are better and/or more deserving.

I've probably missed some important ones, but hey, it's my bias filter kicking in. I must confess that I am fascinated by this whole thing. If you look at the bikes I ride (via my signature line), you'll see that it's quite a range. And, I am aware that I'm very lucky to have the choices I do. What occurs to me is that if it were a utopian world and I had a magic wand, everyone would ride what they wanted to ride. Too simplistic? Yeah, most likely... 50+ and still a dreamer. But, sometimes as I ride, I really do think of myself in terms of the great riders.... I'd Like to say I don't but, I'd be dishonest if I did. While I know I'm nowhere near where the good riders are, I like the feeling of control, speed, sense of lightness and freedom, defying gravity on a climb, etc. that comes with riding. For those few short hours each week, riding allows me to transend my normal sense of self. So, I guess folks will continue to believe about me and others what they will, but I think I'm gonna go put on my rain gear and go for a ride.

If you are a dedicated rider, and it sounds like you are, the best equipment you can afford is still the right approach. I wouldn't go into debt for it, but then, I'm not real big on debt for anything. bk

Personally, I don't give a hoot about how someone spends their money. It's their money to spend as they see fit, and it's noone else's business! I'm not a great rider, and wouldn't go out and spend a bunch on a bike, but if someone else wishes to, well that's their business and none of mine. I once saw a very nice, and probably very expensive, Intense full susp. being ridden on a rail trail! Hey, if you've got the money and that's how you want to spend it, more power to ya! BTW-was wishing I had the Intense for some trail rides, but I personally couldn't justify the cash outlay for my skill level, and as seldom as I get to ride.

well put...

I rode my vintage hybridized Gitane to my LBS last week (high end bike store) and enjoyed the looks I got from some of the peeps.

You could see right up their nostrils when they looked my way.

However, the bike caused same great conversations with some of the older riders...one even asked if he could take it for a ride around the parking lot

Some know that its all about the ride, not the bling:)

"Buy the best guitar you can afford. You want an instrument that produces great sound and seduces you into playing longer than a poor sounding one."

My mother had just the opposite philosophy. She felt that you should get a good quality, but not top quality instrument at first. An upgrade should only happen when the instrument is holding you back.

For me, most of my best bikes have been older, yet quality bikes gotten at next to nothing prices. I have bought a few nice bikes like a Centurion Pro Tour and an Bianchi Eros. But without fail, the nice ones disappeared astonishingly quickly despite my best efforts. (You can't lock a bike well, while you are riding it.) The ones I pay nothing for stay with me year after year and give good service.

The real instrument in the case of bicycling is not necessarily the bike. Rather it is the rider.

The road guys are twisted - they think that the only thing that matters is how fast you go - and in that context, it is a waste to have an old fat fart such as myself sitting on a great bike, such as I tend to keep under my butt. An younger, stronger, more foolish person could make that bike go faster. They would also probably think that it was a waste to put the Campy Chorus components that I have on a lugged steel frame. Their basic premise is wrong. I don't ride to go fast - I take airplanes when I want to go fast (It takes Lance 3 weeks to cover the distance that I can do in 4 hours!) - I ride for the sheer enjoyment of it, and having a machine that is clean and efficient between my thighs increases that enjoyment. The waste is when a young'un who has his priorities all screwed up ends up thinking that the only important thing about the bike is how fast it can go.

My father is a woodworker and he had a saying about tools: Buy the best that you can and cry once, or buy crap and cry every time you use it.

I don't care what someone else "thinks" I deserve.
I have never spent more that $500 US on a bike in my life, don't see a reason to.
I buy a bike because it's serves the purpose I'm using it for, I spend the least I can to get the function I need.
I ride what I want to ride.
I ride because I like to ride not because I have a certain bike.
I see no reason to spend 5k on a bike but, if someone else wants to do that no one can say they don't deserve it.

I ride for the ride not the bike.

A few months ago I was riding through a neighborhood I rarely visit, and I passed some guys in their late teens or early twenties in a driveway, all standing next to pretty good road bikes. As I passed I could see them talking, and about 30 seconds later one of them came spinning past me going half again faster than I was. As he passed he turned and gave me "the look." Then he turned around and rode back to his drivway.

This guy actually hopped on his bike and chased after me to prove the point that he was faster than an overweight guy in his fifites!
That's awesome! You didn't taunt the youngsters when you passed, did you? ;)