This is very similar to what I've experienced, too. I've had several bad experiences with sportbike riders when I was cycling. They are only concerned with going fast and looking good... hmmm... is there a parallel there?

I don't think the "crabon fibre" fairies are trying to impress women, they're trying to impress their buddies. Who has the fastest bike, who has the most expensive bike, who can put out the most watts, who can go the farthest without getting dropped, the whole thing is a big competition. When their competition is over, they put away their toys and drive home.

Now, to be fair, this is not all of the roadies. In our local group, there's let's say 30 fast riders, who only ride for speed. There's about 3-4 who will ride with anybody, anywhere, for any distance, even on a titanium/carbon road bike. They just like riding. These are the guys I love talking to, because not only will they chit-chat, but they don't care how ugly, cheap, or slow my bike is. They see me putting miles in commuting, and they respect that. I see them helping out noobs and giving sound advice, and I respect that. The rest of the fast guys, they won't give me the time of day, or even make eye contact with me in the parking lot. I'm not exaggerating.

There's been a few times when those 3-4 nice guys will ride with us. I've even helped them change a flat... I've picked up their dropped blinkies, screwed on loose pedals, shared cliff bars with them, etc. and when they're not in the group, they're as nice as can be.

Geez, I'm rambling like an old man. You darned carbon fairies, get off my lawn!