That experience was kind of unfortunate. For many years I rode the best bike that I could afford which wasn't much when the supposed club racers on their admittedly very nice bikes would come by me. Yes, better bikes do then to work better but I have always been amazed to see people on 20 year old bikes with friction down tube shifters and non clipless pedals, wearing a white cotton tee-shirt who just hang with us and even take some very stout pulls. I would at some point ride up next to them and say, "awsome engine you have! Great work!" vs. "gee, if you had a nice bike we would take you seriously..." I think that guys who turn this sport into a pissing contest are just one ride away from having their lunch handed to them by some one else. No matter how fit I might feel, I am always amazed at how others can just ride away from me, regardless of how nice my bike is. Nice designer bikes make of unobtanium in no way should diminish the integrity of your tig welded aluminum frame. People who have gotten to the point in life where they can own and maintain an exotic Italian sports car, such as Masseratti or what ever will compair those cars with similar cars of similar value, not to an MG Midget for example. They will look at the MG and appreciate it for what it is, particularly if it is a good example of that model that is well kept. I think that your reaction to mister blow hard was correct. See, he has now really shown you who he is, a poser.