Originally Posted by
mustang1
Many people use cars as status symbols.
Do cyclists use bikes as status symbols also? I know a bunch of people who just couldn't ride a non-road-race bike. Hybrids? No thanks. Folder? You gotta be kidding. Single speed? Whadaya think I'm a hipster. Nosir, these people only ride a road bike.
I suppose within the road bike community they go further. Only carbon fibre for me! Aluminium? Are you mad!
I guess so, that's their problem I guess. I'm a bike sl*t, like I'm a computer sl*t (I have PC, Mac and Ubuntu machines on my desk.) I've had nice touring bikes, I've depended on Montgomery Ward and Sears Free Spirit bicycles to get me where I'm going. I like my old Hard Rock and my Bacchetta, they get the job done.
Other people have other preferences and from what I hear, they are generally happy with their choices. What other people think of my choices is pretty irrelevant. There are 7 billion other people and one of me. I don't have the time to argue with 7 billion people. It would take too long.
They don't ride my ride or live in my shoes. Me, I don't ride a bike that I can't afford to lose. That frees me to go fearlessly where I need to.