Actually, have you even considered the prosumer market that the bicycling industry has created? I imagine--assume--that there are others like my self, who research what is used at the professional level, and pick up what there wallet is able to buy. Only so many people are going to pursue a career in professional sports, but like other industries, photography, home improvement, mechanics the bicycle industry is providing that same level of market share.

Does a recreational rider need a race orientated bike? No! Will people make a purchase based on the product material saying that it provides an avenue to preform better? Yes! Take me for example, are carbon wheels and clip in peddles going to make me a professional peddler? I am also 295 pounds of non-muscle. But in our material society (only discussing america here) consumers are constantly led to believe that only the best equipment will do, which than bleeds across to other areas of interest.

So even though I may only take pictures of my dogs, I use a dslr, the screen door was removed with a dewalt that gets used maybe 1 or 2 times a month, I also just pulled out my trek from a shed after letting it sit for a few years. While none of my belongings may be financially the same as others have, I'm on the low end of the prosumer, I purchase the best equipment that I can afford. So while the racers inspire innovation, the prosumer market is what is driving the bike industry, in my opinion, as a consumer and none industry annalist.