Originally Posted by PaulRivers

Like I said, it's only those topics that with huge ego investment that cause people to freak out that something didn't work out for them.

Past my first pair, wasting $1,000 trying to get clipless to work when I could have spent $150 on flats was a waste of money. People win mountain bike races in flats, I've used and invested both - it's not a big enough difference to justify more money than a bike costs to try to make it work unless you're racing and need the somewhat more secure foot attachment.

There's no reason past ego to care - I like carbon fiber, but if someone said they really like riding steel better I'd be fine with that. I have a preference but it's not a huge deal.