You'll spend a lot of time and energy doing what makes others happy, you will only be happy when you finally realize that your joy is not predicated on what others have. That is not to say you should dismiss what others do without considering whether it applies to you, but don't get drawn in to the trap that it is better.
I'll give you some help, though. Think of poor old me with my $27 thrift shop bike, and realize how much better you already are off with that $180 bike
Originally Posted by
Camilo
The only thing that matters is how much you enjoy your gear. Going faster, "dropping" people, looking better, etc. are meaningless unless that's what you actually enjoy.
To steal a phrase from a favorite hockey broadcaster: "Bingo, bango, bongo!"