Who gives a rat’s ass what opinions others have.

Ride what you like. Buy what you can afford.

Really that simple.

On a related note, I recently had minor, outpatient foot surgery.

The doctor and his nurse are both avid cyclists.

The nurse told me that a few years back she contracted valley fever. It pretty much ruined her lung capacity. She could no longer ride fast, long, or climb much.

In order to keep up with her husband (also an avid cyclist) and their cycling friends she bought an e-bike. That e-bike has brought back the joy of riding with her husband and friends.

She is relatively young, fit and trim.

I dare anyone here call her a cheater. She just found a different way to enjoy cycling.