The only thing that makes someone better than someone else is what they put down on the trail as well as their even being out there in the first place. Not everyone has the disposable cash to put into a bike - isn't it more important that they're riding in the first place? Over time, they'll figure out that (for the most part) the more money invested usually results in higher performance and more durability. There's no reason for someone just getting started in the sport to spend a ton of money, especially if they don't have it to spend.

My first two bikes had cantis and they actually worked pretty well. If they were set up right, they could actually stop you, but I'll stick with my disks.

This thread is great - show everyone what you're riding. I'm pretty proud of my bike, but I am not about to knock someone elses ride because it isn't up to my standards; that's pretty elitist if you ask me.

Now go get all those pretty bikes dirty!! (then clean them and make them happy for the next time)