Originally Posted by wvxc
My experiences are:
Jump Man shoes don't let you play like Jordan. I've watched guys with Jordans get cut from teams that I was captain of. (with my Converse)
Burris optics don't make you a sniper. I have hunted with guys that missed stationary deer with their $2000 setup only to watch an old man clean up for them with a surplus open sighted Mauser.
Mustangs don't make you a race car driver. I have seen people wreck sports cars in curves that old pick ups sail through.
and finally sex won't make you a porn star. I have been doing it my whole life and never made a dime!!!!
Good riders are familiar with their equipment, can read the trail, and manuever and shift accordingly. All this comes with practice. I could buy any bike I wanted, but I chose one that fit me and started riding alot. It wasn't the most expensive (no where near it) and I upgrade as I see fit, but this doesn't make it wrong. Too many people throw money at deficits instead of trying to erase them with hard work.
great remarks! finally we are going somewhere. as some people have mentioned, pricier bikes will probably feel better than a cheaper bike. but, what do you really need to start in the sport.
the question is not about which will feel better, the question is whats the threshold that will get you started. what is the threshold for a entry-level/starter/biginner bike?