As an almost exclusive XC rider i'm just the opposite, When i see the bighit machines prowling the backcountry, I feel more like bowing to them, climbing with those bikes must be brutal, yet these freeriders do it without complaining, plus the obstacles they attack and conquer makes me feel like my riding skills need more honing. I did an Epic gravel road ride yesterday (80) miles and a young man with us rode a single speed 29er with platform pedals. the rest of us were constantly shifting for the hills and flats, He coasted down the hills and mashed on the pedals going up them and never got more than 200 yrds back at any time! Impressive by anyones standards.