Or is it just the fact that you spent the money and you don't want to admit it was waste? I'm not saying your observations aren't true. Sometimes I think a lot of cyclist are as compelled by all the stuff that goes along with our sport, myself included, as the actual act of riding the bike. The more cycling gear you own the more you belong. I'm not criticizing anyone for how they spend their money, I'm guilty of buying cycling items I don't necessarily need, just making an observation. For example Bibs, were you that unhappy in shorts? Now you spend an extra $10-20 for a pair and you probably replaced a lot of your old shorts with bibs. I think bibs are a lot like shaving your legs, they say you're serious member of the club but completely uneccessary for 90% of us. But don't think I haven't given thought to buying a pair I'm just afraid you'll be right and I'll never use the other four pair of cycling shorts I own.