Hmm… So here are the proper cycling etiquette rules for road riding.

Speed is the fundamental determinant for rating road riders. All other considerations are meaningless.
Only the top 10% of the riders in any group should ride bikes costing more than $2500 in value.
Riders who can stay within the pack led by any of the top 10% may exceed the cost limits with the approval of the lead riders.
New riders or beginners should not exceed $1500 in any circumstance.
New riders may not wear any team apparel.
Riders who are within the first 10% to the top of climbs are to be treated with the utmost respect. Do not speak to these individuals unless they address you first.
All upgrades to components should be to at least Ultegra level. Dura Ace is preferable.
New riders should not attempt to join conversations with elite riders.
If a rider shall have the strength to join the leaders on a ride without having a bike of reasonable value, they shall not attempt to pass riders on more expensive equipment if those riders are accepted members of the lead group.
Never wave or gesture to approved road riders wearing team apparel.
Any riders seen on the road not a part of the group shall be ignored. If those riders appear to be overweight or slow they shall be the focus of immediate ridicule within the group. Any rider that does not join in the ridicule shall be subject to sanction or fine.
No rider of the group shall invite a new rider without the prior consent of the lead riders.
NO encouragement will be offered to any rider who has difficulty in maintaining the pace set by the leaders.


It's funny, I have a two friends that I ride with regularly. Between these two gentlemen they own close to 100 bicycles. They have ridden countless 1000s of mile over their cycling lives. Neither of them is obsessed with speed or are particularly fast riders compared to racer types. But, I'll bet both would be labled wannabe's or posers by some here. Both have a vast knowledge of cycling equipment and history. Both men are very approachable and will gladly talk bikes or offer advice to anyone who asks. In 20 years, both will be quitely pedaling along being passed by "real" riders. They will just be glad to be up on two wheels and riding. The people with the most self-confidence are the calm ones with nothing to prove.