My bike's 10 years older than the day I bought it, and so am I (for better or worse), it's got downtube shifters and only just this month got clipless pedals. I've been eyeing the "better bikes" for years and hearing the same crap from some of the elitists types you've mentioned. I ride alone too but it's really by choice. I go as fast or as slow as I want, can listen to music or the wind and as for the critism of other cyclists on the rare occasion I see them, I always learn something from it -- i.e. I'd never know what makes a good bike if they weren't telling me what's so crappy about mine, lol. So, think of the elitists as "educators" and if one of 'em really gets under your skin remind them that "it's not about the bike, it's about the engine". Oh and if you're ever in MA, send me a note, I'll ride with ya.