Most of the people here, this article was not who it was written for. The people this article is written for are the same people who have other status symbols. You can own a watch. Timex or Rolex. Both tell time, both have eXs. The people on this forums would say it is a waste of $ to own a Rolex. One is $20 the other is Thousands. Same you can own a VW bug or a 7 series BMW. Both cars, both German made, both have W in the name, not the same.

If someone who needs status buys a Dutch bike and rides it to lunch, or the corner store or some other errand, Great! Otherwise they are driving. I say more power to them. Cycling has some many niches that it needs this. As for price of these bikes, I have wheelsets that cost me that much. Big deal. So what. I enjoy them just as much as my beater that cost me $200. But I like to commute, ride, race, etc. I love all kinds of cycling. To me, this is just another kind. If these Yuppies start riding bikes because they perceive it has status then our cycling community just got bigger. This is just another Hipster vs Fred vs Roadie vs Mtn bike vs Dutchster thread.