I suppose that I'm too old to be a "kid" anymore but I'm not exactly an old man yet.

I am of the age to have been a serious U2 fan in middle school (and to call it "middle school" not junior high) when the band was earnest and insightful. I'm not sure what they are now; the last album I bought was "Achtung Baby."

Anyway, the point is, when confronted with a sentiment such as the one our young Mr. Banjo has put forth in this thread, I think of a line from the old U2 tune "Rejoice."

"I can't change the world, but I can change the world in me."

Who cares what everyone else is doing? Don't let it get you down. Continue to use your bike for fun and transportation. Continue to build bikes for your friends and for anyone that needs one. If you do have kids of your own some day, raise them according to your beliefs. Make your own reality what you want it to be. It just might inspire others to do the same.

Yeah, and that Specialized looks great. Good value, too.