I started riding bikes again after twenty years of a break. Now it seems like every other person has more money in their bike outfits than I do in my bike ($650 bike). On my Hybrid I fly by groups of these riders with ease- usually cruise around 18mph these days. Only have had a couple people pass me this summer and they were both older than me I am 51. Is this more of a status thing to have this equipment than really being functional? They look ridiculous when riding as fast as a 12 year old kid. I get a lot of snobbish looks or remarks when I pass them.