I resemble that remark. I will ask you though, were is the rationality for any amateur to be in this sport? Every single item we purchase is a depreciating asset... so we are not in it for financial reasons. Every time we ride, we risk physical injury, maybe even death... illogical.
So what drives and inspires us? Different strokes for different folks is probably the best answer. Age, maturity, (not always a linear progression), financial resources, passion and emotional involvement. Everyone chooses their own heroes.
Personally, I admire those who can tinker, modify, and adapt. Maybe it's my upbringing on a farm that instilled this feeling in me? Function over form, and certainly cost, always ruled the day. Rarely did we go to town to buy things for repairs. Anytime something was "fixed", there always seemed to be a pile of "unnecessary" parts leftover. But, as much as I admire this trait, my mentality doesn't allow me to follow this methodology. I'm am mechanically inclined. I have rebuilt old engines and transmissions, and most due to my ability to focus on details and follow complicated instructions. But I'm not the mechanic you need if your car won't start.
My decision was influenced by many things, but the biggest portions were subjective ideals. Form: It's the most beautiful piece of machinery that I have ever hoped to own. Limited Availability: It's a numbered unit with a price tag that will prevent it from being common place for everyone to own. When everyone shops at Walmart for Xmas, then all the kids get the same toys because they are cheaper and mass produced. Mechanical Engineering: It's a screaming beast at 16,500 rpm with an unlimited warranty. Unlimited miles... I don't need to become a mechanic, I can just ride. Marketing: History and performance presented in a slick campaign. I'm not immune. Even though I understand that I am being manipulated, the logic doesn't overcome emotion. Is the big number 1 on the side of the bike marketing? You bet it is. Potential: I can envision myself flying on this machine. It feels so smooth and refined. Like there is nothing mechanically preventing me from my best experience on the track. It's a dream come true. Everything is up to me to improve.
As far as being rational, I have zero rebuttal. But I am already tired of the one-sided arguments. There are many factors that influence our decisions. Perhaps yours is weighted towards economy? But I don't think you can benefit from the potential cost savings without skills and knowledge to balance the form/ function ratio. Apparently you possess these, I don't.
In the end, no one's opinion will wipe the smile off my face. When you blow past me on the track, or when you admire the hefty chicken strips that I'm rockin' in the paddock, it's all good to me, and worth every penny that I have overpaid.
