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Shannon · 12-19-2006, 11:00 AM

Interesting. I can't say I agree with the "elitist" comment at all, either.

Camping and backpacking aren't competitive sports, whereas some types of cycling (and kayaking) are. I would say THAT is the distinction, not the sport itself. I think you'll find people who talk up their $X,XXX+ equipment and downplay competitors' equipment if you walk in any circle that involves competitive athletes.

I'm sure competitive runners get pretty worked up about a particular shoe, and baseball players get worked up about a particular glove or bat, etc.

I spent more on my digital camera, by far, than my mountain bike... same for Justin's road bike that he's put over 1000 miles on in the past year. Some would say spending $X,XXX on a camera would be 'elitist' too, but again, it's about the nature of the use. I don't think we should be so quick to cast aspersions on an entire group of outdoors enthusiasts... it's no more useful than doing the same about a group of people in the population at large.

12-19-2006, 11:00 AM	#7
Shannon Founder, WildTexas.com Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: San Antonio, TX Posts: 1,391	Re: Inexpensive Mountain Bikes? Interesting. I can't say I agree with the "elitist" comment at all, either. Camping and backpacking aren't competitive sports, whereas some types of cycling (and kayaking) are. I would say THAT is the distinction, not the sport itself. I think you'll find people who talk up their $X,XXX+ equipment and downplay competitors' equipment if you walk in any circle that involves competitive athletes. I'm sure competitive runners get pretty worked up about a particular shoe, and baseball players get worked up about a particular glove or bat, etc. I spent more on my digital camera, by far, than my mountain bike... same for Justin's road bike that he's put over 1000 miles on in the past year. Some would say spending $X,XXX on a camera would be 'elitist' too, but again, it's about the nature of the use. I don't think we should be so quick to cast aspersions on an entire group of outdoors enthusiasts... it's no more useful than doing the same about a group of people in the population at large. __________________ - Shannon Moore Your Host @ WildTexas.com http://www.twitter.com/ageekgal Last edited by Shannon : 12-19-2006 at 01:18 PM. Reason: added kayaking to my example for good measure.