The Golden Boy 

For me, riding is sheer leisure and entertainment and hobby. I don't commute much anymore (if I lived closer to work I probably would), I don't race and I don't do group rides or anything... I just like riding, I like playing with bikes and parts, I don't like talking to people when I ride- best if I can turn the ringer off on my phone. The concept of the ride across America is a dream-

My interests and my discretionary fundage dictate where I spend my money and time. Playing with the stuff is about as much fun as riding- I enjoy getting dorky about the parts, or this or that... I realistically know that fluorine coated link pins have zero bearing on me, and honestly- for my skill and strength and experience and health... a few pounds either way really don't matter. What does matter is if I'm happy with it. The stuff I like is pretty and cool to me- if someone else enjoys it, then that's cool. If there's something that I'm not happy- or content about on my bike- I can always change it.