Getting one because it's fun is ok. I don't group ride or race road bikes. I have a road bike with 2x10 gearing. It's fun to ride. I have another road bike with a 3sp Sturmey Archer hub. It's a fun, reliable bike to ride to work on. I think it's cool.
I race BMX bikes. I have an older BMX race bike with plain tubing (FMF) - I probably could have gotten a new one that would be lighter with more modern geometry for the same price. I don't care, it's a blast to ride, and I like it.
Bikes are fun. Don't overcomplicate it with 'need'
