Smurf, I lived in Boulder for a little bit and it is a tough town to live in because it seems like everyone is trying to impress people with what they have. As DH says "keeping up with the Jones'" (I liked living there for the hiking and climbing) Now to get back to the topic, I certainly don't have very fancy/expensive bikes, but I enjoy riding them. I used to really care about what others said and was comparing myself to what others had and my ability...the list could go on. It took a while for me to accept things for what they are and to know that in the end it does not matter. I had a close friend who was very much in enjoying every aspect that life had to offer. Her bike was very old, she didn't own a jersey but she could bike me into the ground, same with climbing and skiing. all of her gear was old. Unfortunately she died in an accident about 2 years ago, but she changed me in ways I can't describe. I guess wht I am trying to say is, try to step back and look at what you have done and accomplished. Would a new bike make you happy?? Whenever I was upset about some "trivial" such as work she would say..."on your deathbed are you really going to be upset about....." "Or do you want to remember......" That really helped me to learn to let go a lot of the Cr**. So when people are bugging the heck out of you just try to focus on positive aspects instead of dwelling on the CR***. Lets hook up soon and ride. I need a riding partner and someone who is younger then me to help me out and someone to pull me up the hills.