I started off as a mountain biker and now ride mostly road (logistics). I also date a road racer( who dabbles in dirt).

I agree that there is some truth to the "mountain bikers are more laid back" stereotype. My thought is that road riding has more history and more tradition and can be off-putting to newcomers. So many "unwritten rules".

And here's a personal observation (your experience may vary). Many many cyclists I have met over the years have been scientists and engineers in "real life". I'm not sure why, but the sport seem to attract those types (is it the gear? the physics?). As long as we are talking stereotypes here, I think there is *some* truth to the one that says that people in those fields have uhm...less than stellar social skills. So what may seem "snobby" to the observer may actually be shyness or awkwardness.

Ok and now for a true story:

Early in my road-riding career I rode up to a group ride. My first time with this particular group. I was chatting away, introducing myself, smiling, making small talk...and a woman roadie pulls up next to me and says "You MUST be a mountain biker!".

It turned out ok. She later attended some of our women's mountain bike clinics and became a friend.