I certainly hope that this discussion is not going to bring out folks who hold that list members who own new bikes too are somehow less "real" than those of us like me who own only on topic bikes (In my own case because I can't afford both if I am to keep up with my vintage wants.) There are a lot of very dedicated riders on this list who own all kinds of bikes.Thank God! Remember we are always at our best when we are inclusive of folks and often at our worst when we start getting exclusionary. Narrow our approval too much and we just come off as fussy elitists.
Like Brian, I have never ridden a carbon fiber bike.but I sure would jump at the chance to borrow one! I guess I do have a very nice Tom Richey built Cyclocross bike that is really off topic, now that I think of it. Most expensive bike I ever owned, and lots of fun!
Tom Sanders
Lansing, MI USA