[habnds]

I guess to me I'm (1) surprised that you think the social status affirmation dynamic is more at play for people buying new bikes than people riding 40 year "steel is real" bikes. (it occurs to me to ask, "what is the dif in carbon footprint between buying a complete bike and buying each cool little vintage component individually?")

and (2) that we aren't interested in _encouraging_ conspicuous consumption in bicycles. This is certainly a big factor in cars. To encourage more riding, it seems like a very positive thing for people to be splurging on bikes and proud of what they're riding. This would draw more people in compared to if they only see the Sheldon Brown types out, who they don't identify with or aspire to. it's a good thing for people to envy the secure healthy life of the average wealthy urban elite on a fancy ebike or whatever.