It's what you put into it

My daughter was bored on her long drive back to college and gave me a call yesterday. She was talking about how some people spend a lot of money for college, while others get the most of the the college the choose. She is going to a good college with a merit scholarship under her belt. She works hard both in school and the extracurricular stuff, really getting the most out of her whole college experience.

I supported her view with the "It's not about the bike" logic. 90% of becoming a better bike rider is about what the rider puts in - how hard the push themselves - how long they go - making sure they get enough rest. Sure 10% is about the bike, but as I fly past the $5000+ dollar bikes on my races, I get a certain sense of satisfaction.

This philosophy has been part of my make up for as long as I can remember - work hard, work smart, and you usually cheat yourself in life if you depend too much on a better bike or a peice of paper from a better school to carry the day.

All that said, there is nothing wrong with investing in a better bike or a better school if you have the means, but it is never a substitute thoughtful training / education / work, etc.