Does having a fancy tri bike put more pressure on me (Page 3)

You forgot two:

1. It's red AND black so it's faster and has both of the requisite cool colors.

2. It comes in carbon.

The only people I really notice on the bike leg are the ones who are doing stupid things.  For example, in the last tri, there was some idiot on a tri bike (not even sure which one) who would pass me on the right and then immediately drop back in pace.  I'd drop back and then pass him (on the left)....a few minutes later, he'd pass me on the right again and then slow down.  

The only reason I noticed him and what he was riding was because he was annoying me.  A fancy tri bike does not a good rider make....but had he just been a slow guy on a fancy tri bike, I would have passed him with no second thoughts.

So I guess if you're going to get a fancy tri bike, just don't be dumb about it.  People are probably way too wrapped up in themselves to notice you

      I was raised kind of old school and cheap. My parents always tried to get me to "do the most with what you have". I guess it comes down to, unless you've "maxed-out" what you have, why are you spending money ?  I started with a beater, and have enjoyed doing the Eddy Merckx route, surprising others and myself with how fast this old heap can go. 

      Obviously, you've "maxed-out" a hybrid, so if you have the money, getting a great bike that you really like and enjoy riding is super great !!

actually mine is black and white - the first p3c.  and yes, carbon.  B&W means ALL team kits go with it though I think the white one that came out a year or so later is really sexy....

Oh yeah, another point for the OP. Your bike MUST be coordinated with your gear. My club's trisuits are blue and white, and I am certain it affects my bike leg.

I have a red/black R3 and P2

The only one putting pressure on you is you. Do whatever makes you happy.

I believe in modesty myself, and I have trouble seeing how getting passed on a fancy tri bike with spe*m helmet by chatting road bike riders here in Belgium would boost my self confidence. 

ha! that is my excuse...clashing kit.  of course recovering from mono, now fat and out of shape, I am really learning what slow is!

Maybe at the Armory in San Francisco....but, THAT's an entirely different thread altogether.

At the few triathlons I've participated in I generally don't pay attention to other people's bikes.   About the only thing I sometimes notice is when I'm on the bike course and pass someone who is clearly a much faster swimmer than I am, and observe his bike is roughly the size of a Hummer and it's equipped with fenders, a bell and luggage racks.  Yeah, I better pass him on my tri bike.  Also, I draw the line at being beaten by someone wearing a bumble bee costume in a race....so as you see, I clearly put a lot of pressure on myself.  

At the few triathlons I've participated in I generally don't pay attention to other people's bikes.   About the only thing I sometimes notice is when I'm on the bike course and pass someone who is clearly a much faster swimmer than I am, and observe his bike is roughly the size of a Hummer and it's equipped with fenders, a bell and luggage racks.  Yeah, I better pass him on my tri bike.  Also, I draw the line at being beaten by someone wearing a bumble bee costume in a race....so as you see, I clearly put a lot of pressure on myself.  H

 Hey Silver,   You really do not know pressure. In my first olympic tri, 5 -k into the run some guy with a two foot Maine lobster hat/contraption strapped to his head tries to  pass me. Of course i had to go up a gear and hold it till he was gone, then coming out of a clearing 500 yards to the finish, close to death.  I see a fat chick with a shaved head and a big purple butterfly tattoed on her head. I,m thinking WTF! If i can,t pass her . I,m keeping on running until I can find a bus or a train to run in front of..  Perhaps on a light note. Someone should start a thread,  Who you have to beat in a race.. ex. Guy on fancy bike, muscle/costume guy etc..

Almost sounds like you were racing in the Bay to Breakers!

I love reading your posts.