Look, nobody is saying that better equipment will not make any difference to a funrider, however the reality is that the best way an average rider can improve his/her performance is merely by training better on a structured program, more regularly etc. As an MTB rider, better equipment for me usually means tougher, more durable parts, with lightweight being an advantage. More expensive wheels are generally stronger and lighter, however a law of diminishing returns applies here. At the end of the day, the rider limits the performance so much that the equipment becomes more about how good it feels, rather than how much it increases your performance. If you feel good on your bike, you will usually ride better. Also remember that an expensive bike usually costs more to maintain. Bear in mind a pro MTB rider riding a neon-green 90's Nishiki, will still shred a funrider on their 9kg carbon HT with XTR, while wearing a smile on his face. Its not about the bike, but spending what you are comfortable with is fine. Just don't expect monumental performance increases overnight. The only real way to get better is the hard way!
