> and that seems a somewhat depressing view of the world when laid out so starkly
> It's that bit that puzzles me most - your openness to being subject to the whims of fashion.
So it's not my choice to consider how I look (in fashion or with my choice of bike), it's that I'm open about it?
> Are you suggesting your opinion on how to present yourself is not influenced by others?
I don't know why it has to be analyzed so deeply. I consider the appearance of the things I buy. I consider both if I like the look and if I think others would like the look. Clothes, shoes, cars, in this case a bike, etc. Some things are pleasing to the eye. Other things are ugly or dorky or weird, which most of the time I'm not looking for in a look.