Yeah I do agree, there is an element of snobbery. For example, my experience when hitting the roads and bumping into people at cafés is sneering from some because my bike "isn't the right brand"... Lol! The problem you have is a lot of rich kids or middle aged successful folk who are used to getting what they want and think nothing of spunking £10k on a Pinarello. You know what though, I just don't care and what's more, I find the snobs are few and far between. The majority of people I meet are friendly and more than forthcoming with their advice if I ask for it, even the rich kids
Do you genuinely find that you encounter these "elitists" regularly in person? Or would you say you're finding them online perhaps? Either way, it's quite simple to distance and avoid.