Functional bikes. Not Porn not Anti

dont forget mudguards

lol true. at least the top part.

That's because they don't have any distractions such as social behaviour

There are loads of distractions but you got to actively try much harder here. Social interactions are far more limited in the sense that people are a bit more reserved and introverted. As I see it, over time, people demanding their own space turned their lives into their personal micro-prison that's hard to break out of. Self set boundaries evolved into monstrous unspoken rules. I've read more than once that you didn't have a great time here, which is a shame as most of the people I hang out with are respectful and kind-hearted. I'm a foreigner over here and it's noway near to what I've been used to in my life but was lucky enough to hook up with the right people.

or sunlight for six months of the year

This helps the bike hunt for sure. Absolutely has a direct effect on peoples behavior too.

horrible climate they have to deal with...not going to be at the mercy of wild bears in sub zero temperatures because of our poor tyre choice

Lulz. There is literally nothing more done here other than the exception of spiked tires for a few months. Shitty weather is just... shitty weather. I met 2 people that got Rohloff hubs on their bikes but they are gonna bike from Alaska to Argentina, nothing to do with the climate here. The functional hype of a bike with mudgaurds and hydros is worldwide.

are well-paid enough to spend these times obsessing over the correct components

I think this is the main reason actually, in combination with living in a region where 'style-points' & fashion matters a lot to many people.