Just like wetsuits enable weak swimmers to complete tris and walking enables weak runners to complete I think gears make the bike too easy and are equipment that should be banned. Why not ban running shoes since the soles are a cushion for people not strong enough to run bare foot.

We need no wetsuit, fixed gear, no walking allowed races to discourage as many people from possible from taking up the sport. That way races won't sell out and the sport will be reserved for elitists only.