Great equipment or great drive?

Since starting mountain biking, I am more aware of the differences in gear. I have typically been a minimalist when it comes to running gear. Whatever shoes you put on your feet or whatever clothes on your back, you still have to do the running. Biking mags, REI and bike stores are all very seductive. Carbon fiber frames, carbon fiber soles on bike shoes, lightweight pedals. This is all to make the bike lighter and you faster. It also helps you spend money on a never ending set of new gear. I will admit it all looks cool but, would it not be easier and cheaper for me to lose 5 pounds by pedaling the bike I have more? I will stick to the same old ethos. You still have to pedal the damn thing. Get out there and pedal.