I noticed last week in a posting about the new Raleigh fixed gear that one user commented about how this bike would finally make all those Pista riders seem "hardcore." I have to ask a few questions about this coveted "hardcoreness." What makes one a "hardcore" fixed gear rider? Do I have to peel all of the stickers off of my bike? Do I have to slather it with overpriced Campy parts so that I wil have better performance manuevering through city traffic or can I just wear a Campy cyclist's cap? Is being a bike messenger a prerequisite for being "hardcore?" What about the time I spend actually riding my bike as compared to the time I spend on the internet posting pictures of it in forums for other "hardcore-ers" to see? Is there a formula for this? I know that by saving my money and going to my local bike shop to buy a bike I will never enter "hardcore" Valhalla so what kind of dumpsters tend to contain "hardcore" bikes? Oh, I know, I bet I just have to buy some time trial bars and remove the brakes!? I bet that'd do it!!! Someone please help me as clearly I have no idea what loving the bicycle is all about.