I ride a 2005 chrome Pista, I got this bike for $300 bucks. It replaced my Specialized HardRock. I use it to commute to and from work and run errands. I also like to do laps in Central Park or ride up to Nyack when I get the itch. It all goes back to what you do with your bike. Look at all the fat roadies riding on $3000.00 full carbon rigs who can't climb a hill to save their lives. If everyone just rode there bikes and quit with making it some sort of scene, things would be a lot cooler, since when does riding a bike make you tough or elite. Maybe I'm just cranky, it was long day.