I was super excited about them in the alpha. I saw them once and thought I had witnessed something special. I finally murked the riders and climbed aboard one of the flaming but still patrol-worthy pikes. I blasted away enemies and drove that mack truck around until it expired. Many lulz were had. Finally the game came out, and I realized the horrid truth. I'd never get an armed sparrow of my own. The public events in which the Pikes appear were a curse because they netted no completion reward. And they were only put in the story to enjoy; once. Much disappointment was felt. Now I just ignore them completely.