Singlespeed & Fixed Gear - Pista Questions

For all who ride a Pista off-track:

Did you change the gear ratio in order to climb hills. if so to what config.

Did you add a brake?

Is 61cm big enough for a rider over 6'

If you made/ want to make any changes to the bike other than what I listed what are they.

I suck at punctuation?

Is that a question!


I test road the pista a few years ago, great bike. I personaly would have to change the gearing for my daily rides. IMHO, It is down right stupid to ride fixed on the road without a brake.

Realy hard to say if 61cm is right size, there is a fitting guide at wrenchscience you can check out. This is not the end all be all of getting right size bike but will give you a starting point.

Yes I added a brake but alot do not, I suggest one even if you don't use it. Gearing really depends on you're fitness etc.. and the terrain you will be riding.
I have 49x17 on one and 48x19,17 (flip flop hub)on another.

Kev.

An area with flat stretches and hills.(Now-Maui, Future-SW Colorado)

Why change the cog and not the chainring?

I was thinking a maybe a 42.

BTW Do you use the stock handle bars?

They seem like they whould be akward.

I have one track with bullhorns and one with standard drops both have their advantages and disadvantages try it out see what you think.

Reason for changing rear cog, is you get a bigger change in gearing that way. Like I said though gearing is different for every person.

As for me, I find pushing 72 inches to be a good compromise for riding in rolling terrain.

George

For all who ride a Pista off-track:

Did you change the gear ratio in order to climb hills. if so to what config.

Did you add a brake?

Is 61cm big enough for a rider over 6'

If you made/ want to make any changes to the bike other than what I listed what are they.

Seems to me like if you're not used to FG you add at least a front brake, but being a singlespeeder I could be wrong. Dirty Tiger, if you're 6ft 4ins like you say in your other post, then a 61 may be okay depending on the top tube length, angles etc. As I've mentioned, I'm also 6ft 4ins - my road bike is a 62 theoretical centre to top ( It has a sloping top tube ) and the top tube is 605mm long. Most tall guys seem to have longer legs and shorter torsos than they're shorter counterparts, but personally I wouldn't even look at a bike that didnt have a 72 degree seat angle or less or a top tube shorter than say 595.

Hope this helps. If you'd like to chat more about 'big guy fit', feel free to email me ( info@thylacinecycles.com ). It's a lifestyle, what can I say? :)

Is that a question!
Not, sure of: the question"

I stuck with the 48x16 that came on the bike. Haven't really thought much about changing - maybe I'm just complacent. Atlanta is no Pittsburgh or San Fran, but it sure ain't flat either.

As far as the long debated break/no break - I have a front break, but I only use it when I'm being lazy. It's nice to know it's there, but really I think I ride faster than I should in certain situations and I take more risk knowing it's there - such as approaching intersections, going down hills, etc. I think you could make the argument that no brake is actually safer. Well, if you're going to ride the same with or without I would go ahead and say there will be once every 3 months or so that you'll be saying "that brake was a good idea." It sort of seems like there is a macho attitude associated with not having a brake. If that’s important to you, well that’s another topic. It’s not that a brake adds much weight, and one brake does not cause that big a maintenance issue. Some people say that it looks better without a brake. I feel like you’re then entering a realm where your bike becomes less than a means of transportation and more a fashion accessory.

Despite the potential argument that no brake is safer, I sort of feel that it ain’t going to hurt and if anything it will most likely help. I think the no brake safer debate would end in a draw anyway. This could just go on and on and back and forth. Oh well.

For all who ride a Pista off-track:

Did you change the gear ratio in order to climb hills. if so to what config.

Did you add a brake?

Is 61cm big enough for a rider over 6'

If you made/ want to make any changes to the bike other than what I listed what are they.

i have the 2003 pista.

i kept the gearing. i ride in nyc, not many hills.

no brake.

i changed the tires to specialized armadillos, changed the handlebars to bullhorns (although i miss my drops, i will switch back soon for a change of pace), put on TIME Impact-S pedals, and added a brooks saddle, and wrapped the sh*t out of the frame with electrical tape...

I stuck with the 48x16 that came on the bike. Haven't really thought much about changing - maybe I'm just complacent. Atlanta is no Pittsburgh or San Fran, but it sure ain't flat either.

As far as the long debated break/no break - I have a front break, but I only use it when I'm being lazy. It's nice to know it's there, but really I think I ride faster than I should in certain situations and I take more risk knowing it's there - such as approaching intersections, going down hills, etc. I think you could make the argument that no brake is actually safer. Well, if you're going to ride the same with or without I would go ahead and say there will be once every 3 months or so that you'll be saying "that brake was a good idea." It sort of seems like there is a macho attitude associated with not having a brake. If that’s important to you, well that’s another topic. It’s not that a brake adds much weight, and one brake does not cause that big a maintenance issue. Some people say that it looks better without a brake. I feel like you’re then entering a realm where your bike becomes less than a means of transportation and more a fashion accessory.

Despite the potential argument that no brake is safer, I sort of feel that it ain’t going to hurt and if anything it will most likely help. I think the no brake safer debate would end in a draw anyway. This could just go on and on and back and forth. Oh well.

there's more to it than that--without a break, you rely on your chain to stop your FG. if you've ever jumped your chain(i have), you're looking at no stopping power beyond throwing down your feet as 'landing gear'. i run a brake, and i think it's pimp to do so.

-rob

without a break, you rely on your chain to stop your FG...

Very good point

there's more to it than that--without a break, you rely on your chain to stop your FG. if you've ever jumped your chain(i have), you're looking at no stopping power beyond throwing down your feet as 'landing gear'. i run a brake, and i think it's pimp to do so.

-rob

hey, i'm all for safety.. but saying it's "pimp" is pushing it. it's regulation, par for the course. riding brakeless is pimp.

mc

Drive guys has the 160 Gig for $111 plus $8.99 s/h I believe it is, or 120 gig for $78.
http://www.driveguys.com/Modern/itemdesc.asp?CartId=ACCWARE-12354979SZSIG631&ic=6Y160L0&tpc=

Drive guys has the 160 Gig for $111 plus $8.99 s/h I believe it is, or 120 gig for $78.
http://www.driveguys.com/Modern/itemdesc.asp?CartId=ACCWARE-12354979SZSIG631&ic=6Y160L0&tpc=

huh? my bike has 0 GB's...

mc

Some people say that it looks better without a brake. I feel like you’re then entering a realm where your bike becomes less than a means of transportation and more a fashion accessory.

To an extent, everyone picks with looks in mind.

If I painted Nazi slogans on your bike, would you care? Of course you would, it's not a representation of you. Brakeless maybe a represenation of how some people feel things should be.

Of course, some people take it to far, and some people don't know who they are.

Oops you ever read two forums at same time and got mixed up.

HAHAHAHAHA!!!!

EXCELLENT, kev.

:)

Kev, that was awesome.

On the original topic... there is some consensus that the magic gearing is 69". I agree with this. 46 or 47 x 18 have been my favorites. I just picked up a better wheel (suzue promax, had been using a suzue basic) and it came with a 17 t. I feel like I'm mashing now, compared to the 18 t.

YMMV!

To an extent, everyone picks with looks in mind.

If I painted Nazi slogans on your bike, would you care? Of course you would, it's not a representation of you. Brakeless maybe a represenation of how some people feel things should be.

Of course, some people take it to far, and some people don't know who they are.

Of course I would care if someone painted Nazi slogans on my bike. My political ideology is extremely and viciously anti-Nazi. However, I don't really see how a political ideology or any ideology would have a tenet regarding brakes on bikes. Physics is Physics no matter who you are or what you believe - gravity, friction, velocity, impact, etc. does not discriminate. I think I'll sit out the march for brakeless bikes.

-P.S.
Kev, I'm glad I read on, I about reported you as posting SPAM. Glad I didn't. Good deals though.

Of course I would care if someone painted Nazi slogans on my bike. My political ideology is extremely and viciously anti-Nazi. However, I don't really see how a political ideology or any ideology would have a tenet regarding brakes on bikes. Physics is Physics no matter who you are or what you believe - gravity, friction, velocity, impact, etc. does not discriminate. I think I'll sit out the march for brakeless bikes.


Brakes are nearly as much an ideology issue. And thier appearance can be the antithesis of what people want thier bike to be.

Of course I would care if someone painted Nazi slogans on my bike. My political ideology is extremely and viciously anti-Nazi. However, I don't really see how a political ideology or any ideology would have a tenet regarding brakes on bikes. Physics is Physics no matter who you are or what you believe - gravity, friction, velocity, impact, etc. does not discriminate. I think I'll sit out the march for brakeless bikes.

Brakeless is as much ideological in many respect to a lot of political views.

You ride how you prefer, it's a matter of point of view.

i don't run brakes. i used to, then i changed my riding style. i dont go nearly as fast as people with brakes, but i'm a hell of a lot more careful.

i thought about putting them back on, but i like the way my bikes look without them...plus i hate adjusting them. and i like being in total control. yeah, if my chain breaks, i'm screwed, but i know how to stop without brakes should that ever happen.

i'm pretty sure though, that if i was leg-locking, or hammering up a hill and my chain snapped i'd be going down regardless.

Better to have a brake and not use it than not have it and want it. I got a functional brake and lever for $30 new.

I'm brakeless now. I ride more carefully and holler at people more... The bike is not built for stopping and starting, it wants to keep going. So I ride it that way.

In reality there is a few ways to stop if your chain brakes etc.. do airplane style not suggested slamming feet down.. Turn bike sideways to do a skid.. maneuver your body to lay on the seat with head resting on the handlebars and flap your arms to take off and fly over obstacles :) Take your foot and wedge it against the rear stay and the tire works very effectively, I have not done this in years but when I was younger I had a friend without any money got a bike free but no brakes it was a single speed freewheel and that is how he always stopped it worked very well just destroyed his soles on his shoes.

somtimes i prefer to mash a bigger gear than the stock 48x16 on the '03 pistas.

52x16 sometimes
48x16 sometimes
42x16 sometimes

I'm not a big fan of WTB products, so, the saddle is gone, the pedals will be gone soon, the tires are decent, but hey, they're still WTB's..prefer Conti Supersonics...best tire Ive ever ridden!

randy

I'm riding a '03 Pista...fantastic bike! Nimble and fast!

For 95% of the riding I do, I stick with the stock 48x16 gearing (fixed). When I race it, I flip the rear wheel and go with a 17 freewheel.

I had my LBS add 2 sets of water bottle bosses and a rear brake mount. Fortunately, everything went together smoothly and I've had no issues with the rear brake.

Ride Hard,
Mike B.
http://www.one-speed.com

what type of racing were you doing with a 48 17? most people who race at the velodrome here race with a 50/15 or higher

With a freewheel and rear brake, my guess would be that the races are not in a velodrome

what type of racing were you doing with a 48 17? most people who race at the velodrome here race with a 50/15 or higher

Just local road races....no velodromes.

Ride Hard,
Mike B.
http://www.one-speed.com

About being brakeless...

I can't figure out how brakeless riders stop thier bikes. I know they skid, bit I have tried to do this on my fixie and I can't seem to do it to save my life! Granted, my bike has a rather long wheelbase, 52/21 gearing, 27" wheels and it's a few pounds heavier than something more modern (the frame is around fourty years old, just like me!).

My LBS does a Sat. fixed gear ride and another rider with a brakeless Surly Steamroller (42/15 gearing, it looks like) has no problems stopping, except for long steep hills where he takes longer to come to a stop but stop he does!

Does the kind of bike have something to do with it, or is it just technique?

I can't see how stopping (or at least slowing down) could be that hard. Doing it well takes a little getting used to though. You want the wheel to stop going the direction that it is going, so you have to reverse the movements of your legs, basicly. You want to pull up with your forward facing leg, while you use your body weight to push down on your back leg. While stopping with a brake is just a matter of squeezing the lever, stopping with your legs on a fixie uses your whole body. You have to make it happen, put a little oomph into it. Your body does have to get used to the movements, and I imagine your stopping muscles get toned up a little, and after that it's just second nature. I can stop this way just as quickly as with a brake in most instances.

-Jason

P.S. I ride a Bianchi Pista, 48x16, bullhorns. There, at least we're not totally off topic now. :)

Additionally: Forget about skidding. Skidding is what a tire does when it looses traction. In most cases to stop you want to have as much traction as possible, which means slowing the wheel as much as possible without skidding. There are occasions skidding is necessary, but they are (should be) rare.

-Jason

Brakes vs brakeless arguments are dumb. After riding brakeless for 6 months now, stupid arguments against brakeless bikes are just that; stupid. It's just a different type of riding. You use new muscles and think differently. Riding my braked fix is a totally different experience than riding my brakeless track bike. Just knowing that the brake is not there puts you in a different state of mind--you are forced to ride more smoothly, more controlled, more focused. So for those who bash brakeless riders endlessly, I have 2 words for you: try it. Drop the clutter and take a ride around town. Otherwise quit complaining about stuff you haven't experienced first-hand.

*shrug*

i tried going brakeless, looking for the zen that everyone talked about. didn't find it. oh, well. different strokes and all...

Just local road races....no velodromes.

Ride Hard,
Mike B.
http://www.one-speed.com


I recently purchased an '04 Pista. Can you elaborate a little on the adds to your Pista?? Would you trust any shop to do the bottle bosses? Also, can you just drill the "bridge" on the seatstays and add the brake??? And how much did they charge for the mods??

Thanks in advance.

I really really hope I can swing an 04 Pista in the spring... mmmm...chrome :)

I really really hope I can swing an 04 Pista in the spring... mmmm...chrome :)

Yeah, the chrome kind of grew on me after a while, I didn't like it at first. As long as you get rid of the seat!!! I wanted to lose the decals as well but it appears they were clearcoated over.

I had a hard time finding one in my size, they seem to be in short supply right now.

yeah i agree that chrome seat has to go. the stem is sort of gross as well.

I recently purchased an '04 Pista. Can you elaborate a little on the adds to your Pista?? Would you trust any shop to do the bottle bosses? Also, can you just drill the "bridge" on the seatstays and add the brake??? And how much did they charge for the mods??

Thanks in advance.

Well, I'm fortunate that I have a LBS mech that I trust with all of my bikes. He's the only mech in the city that I allow to work on my bikes....I do all of my own work, with the exception of the mods I made to my Pista.

Adding the water bottle bosses is fairly simple. Most shops should have access to Rivnuts and the required installer. Occassionally, the stock water bottle bosses in frames come loose and need to be replaced. Call around. The installation of the 2 sets of water bottle bosses took about 30 minutes.

The installation of the rear brake was a little more time consuming, but, he had no issues installing it and I've had zero issues with it. Keep in mind, the bridge is not meant for a rear brake, so I've likely voided my warranty...ah well.

Total cost for the 2 water bottle bosses and rear brake was very cheap...6-pack for the water bottle bosses and $15 for the brake drilling and installation (not including the cost of the brake, housing, cable, etc.)

Ride Hard,
Mike B.
http://www.one-speed.com

Thanks for the info, I am definitely going to look into this.

One more question, what did you do with the rear brake cable on the top tube? Tie wraps??

Thanks again!

Thanks for the info, I am definitely going to look into this.

One more question, what did you do with the rear brake cable on the top tube? Tie wraps??

Thanks again!

I had a set of Tektro top tube cable guide adapters, but they are butt-ugly and huge. I'm currently using 3 tiny zip-ties spaced evenly along with the top tube and full housing. I've also tucked the housing to the underside of the top tube. Works great!

Ride Hard,
Mike B.
http://www.one-speed.com