Singlespeed & Fixed Gear - Pista Concept and Cinelli Mash

I would really like to try out a Bianchi Pista Concept. Unfortunately, since they don't produce them anymore and my location seriously limits the chances of me finding a used one in my size I'll probably have to look for an alternative. The Cinelli Mash looks to be some sort of amalgamation between a Pista Concept, a 90's Cannondale track and a Kierin pursuit frame. Anyone out there who's tried both the Concept and the Cinelli and can tell me how they compare. I'm curious to know the story behind the Cinelli, i.e. why they chose the sloping top tube and how they came up with this particular frame as the ideal frame for street track bike riding. Do the angles feel really steep or is it rather comfortable?

If I do happen to find a Pista Concept I have a few questions about that too. Does the Concept really have the same geo as the regular steel Bianchi Pista as indicated by the Bianchi website? I would think the Concept was originally designed specifically for the track and would have a bit steeper angle's and shorter wheel base. Also, am I wrong in feeling a little wary of buying a used frame that comes with a carbon fork? I've always thought it a good policy to only use carbon parts that i've bought new or otherwise know the history of. Lastly, are there any specific changes in the Concept frames between 2005 and 2009?

By they way, I'm not really interested in the D2 Pista or the Super Pista that's coming out. The fork on the D2 pista looks terrible in my opinion, I like the cutaway in the Concept seattube, and I suspect the Super Pista of being built with less quality control than the older Concepts. I can also get the Cinelli for a good price while I can catch no such breaks on a new Bianchi.

Your post blew my mind. The Super pista is identical specs to one of the older ones, I forget what year. The Mash bike prob has a slanted top tube because it looks cool, since that is what the MASH is made for. I think you are over thinking the carbon thing. If it was a frame I might be worried, but a fork as long as it does not look beat up I do not see a problem. If you have to get one of these bikes get a cinelli, maybe last years vigorelli. Why not get a jamis sonik, felt tk2, fuji track pro? These imo are much better bikes.

vigorelli doesn't have holes for breaks.

The Mash bike prob has a slanted top tube because it looks cool, since that is what the MASH is made for. I think you are over thinking the carbon thing.

I didn't want to say it myself but my guess was that the Cinelli frame has a slanted top tube so it wouldn't be more or less identical to the Pista Concept. I wanted to try the Pista Concept because all the people I've talked to that have owned them have had nothing but good words to say about them and I wanted to verify this for myself. Also, I can get the Cinelli for a good price and that's why it's a choice between these two frames.

vigorelli doesn't have holes for breaks.

A fire break?

I didn't want to say it myself but my guess was that the Cinelli frame has a slanted top tube so it wouldn't be more or less identical to the Pista Concept. I wanted to try the Pista Concept because all the people I've talked to that have owned them have had nothing but good words to say about them and I wanted to verify this for myself. Also, I can get the Cinelli for a good price and that's why it's a choice between these two frames.

with out the slanted top tube it would be almost identical to the vigorelli

This kinda reminds me of a budget pista concept.
I think it looks pretty sharp.

http://www.bikesdirect.com/products/motobecane/images/team_track_250.jpg

http://www.bikesdirect.com/products/motobecane/team_track.htm

This kinda reminds me of a budget pista concept.
I think it looks pretty sharp.

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more like budget fuji track comp. Has some nice parts on it. Also has some ****ty parts on it. I would rather just try to find a deal on last years model.

argh imstuck in the same position also. bianchi vs cinelli. tough decision indeed.

get a new fuji or a new vigorelli.

the track comp is pretty cool. checked it out at a lbs and its light and stiff. the track pro looks it bit too intense for street riding.

Jamis Sonik or Pista Concept. I would not worry about buying a used CF fork. It will most likely be fine. I have owned a couple used CF forks and none of them killed me. Just get a good look at it, first. You can find concepts on ebay, though they are overpriced. Fuji is an alright option, but it's just SO meh. Is that an oxymoron? So meh?

go for the mash

with out the slanted top tube it would be almost identical to the vigorelli

Uh, thats the point.

Except the pursuit geometry...

Uh, thats the point.

Except the pursuit geometry...

I do not understand your point. I answered a question.

more like budget fuji track comp. Has some nice parts on it. Also has some ****ty parts on it. I would rather just try to find a deal on last years model.

What are the ****ty parts on it? Wheels? I was thinking about ordering one.

What are the ****ty parts on it? Wheels? I was thinking about ordering one.

go for it. check the lockring and spoke tension and enjoy.

keirin cycles in miami has both frames. also you can contact 66fixed in tampa, they should have mash frames but idk about pista concepts. both shops will ship.

Thanks oneangrytoast. I'll give them a call.

I do not understand your point. I answered a question.

The geometry is different between the Mash Vigorelli and the regular Vigorelli.

Thats all Im saying.

What size are you looking for? I have a 53cm 2005 concept that I might be interested in selling.

Thanks whalesalad. Unfortunately, I think I need a 55cm. I should have mentioned that before. I'm 5'11" and I have about a 32 inch inseam. I've ridden a regular steel 55cm Bianchi Pista and it fit just right.

More like Pista Yawncept.