Singlespeed & Fixed Gear - Bianchi Pista???

So, I'm building my first fixie, and I have this pretty nice peugeot road frame. However, there's this really pretty Bianchi Pista track frame hanging at the bike shop with a $200 price tag. Is the Bianchi a worthwhile purchase? Is there another frame I could get for the same price range, or should I stick with my peugeot?
~Oni

I have no idea. Have you asked them if you can take it out on a test ride yet?

I love my Bianchi track bike, but it's pre pista by many years...

i have the 04 pista and i think it's a good track frame-- Reynolds 520 cromo, rear entry track dropouts, and traditional track geometry. in fact, same geometry as the bianchi pista concept, which is the top-of-the line track frame, available only in frame and fork for, i believe, around $1k (don't quote me). btw, the frame is the std pista? kinda odd they would sell that only in frame/fork. anyway, that all being said, i believe the $200 price is at least half of other brands (Surly, Gunnar, and i believe IRO). in the end, however, the bianchi may not have the exclusivity of the other brands, since they appear to be a dime a dozen.

The pista concept goes for $600, frame & fork...if it's the concept then $200 is a spankin' great deal.

Yeah, That frame is at Velo Shop on 9th ave. It's a good frame and totally worth it.

whats wrong with the peugeot? Doesnt sound like a deal to me if you already have a nice frame.

I vote for sticking with the Peugeot. I personally don't care for the looks of the chrome pista.

Or, you could get a track wheel, put it on the Peugeot and try riding fixed for a week or two to see how you like it, and if you've fallen hopelessly in love with it like the rest of us, snatch up the Bianchi with your next paycheck....

"you've fallen hopelessly in love with it like the rest of us, snatch up the Bianchi with your next paycheck...."

why would you want to replace something you've fallen hopelessly in love with? Very confused.

Comment was directed towards riding style, not the bike.

"Comment was directed towards riding style, not the bike."

neither a bike, nor a style, can hear comments; still very confused!

"Comment was directed towards riding style, not the bike."

neither a bike, nor a style, can hear comments; still very confused!

Neither can surf the net, either, unless they're that one that prints out messages from the trailer...

Ok, maybe I should have been a little more clear:

If he falls in love with riding fixed {riding style** then he knows that it's worth it to get a better frame.

If he falls in love with the frame, then, well he's in love with the frame. I'd go with a track frame over a road frame any day of the week (but not any month of the year - my Bianchi is going to be glaring at me and saying 'ride me you SOB!' all winter).

It's probably better to take the existing frame, tear it down and try riding it for a while to know if he really does want to ride fixed. If not, he's only out a rear wheel, which could probably be sold on e-bay. If so then the frame is probably a good purchase...

Need more clarification?

no; that was perfectly clear!

seriously, though...i guess the point of my original comment was, if he builds up the peug. and enjoys it, why would it necessarily be worth it to get a 'better' frame? Better is certainly subjective.

Besides, to me (warning, strong opinion to follow), replacing a perfectly good and satisfying possession reeks of Ameriterialism;

It can always be better. Everything can be better.

America could really be better, but h@ll, it's an Italian frame.

I could be better, but I'm not...

And BTW, I think a summer and winter frame are worth the time... Realizing you like the fix end of things doesn't mean you have to stop with the first frame you build too. Having two frames is not a bad thing either. That's two less cars, right?

I take soldering irons to $30 broken CD players - until it's REALLY dead it's not dead...

Sometimes I'm the one that kills those things though :)

But if he can do both and do it somewhat fiscally responsibly, what is the harm? I don't think that there are too many people that wouldn't upgrade to a better frame given the opportunity. Trying [the experience of fixed riding] out before-hand keeps the 'Ameriterialism' to a minimum - he won't be buying it then hanging it in the garage...

Unfortunatly, won't be selling it on ebay either :)

It can always be better. Everything can be better.

America could really be better, but h@ll, it's an Italian frame.

I could be better, but I'm not...

And BTW, I think a summer and winter frame are worth the time... Realizing you like the fix end of things doesn't mean you have to stop with the first frame you build too. Having two frames is not a bad thing either. That's two less cars, right?

I take soldering irons to $30 broken CD players - until it's REALLY dead it's not dead...

Sometimes I'm the one that kills those things though :)

But if he can do both and do it somewhat fiscally responsibly, what is the harm? I don't think that there are too many people that wouldn't upgrade to a better frame given the opportunity. Trying [the experience of fixed riding] out before-hand keeps the 'Ameriterialism' to a minimum - he won't be buying it then hanging it in the garage...

Unfortunatly, won't be selling it on ebay either :)

I am looking to build up a winter commuter bike on a budget, but I can't bring myself to buy cheap components or a cheap frame... I am worried i will end up with two really nice bikes! I guess that isn't the worst problem in the world, but still.

I am looking to build up a winter commuter bike on a budget, but I can't bring myself to buy cheap components or a cheap frame... I am worried i will end up with two really nice bikes! I guess that isn't the worst problem in the world, but still.

It's a problem when you're work calls you in Feb and says "Why aren't you here?" and your reply is "my bikes are too nice to take outside".... Beaters are good things to have...

It's a problem when you're work calls you in Feb and says "Why aren't you here?" and your reply is "my bikes are too nice to take outside".... Beaters are good things to have...

True. It beats taking the subway.

FYI all,
I snatched up the Bianchi Pista frame (with Oni's help of course). It is on its way.