m3877

I have been reading this particular part of the forum for a little while now and am pretty close to actually buying a fixed gear type bicycle. I put some thought behind it and haven't even shifted gears on my bike in quite a while(not fixed I know, but a slight attempt to find out without spending money). I've decided to go the new route instead of building my own.

I have basically narrowed it down to two at this point and am wondering which way to lean. I have come down to the Fuji Track and the Bianchi Pista. I haven't found anything really bad about either of these bikes, but I also haven't found anything to make me pick one over the other(with the exception of being able to get the Bianchi at my LBS). The Bianchi is definetely better looking, but I care more about function than appearance.

Can someone give me some suggestions?

Thanks in advance.

don d.

I own a Bianchi Pista. It is spot on right. The handling is perfectly dialed in. It's stiff, but a track bike is supposed to be.

Both companies have a rich history in designing good bikes. The Japanese have a huge track scene(keirin racing) and know their stuff here. I haven't ridden a current Fuji, but I owned a Fuji track bike years ago, and I loved it. FWIW.

OneTinSloth

the entry level fuji track bikes have taken a slight nose-dive over the last few years. i'd say go with a bianchi. the only problems i have with the bianchis is that everyone and their mother has one (at least the older flat black ones), but i guess that's because they're good and affordable.

i hope this thread doesn't devolve into the dream bike discussion that the last "which track bike should i get?" thread did.

shrimpx

between the bianchi and fuji, i'd take bianchi. it's much sexier.

that said, in reality, i'd buy neither. if i did get the bianchi, i'd end up replacing the bars and saddle, i'd get a smaller chainring and a front brake, thus spending a whole lot more than the tag price. and at around $700, i can build a much nicer, original ride.

m3877

I don't really see any fixed gear/single speed bikes around here(not counting bmx's and cruisers) at all, let alone any Bianchi bikes. There are really good roads around here so stiff isn't to much of an issue. A front brake is something I will add to the bike, but that would be with any of these types as far as I can tell. The shop I spoke with quoted me right at 500 for the Bianchi and I don't remember the price for the brake. I was already leaning towards the Bianchi and I think I just needed a nudge in the right direction. Hopefully I'll be riding one soon!

pitboss

*nudge*
get the Bianchi

jasonyates

shrimpx, going custom what would you build in the $700 price range? I had been trying to price out some stuff, and it seems like for a "budget" bike you would spend more, and end up in the same boat as a Bianchi or equivalent. For just over $1000 you can put a nice bike together, that is a different price range though.

-Jason

shrimpx

jason, it depends on whether you think that high quality parts are by definition new. (or the other way around.)
i have no issue with buying used. the 80's zeus frame that i got for less than $200 the other day is much sexier and much higher quality than the stock bianchi or fuji. it will make for a bike around $600 with cinelli track drops and stem, sugino track crankset (used), new handbuilt wheels (velocity aero black rims on miche track hubset). a feather-light seatpost and new shimano sealed bottom bracket came with the frame.

LA Law

*MONKEY WRENCH*

Bianchi is sold out of many sizes in the Pista. I tried to buy one the other week. They will have 2004s by September. If they've got your size, you're in luck, but as of now, supplies are limited.

I ended up building a custom bike for about $600 instead.

winston smith

what about the surly steamroller?

m3877

I did look into the steamroller as well, but for now I'm not able to fund a complete build from the frame up. If it is available as a complete bike in the same price range as the Bianchi, then I would look into it, but from what I have found it is not. If there is somewhere the surly is available as such, please point me there as it would give me another option.

m3877

This would be just my stinking luck!

OneTinSloth

i think bikeworks has complete surlies. yup, they do. form $700-$1000. a little high, but you get what you pay for.

m3877

I shot an e-mail out to Bike Works NYC for more information on there steamroller setups. I am also calling the shop I spoke with about the Bianchi to see what the wait is on one. Hopefully, I'll get this figured out here soon.

I'd also like to thank everyone here for all the responses. The info has helped alot.