I had searched long and hard for a suitable frame and ran across a Nishike that had good drop outs for sale in the thrift shop. It was cheap and I snapped it up. I spent time shaving mounts, cable runs, etc.. stripping and paint, getting a wheel. I was in love with the process. Then I began to ride and loved the fixie ride!

I soon began to realize that my Nishiki was just too small for me (6 foot 2) and that it was to twichty because of the riding posistion.

I went back to shopping the thrift shops, and wouldn't you know it they get wiped out. One shop said there's a guy who pays them 10 dollars a month to tell him when they get decent bikes. (A thrift shop). And there's a guy, applecart2, on ebay, who seems to snap up all the decent frames. Nothing wrong with, but that it limits my chances.

Well, I found a bike shop (http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=40965) and yesterday I drove to work so I could make it down there.

For a reasonable price (perhaps I paid to much, or perhaps I paid to little, but the cash out was equal to the satisfaction) I found what appears to be an early 80's italian Bianchi with a great frame size, forks, a seat post and some misc parts. The frame is beat up pretty badly paint wise, however, it's strait which in the scheme of things, all that matters.

So last night I got home, quickly stripped the Nishike of it's chain and wheels, and switched it over to the Bianche. Aside from the fact the chain ring is a little small up front (likely a 38 or 42) and the cranks are big (170).. it's pretty sweet. Nice lugged frame, embossed B's on it. I'm sure the fact that the size is better for me contributes to handling more than the frame materail, but I'm ALOT more confident on it, and can weave better through the streets. Pictures on subsequent post: