IchbinJay

What do you guys think of this? https://www.bianchiusa.com

Also, on a side note, Bianchi was the last name of LA's famous Hillside Slasher; why haven't they made a mountain bike called "The Hillside Slasher" yet?

marqueemoon

I test rode one and thought it was great. It would be an excellent commuter/city bike. The dealbreaker for me was no fixed option on the hub.

IchbinJay

Yeah, that's what I've heard. I'm thinking of getting out of fixed though...my knees are starting to hurt.

jhota

my lbs tried to order some (i want to try one), but Bianchi was out of stock. the owner said he would try againin a couple weeks.

asterisk

urban hipster pothole dodging!

cyclintom

I talked to a guy who belonged to a single speed club 20 years ago. He said that less than half of that group could ride anymore because of damaged knees.

At least it helps to keep the riff-raff off of the streets.

rjcory

If you are even considering it, buy this bike. I have been riding for years and this is my favorite bicycle to date. What this bike can do with one gear most can't do with 30. You will be happy with the free wheel when taking the San Jose off road. For $550 this bike has no equals. If you can find one buy it.

kdboxerdog

Not that I am a weight weenie, but what does this bike weigh? I have been considering this bike or a Van Dessel Country Road Bob... Unfortunately I cannot find either locally to test ride.

kdboxerdog

And any toe overlap problems with the front tire?

same time

If you're planning on racing it, consider that those rear-facing dropouts make wheel changes kind of clumsy.

For commuting, I was more impressed with the "Castro Valley" from Bianchi, the one with a single ring up front and derailler in the back. Comes with fenders and generator lights on it.

Both bikes are cool, though - I like what Bianchi has been offering lately, and the prices are great, too.

IchbinJay

Hmmm...well, I think I might go for it. I've got a Bianchi Pista right now and it's light and fast but that's about it. In terms of stability, options and diversity in riding it sort of stinks. I like the whole fixed thing but it really started to take a toll on my knees after riding everyday over 1,000 miles. I think a low geared SS CX is the way to go. I have a pretty good mix of harsh roads and trails that I don't think I'd be losing that much speed at all.

rjcory

The bike weighs about 21-23lbs. Very stable over all types of terain so far. No overlap with toe and front tire. Top tube seems long on my 55cm but I normally ride a 56cm so it fits me perfect

IchbinJay

Nice. Any pics yet?

daveF

I just bought a San Jose last Saturday. I love it. Haven't had it off road yet, maybe on Christmas day? The WTB tires ride well on the pavement & seem to have a pretty low rolling resistance. The bike handles well, nice ride on the pavement at least, & the components seem very good. I like the Sugino crank & Cane Creek brakes. This will be my daily ride/commute & some occasional weekend trip bike.

IchbinJay

I'm glad to hear it. My only reservation at this point is that I've been looking at a more hybrid Bianchi Boardwalk and I might be leaning towards that. I'm not sure yet though. I know the Boardwalk isn't as performance driven, but it's still a really nice do everything bike.

mbweedman

Hey, I have a somewhat related question. I'm currently building an el-cheapo version of the san jose on a used volpe frame. I went for some cheap wheels (Sum M13's on Weinmann rims, so that I could have the flip-flop in the back, unlike the san jose), but am having a hard time finding suitable tires in the 23-25 size range. Any suggestions?

rjcory

Avocet makes a 28mm cross tire. You may have to look for touring tires. Lots of options if you look at 27x1 1/8 touring tires equivlent roughly to a 700x25mm

Pigtire

Is there clearance in the rear for a 38+ tires?

Thanks

daveF

It may be rather tight for 38 tires, especially for a muddy course. 35 will probably fit.

phillybill

I just picked one up today, it's a great ride so far.

rcaddy27

I have been riding one for about a month. It is a value at $550, but the wheels are super heavy and I am going to swap them out. Even with that, this is a real fun bike and has helped me stay motivated and train through the winter.

phillybill

I finally got to put about 60 miles on mine this week, and I can say that I do not have any issues with it so far. I just changed out the seatpost, seat and put some TIME pedals on it. It's a great bike to ride around the 6 mile premiter at the bas at lunch time. Will probably do something with the wheels eventually, but I will ride these into the ground first.

marqueemoon

I've kind of changed my tune on this bike and will probably be getting one after I get rid of some debt. The plan is to use the stock wheels for commuting (probably with a 16 tooth freewheel and some 700x28 tires I have lying around) and buy or build a second wheelset a little later for taking off road. I'm hoping I can convince the shop to let me swap some parts pre-build, because that saddle and post will be of zero use to me.

Tmax1

Think Rollo the Clown. ...

I just got the 06 Pista and it rocks with the flip flop hub. BMX gog screws right on. Specialized Tri-cross comp knobby 28's fit just fine.


rjcory- So 27 1 1/8 are really equiv. to 700 x 25. Can you run them on the same rims (700's)? Hmmm. it does open up options.

JG

phillybill

Yeah the wheels are the weak point of this bike....but I figure that they make nice winter wheels. I uses to riding Michlen Sprint 700/30's...the are a bit more lively than the WBT's thatcome with it. After the winter I'm going to ut on a campy datona crank and replace the bar and stem combo......but onl after I put 1000 miles on it.