avatar382

Stock gearing is a bit steep for me. (48x16)

Not sure whether to buy a chainring or cog. I already possess a 52t ring that came with the bike, but I've never put it on. What size chainring do I need? From my research I think 144mm but I want to be sure...

Thanks!

fieldrecordings

Get a smaller chainring. Some people seem to like 46/16 for city riding. Not sure about the BCD though. My 01 Pista is 144.

baxtefer

130 bcd.

get a 17 ot 18t cog. it'll be cheaper.

hyperRevue

+1 on 17t Cog.

fieldrecordings

On 2nd thought +2 on the 17t cog. Cheaper = gooder.

the pope

Buy a 17 and an 18. Still cheaper. Spin them both on.

fixedpip

A lot depends on where you live. But I'd try 48x18 as its pretty decent gearing for flat and for hills.

Stock 04 Pistas are not 144bcd AFAIK, the the truvativ cranks on 'em are Shimano standard size and thus are 130bcd

You can check easily (someone may have changed the cranks etc) following the instructions here:
https://www.sheldonbrown.com/gloss_bo-z.html#bcd

Just measure the distance between two bolts and use the table. Should be obvious if you've got 130 or 144bcd cranks.

skanking biker

46 X 16 works wonders for me--i love it

queerpunk

woot, me too!

avatar382

thanks everyone! My knees are going to be happy!!!

Any suggested stores from where to buy the cogs? I kinda like the "Dura-Ace" logo on my cog, lol. But, does it really mean anything? I guess quality back there doesn't change much right?

avatar382

Another stupid question - for the Pista's rear hub, do I need a 1/8" or 3/32" cog?

isotopesope

dura-ace means "death to round eye" in japanese. i'd stay away from it personally.

skanking biker

Actually the quality of your drivetrain is kinda, umm, IMPORTANT. Buy a cheap cog and have fun when it spins off, or maybe you'll shred all the teeth and wind up with a 1 tooth cog. But, by all means, go with a cog that has a "cool" logo if you wish. [BTW-Dura-Ace cogs are good quality]

Bianchi Pistas run 1/8 chains, cogs, etc.

gorn

Nope, they're 3/32, or at least my friends 05 was.

marqueemoon

I recommend 48x18.

hyperRevue

Just, FYI,
3/32 or 1/8 has nothing to do with what hub you have.
Both drivetrain sizes can be used on any fixed gear hub.
That said, Pistas come stock 3/32.

avatar382

After doing a search it seems that maybe it changed from 1/8 to 3/32 from 04 to 05?

Actually... checking the specs for the 04' (https://www.bianchiusa.com/04_pista.html) it shows the chain as: KMC 1/2x3/32

I'm buying the 3/32 cog. Whee! Thanks for everyone's help!

skanking biker

CRAP! That some A-whole mechanic told me it was 1/8-----so i guess that explains all the drivetrain noise when I replaced my cog

baxtefer

^ your 3/32" chain shouldn't even fit on your 1/8" cog.

Moximitre

^ really? damn.. I just bought a length of 3/32" chain from the bike co-op for $3 to use when I run 52-15 on paths. My 52 is 3/32, so that's fine. but my cog is 1/8... is it even worth trying? or should I not waste my time, and just go by a nice long piece of 1/8 chain. (price matters, hence the whole $3 chain thing)

hyperRevue

Yeah, 3/32 chains will not fit on 1/8 cog/chainrings.
Don't bother trying.

gorn

The chain won't fit onto the teeth. Also 52-15 is ridiculous.

Moximitre

thanks, oh, and I run 46-15 on the street, the 52 was just an experiment for some path riding fun. all in all, I'll survive with the $3 loss

skanking biker

i've been riding it for 3 weeks now--I suppose i will need to get a new cog AND chain then i guess?

gorn

Look at the chain/cog. It's visible if the chain is 3/32 and the cog is 1/8. You'll see the chain sitting on the teeth of the cog, not in between them. If you didn't notice it when installing, it sounds like it fits.

My dad used to road race, and one season trained, so he had an old 19t sprocket laying around. I considered trying it but noticed that the 3/32 chain wouldn't go on.