So I just got a chrome 07 Pista a few days ago. I haven't ridden it more than a few miles but I love the feeling of a fixed gear. The only thing is, I've been seeing some Pake bikes on the net and have been having doubt (although it's purely ascetic). I think the shop where I bought the Pista carries Pake stuff, although I have no idea if they would even consider doing some sort of trade-in/return. However before I do anything so drastic I was hoping to hear your opinions on which is a better bike. I don't dislike the Pista's look, but the black with removable decals just seems so clean. Thanks for the help, and any other good fixie advice for a beginner would be appreciated as well.

Oh god, keep the Pista. The Pista isn't anything special, but
the Pake is basically a step-up from an old hi-ten Schwinn,
Also, the Pista is a compete bike, whereas the Pake is just a
frame. You're going to spend all the money you spent on the
Pista and then some just putting a Pake together, and it'll be
an inferior bike to what you're riding now.

If it's a chrome Pista, the decals can be removed with some
chemical solvents. There was a thread about it here:

https://www.bikeforums.net/showthread...a+decals+jasco

Sounds like you bought it new. Bike stores that sell new bikes seldom accept returns or even exchanges because of liability: they don't know what happened to the bike once it left the store. Maybe the finish is pristine but it got in a head-on collision and the head-tube is fractured all about on the inside. It just isn't safe. But honestly, if they're friendly, you rode it only a couple miles, it's in the EXACT condition you bought it in, and if you're going to pay more for a Pake, they might consider it.

I'll most likely stick with the Pista, since I'm not sure I want to deal with putting a whole new bike together, and paying more when the Pista is okay for me. I guess I just wanted to hear some opinions on whether it's a good bike for a beginner or not.

The Pista is a bestseller for good reason. Keep it.

the pista is a great bike for beginners and is a great value too

slap a brake on and ride

Awesome. That's just what I wanted to hear, I feel a little intimidated when I look at sites like Velospace and Fixed Gear Gallery, but it's definitely a fun bike. I think over time I'll powdercoat it black or maybe dark green so it's not quite as flashy.

That brings me to my second question. I read in the thread about removing pista decals something about semi-transparent powder coats. That sounded interesting, and was wondering if anyone had pictures of this paint job.

Thanks for all the help to this point, seems like a great forum.

edit: I meant to say translucent not semi-transparent powder coat. Still looking for pictures of a bike with this though.

Bianchi has history and Italian panache. I would neve dump a Bianchi for a Pake.