Well Folks,

I've been lurking here for a few weeks learning and digesting... got some news so I decided to post finally:

Yesterday I went to Harris Cyclery so my girlfriend could pick up her new Fuji Track (she got one of the 43cm closeouts with their brake and flip-flop package...$450!!!). I couldn't resist trying the Bianchi they had in my size (51cm).

Now I had never tried fixed before and I have limited experience on any road bike. So I took it around the block. You know what? I loved it. It felt really comfortable, I wasn't to put off by not coasting... just felt a little more in control of my speed. I was even able to stop with out the brake on the second try. I LOVED IT. So you know what? I put a down payment on it and will pay it off in time for the Fall when we move back to Brooklyn. I can't hardly wait!!!

So I was told to be a little more careful with the frame on this one as it's a bit thinner metal than the Fuji of the KHS that they stock. Tom, the very helpful salesperson, said the Bianchi was a little more of a true Track bike (albiet entry-level) as opposed to the KHS and the Surly wich are "street-abuse" types. apparantly the Bianchi frame can be dented easily. I guess I just have to be careful.

I was afraid the cool "ship" grey would be discontinued for next years model soon. and they had my size... so all the ducks were lined up. I just decided to go for it.

Thanks for the all of the insight and reviews...
I'll post some pics soon
-David
p.s. I just converted my Mongoose MTB to single speed also...this is getting FUN :fun:

rock on man!

awesome. are you going to keep the gearing the way it is?
the default configuration seems too tall for street.

Tape that baby up before the harsh NYC winter gets it.

Yeah I dunno... I'm riding my SS MTB with 15/42 right now and it feels a tiny bit steep. I'm Also WAY out of shape!

I'm gonna try the 18/42 next week on the mongoose.

The Bianchi felt good though... 16/48 I think. Is it because of the bigger wheels that it feels reasonable?

Banzai!!

or because you haven't taken it up hills yet
48/16 is not extreme.. it's about 79 inches on 700x23C. most people ride around 70 inches. (42/16)

Congratulations on the bike. I want one of these bad, but no one has my size. I think I may have to wait until the 2004s come out.

Enjoy!!

Nice.. the pista is one awesome bike