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 (https://www.bikeforums.net/singlespeed-fixed-gear/40965-last-night.html) 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:

Here's the nishike when it started

Here's the Nishiki when it was done, paint, new wheels, etc.

Here's a rough shot of the bianchi after I swapped parts...

william,

nice bikes, both. but i s'pose congrats are most in order for your new steed. what are the plans, paintwise?

-rob

I'm in a debate now. It's beat pretty hard. My options:

1) Leave it as is for a stealthy deamon.
2) Spend major cash @ cycle art to have it restored.
3) Custom rattle can it. If I do that (no one run out and copy it) I'm gonna paint it flat black with high gloss lugs, the inset "B" on the forks and seat stays would be silver, and I'd trace around the lugs in silver.
4) Wrap it up.

I'm not sure.

But, I'm gonna eat my hat and say it rides nicer than my Cannondale that I love.

You leave your saddles pretty low, huh?

Still playing with it, and others.

nice bikes...two questions:
1) does the bianchi have track dropouts?

2) over by the door, where the coats and backpack are hanging, i see what appears to be a face. here is an enlargement of that section:



WTF is that!? is your house haunted?!

OTS,

as for number 2, the face. I believe that either
1) Elvis is alive and well and living at WK's. or
2) Paul McCartney really is dead and thats his ghost.

Marty

No, but it had pretty decent drop outs to make a FG. Enough that my stuff bolted right up.

And, I don't believe in ghost. But some odd things have happened in the house in the past: The was a couple who grew marijuana on the up stairs balcony and then one day just were gone. I found a set of wedding rings in the dirt outside when re planting. Odd "dead" spots on the lawn (which remain, even though I've dug down 2 feet). Doors have been repaired that were kicked in.. the wrong way. Cold spots.. A stain on the wall that appeared when I painted it, then was gone two weeks later. (not shaped like elvis or paul).

Also, my daughter and I are severe tricksters.. So it could have been a joke between her and I.