xdrmusclex

So i didnt end up buying the Moth as it was disappointing, and I bought a used Pista and i love it to death! It is one of the awful/fantastic green ones (probably a few years old), I have a habit of never buying new stuff.

New parts are a nashbar carbon seatpost, RocketRing chainring, Michelin Speedium tires,Velocity Areohead rims on Bianci sealed bearing hubs (which the seller said were upgrades from stock, but I dont know?), some old nashbar clipless pedals (the best, as I have been riding them for 15 years) and a tektro brake and caliper for the front (which sucks, but it was all I had lying around).

The frame has some paint dings(which I kinda like as i wont feel bad locking her up with a chain as I think TT protectors should be banished to the land of wind and ghosts), but is structurally perfect and it rides like a dream.

This bike is a huge upgrade from my Viscount conversion. But after my recent run in with a car, the Viscount frame was destroyed, along with pretty much every thing else on the frame, so sad, but luckily i was pretty much uninjured (bruises etc, nothing broken)

I bought it for 400, which I think is a pretty good price for NYC (the lowest ive seen in a while and I have been watching!), even if it was a bit high, the insurance from my destroyed bike will cover it.

now to buy tons of lights!!!Im thinking bike planet combo and a few small guys for my helmet as I never want to be hit again, it hurt alot!

Anyone ever drill a pista for a rear brake? (yes, lamest question ever!)

pics will follow soon.

Thanks for all the help in selecting a new bike!

Paulthe

Congrats on the new bike.

But, why drill holes? Are you running freewheel with a pista? If so, you've got the wrong bike.

xdrmusclex

no, no freewheel, but i commute on the bike, and after getting hit by a car last week (im talkin head on collision over the hood up the windshield kinda accident) I want to take every safety precaution possible!

Paulthe

I understand that you're a little paranoid about getting into another accident, but a back brake is counter intuitive and I don't see it helping you. I would just take it slow until you get over your bike phobia. When on got into a VERY small fender bender (if you will) it took me a little while to get my confidence back, but now I am as confident it not even more so now.

I am glad to hear that you're getting back on a bike and taking every precaution that you can. Good luck getting back on the saddle and getting your mojo back.

yepyep

Sounds like a good buy. However, I would not expect much life out of the rocket ring. Those things are stinkers IMO. And yes, I had one, it proved most unsavory. You should not be able, or need to true a chainring with a pair of vice grips.

xdrmusclex

thanks guys,
yeah, I dont expect much from the crank, i figure if it breaks or bends, i can buy a new crank/chainring and not feel so bad (and my wife will support the purchase).

I will get pics up soon (but I cant find my camera right now, and Im a bit drunk)

I am going to take it slow and learn the no back brake thing a bit better, Im sure I will learn to love it!

Right now I am just working on getting as many lights as I can (anybody have the Knog frog lights, they look cool, and are pretty bright, but i never owned one)

here are two other options:

1) the ultra dorkmonger
https://www.pricepoint.com/detail/159...clist-Vest.htm

2) Monkey lectric, possibly dorky, possibly amazing?

Hammerchop

Ducktape a few Surefire Weapon tac lights to your bars and seat post.

haha

jokes.

uke

These are among the strongest lights you can buy for <$500. And they cost <$50. See the Electronics forum if you're truly interested in visibility.

yusuke343

for the sweet love of mother Mary, DO NOT drill the rear for a Brake!!!!

1- you can do that with your legs

2- a front brake is MORE than enough to stop you (as fast as can be achieved really)

Ravuthpum

I've heard good things about Planet Bike's Superflash taillight and there are some youtube videos of people demonstrating its lighting prowess. And they work well with other blinky lights too. for front lights, you shouldn't get knog. Yeah, its small and looks cool and is easily removeable, but they won't help at all when it comes to lighting up the ground in front of you [at least, the models i've seen]. Head over to the Electronics forum and they'll probably recomend one of those inexpensive cree LED flashlights mounted to a Twofish Lock Block. Have fun with the Pista

generate

congrats on the new bike. I saw that on CL as well since I've been watching too I considered jumping on it, but looks like its to late.

trons

what? please explain how a rear brake is counter intuitive and how it won't help someone...

it's only a bianchi pista.
1. not as well
2. if this were true there wouldn't be rear brakes

i've drilled a frame for a brake with a dremel before. just make sure the hole is centered and keep checking to make sure it's only as big as it needs to be...
of course you could see if someone will do it the right way too...

xdrmusclex

I think If i decide to do a back brake, I'll bring it to a shop (Dixons in park slope is always good to me) and have them drill it (especially since my drill is just not so powerful for drilling steel).

I actually dont think my rear rim has a braking surface, so I think this debate is moot anyway. I think I should just buy a better front brake caliper (tektro just plain sucks, the ultegra on my other bike is soooo much stronger)

Has anyone tried the Blackburn FLEA head and tail lights (they are rechargeable i guess)? otherwise, the planet bike rear light is great and a few multi led lights for the front will do just fine i guess.


rain! BOOOO!

twelsch42

If you're braking hard with your front brake and with back-pressure on your pedals at a certain point you'll begin a skid as your rear wheel begins to leave the ground. This is maximum braking. People also say that your brake pads have lots to do with how well your brakes work.

jeffmendoza

Sheldon Says:

delorean

selective quoting