2004 bianchi pista - really chrome?
 

Is the pista really chrome, or "chrome" paint? A dude at my LBS contends that it is paint, after putting one together for a customer. The website specs say chrome-plated....Any thoughts?

I doubt that it is paint. It would be easier to plate it. it would also last longer. Without too much detail: they have a tank of solution that has chromium ions in it and then they put the opposite charge on the bike frame and then dip it. The bike frame comes out with a smooth coating of chrome that is bonded to the frame metal itself.

Cool. I believe that the mech/tech had seen this "coating" which had sloshed, or whatever, inside a tube, and I guess it looked like paint to him....

Paint? PAINT??? WTF
Can you say "lame?" :rolleyes:

It is chromed. that said, the quality of the plating could be considered somewhat suspect as there is a clear coat over the chrome...for what ever that's worth.

The plating is *slightly* thin, but any thicker would probably be overkill (chrome is heavy). I think the main reason for the clear coat is to prevent the painted on logos from coming off.

i would like to buy a bianchi pista but (i think im going to hear it for saying this) im not into the chrome. dont get me wrong, it looks great, but i wish it came with a more subtle look to it, like the previous models http://www.sheldonbrown.com/harris/bianchi.html

Subtle is LAME!!!!

I'm with you modman. To me the chrome pista is the wardrobe equivalent of a tuxedo - looks real nice but often too flashy for everyday use. Maybe some black components would be enough to tone it down

the chrome is pretty much the only thing that holds me back from throwing down the cash. its a great affordable ride, but sparkly just isnt my style.

I just bought a chrome one because my LBS couldn't get the matte black in my size, so I figured I would just go with chrome.

I carry a cable lock wrapped around the top tube and seatpost. I looked the other day and it seems to have scuffed the clear coat a bit. I wrapped the top tube and part of the seatstays/seat tube in electrical tape. Also leaning the bike against lightposts and parking meters while securing it doesn't seem to work too well with chrome either. I am told it won't scratch, but will chip.

My guess is that before I am done, the whole bike will be covered in tape. My view on chrome is now "pretty but impractical". Stainless steel with no finish at all would have been better (but not as shiny).


Dan