I am looking at a bianchi pista and its generally considered a more "track" like frame. So poses my question, if I usually ride a 56cm road bike, should I do the same for the bianchi pista...or ride larger/smaller? I'm looking at a 55cm pista on craigslist so that's why I want to make sure.
Thanks

i ride the same size... 57-58cm

Just ride it and decide for yourself

if your gonna be doin tricks smaller bikes are easier to play with.

Well, the reason I posted on here first, is because I didn't wanna make the 2 hour trip to look at it if it's a bad idea to ride a track frame 1cm smaller.

eh you'll be fine. Depends...is the 56cm on the small or big side for you? I ride a 56cm road bike but it's a little small, so I would probably buy a 57-59cm frame. But yeah, as far as differences, I think you should get the same size in both

seat tube height doesn't matter. You should be comparing top tube lengths

well, it matters, it will give too much saddle/bar drop if you have a short seat tube.

The 55cm "track" frame is the one that is a little small because I usually ride 56cm which is generally my size, but obviously it depends on the bike. I guess I just have to ride it and see for myself.

Oxy I had the same question and was going to make a post about it today. I also noticed you were considering a Langster (I'm also interested in both the Pista and the Langster).

In regards to the Langster, does a person also generally fit the same on a compact geo bike (theoretically)?

I rode a 56cm langster at our local shop and it fit me perfectly (I ride regular road bikes at 56cm as well). When it comes down to it though, aesthetics, which honestly matters a lot to me, is the deciding factor, because if I'm going to drop money on something I ride every day I want it to look good. So that's why I am leaning towards the pista even though the one I found is signifcantly more expensive. And I can't find time with school to make my own bike...it's just not practical.

Fashion for most riders seems to be to ride at least a size too small. If you do that on a street bike, then size down even further for a track frame, you can bet it will be way too small. If you have been sized professionally and properly for your road bike, you could probably tolerate a slightly smaller track frame. Most track racers will drop 1-2cm or so for their track frame to try to gain a slightly quicker response handling-wise. Only you will know for sure if a size is right. Oh, and make sure you are comparing apples to apples. make sure the 55 you are considering is measured the same as your 56 (i.e. c-t or c-c), and pay particular attention to the TT length, as mentioned.

generally you ride a track bike on the back wheel only, spinning the bars, so whatever allows you to do that (there were far too many practical posts here)

Not true. The range of saddle/bar drop is really determined more by head tube length and stem choice.

lol at drmuscle..