Single speed CONVERSION of a racing frame, good or bad idea..??
 

Looking for a new single speed, CANNOT make up my mind, and then something pops up right in front of my nose. I have a 2003-2006 Bianchi SL Reparto Corse aluminium frame with carbon forks, and thibkibg about the idea of making a dealer do a Conversion to single speed, thereby making a Pista concept / Super Pista - like bike for a great price at least for now. Are these conversions a good idea, or NOT? Its based on a bracket of some kind converting the rear drop outs to go with a single speed set up.

if its a complete bike then dont do it! just ride it and enjoy it. if its just a frame/fork then go ahead and convert it.

nothing wrong with converting a road bike to ss/fg as long as you dont cut anything off. I say go for it. you can always return it to its formerself later.

whats a racing bike?

Haha. Road bike sorry (I'm Norwegian,..)

Well it is an unused frame i bought, and it hasn't got anything on it at the moment. I am just worried this bracket/conversion concept of the vertical dropouts to make a single speed (which obviously includes a new crank, rear single speed cog, chain etc, does not make it good to ride......
Had a brand new Pista from last year but had to sell it was too small..., so it's not my first. Not building this frame up as a road bike which was the original plan, as I've just ordered an Impulso from Italy :-), the thought of 2 Celeste coloured beauties in the garage is temtpting, IF it is viable&rideable

Single-speed conversions have no problem with vertical dropouts, although you may need to run a chain tensioner. If you decide to go fixed-gear, you'll need to find a "magic gear" or use an eccentric hub or bottom bracket to adjust and maintain chain tension.

Nothing needs to be done to the frame.
Track & road BB are the same.

Geometry and most importantly, BB height, are what make your bianchi road bike different from a pista concept which was designed from the ground up with track geometry and velodrome riding in mind.
Then again you're converting to singlespeed so pedal strikes shouldn't be an issue unless you plan to go fixed.

Do it, you'll love the light weight and stiffness. The road geometry should be more comfortable than buying an aluminum track frame.

I know most people don't NEED a frame which doesn't flex under hard pedaling but it feels nice. Make sure you source a good 1-1/8 stem and 31.8mm bar to maintain the stiffness and get some brake levers which let you hold on to the hoods like Tektros.