Bianchi Pista Review
Vintage bicycles such as this Bianchi have a knack of catching the eye both of cyclists and the everyday spectator, and additionally our staff hear it on good authority that the previous year’s annual quota for this design sold almost immediately. In the norm of a proper ‘track iron’ Bianchi use plain (heavy) gauge TIGwelded steel tubing on this bicycle this is certainly far better than a frame made of butted tubing for enduring the high lateral stresses sustained on the velodrome.
Bianchi Pista Review
Your new chromed exterior will most likely desire maintenance and shining to cope with the effects of road salt for the duration of the winter months but we think this is a tiny cost to pay for such a magnificent looking bicycle. The absence of a provision for installing a rear brake calliper on the Bianchi means that it is outside the law to use it with a single speed freewheel in residence of the fixed sprocket supplied here, but a moderately competent renovator could drill the bridge between the chainstays to provide a place for an olderstyle bolt-on caliper.
Bianchi Pista Review
Currently the frame geometry is nearer to what a authentic track bike is with their particular ‘Manchester’ spec bottom bracket position – meaning that at 11 inches it is slightly higher up than a typical road bike and definitely will supply appropriate pedal clearance for most steeply-banked velodromes. The level of gear is incredible for the cash and comes with a Velo saddle, Deda steel keirin handlebars, Bianchi aluminium stem, Truvativ 165mm cranks, 16 tooth fixed gear sprocket and 48 tooth chainring. This gear provides an 81-inch gear which is acceptable for flat city centre riding however is, we feel, a tiny bit on the high side for climbing anything more than just a slight incline. Aside from some messengers who are accomplished with the discipline of braking without having them there will of course be the further cost of brake callipers.
The stiff and uncompromising frame displays a very sturdy and secure ride to counter the lateral forces as the cyclist enters the banked part of a velodrome track
The stiff and unyielding frame imparts a very solid and secure ride to counter the lateral forces as the rider enters the banked part of a velodrome track. On the road, this stiff attitude also will help the rider to apply decelerative forces to the pedals using the fixed gear and the super-agile steering reaction makes the Bianchi a great tool to brush up your riding skills around town on. The wheels are better than anticipated for this kind of price and include cartridge bearing hubs and Alex AT400 32 hole rims that are laced to stainless-steel spokes.