matt.weitekamp

I got a brand new Bianchi Pista about 6 months ago; I have so far gotten new pedals and a new seat. I was just wondering if anyone had any recommendations on what I should upgrade at this point. I have a $300 budget and don’t know if there is anything out that will make any noticeable difference to change.
Thanks guys.

Sirrobinofcoxly

You might want to try the FG/SS forum. Those guys, although cranky, would probably have some good upgrade ideas.

But I guess the short of it is: It's a track bike. Unless you are riding it on the track, they are meant to be super simple, and tough, so there no reason to bling it all out except for bragging rights. The pistas to my knowledge have pretty generic stem and seat post. Maybe get something that improves your fit first. Failing that, get a set of Bright coloured deep-V's, like every other FG poseur on the planet (including myself, see sig #5640)

steppinthefunk 

If I had a Bianchi Pista, I would do the following.


*Change the fork to a steel threaded fork - which will involve getting a new threaded headset along with the fork
*Track quill stem with slight downward angle
*White bar tape
*Change seat to a white Selle San Marco Concor or white Selle San Marco Regal
*Possibly put a coaster hub on the back

Youngin

PUMP THE BIG GEAR
53x11


edit:
gatorskins, I like these tires
for bling?
old style track handlebars
new wheels, deep v's are good, and arrospok or hed 3
latest trendy stem
van shoes
che shirt
bandanna
spoke cards
scowl on face
chrome bag
old style campy crank or paul stuff

congratualtions, you've been hipsterfied. Undo this by adding a front brake.

gr@sshopper

Used 105 brifters, Used 9 spd rear wheel+cassette, saint rear derailer? You're kinda screwed without a derailer hanger, but I hear the saint mounts to the axle, so it may be recoverable.

Youngin

Why would you make a pista a geared bike?

gr@sshopper

Why wouldn't you???
-or-
Cause the only thing more ridiculous than a fat dentist riding a Cervelo is a hipster pushing a pista cause his baby sisters jeans are too tight to pedal in.

(Why are hipsters and pedophiles similar? They both want to get into little girls pants!)

To the OP - front brake on yet? If you can't find anything wrong with it, put a front brake on and save the rest for tires. I hear the stock hubs are shiite, but can't speak from experience. If you're looking for a not like everybody else with a pista look, powder coat it, and get the fork chromed, or whatever.

jkizzle

lol i like the sig

MIN 

Here's me now.



Here's me (almost stock).



Here's me with bullhorns.

arsw1

^^^ I like the original look better... I think the chrome look looks tastier..

veggiemafia

But I think the carbon weighs about a pound and a half less.

Edit: and looks nice, to boot.

MIN 

The stock fork on the Pista is terrible for braking, it causes massive brake shudder due to flex. It's the only essential upgrade along with installing brakes, if you plan to ride on the road. The weight differential about about 500 grams.

mattm

i'd replace the chain with a 1/8" track chain, along with the rear cog. i know, 3/32" is "just as strong" these days, but the thicker ones look badazz.

that and change the seat - throw a brooks on it!

marqueemoon

$300 will get you some nice upgraded wheels.

Miche is supposedly coming out with a 144 bcd crankset that will probably be a pretty good value.

Soma makes a crowned chrome 1" threadless fork in Tange Prestige that looks much nicer than the stock Pista fork for a little over $100.

I wouldn't go too nuts with the upgrades though.

Duchey

OMG, that is some of the funniest **** I've read all week! Thanks for the ammo to rag on my hipster friend with.

chzman

Wheels. $300 should get you a nice upgrade. $500 would get you an awesome set.

gr@sshopper

Ok, so I posted the gears thing as a joke, but now, I kinda want to try it for an afternoon, maybe go to a night ridazz or other ride, just to see the reaction. Anybody got a pista frame they wanna loan me???

botto 

fixed.

Dubbayoo

Ride it as is. Spending the extra money upfront for a Pista Concept would have made more sense than upgrading the lower one. The Concept is nicely appointed.

Hobartlemagne 

I didnt realize how much weight could be saved with that upgrade.
Do you know the weight of the stock fork?

MIN 

About 1000 grams for uncut stock.

MIN 

Steel vs aluminum, my man. The Pista Concept is far from comfortable but the steel Pista is relatively refined on the road.