As you may know, I've been watching for signs of the Fixed-Gear Apocalypse for some time now. If you don't know what the FGA is, it is the day when the fixed-gear trend finally reaches the point of collapse and trendy cyclists the world over abandon their track bikes, conversions, and fixed-gear freestylers en masse for BMXes, vintage road bikes, recumbents with hydraulics, or whatever the next trend turns out to be. And in the spirit of public service, I've been sharing these signs with you so you can either abandon yours or swoop in and pick one up cheap, according to your own proclivities.
Of course, interpreting these signs can be very subjective--it's kind of like divining the future from sheep's entrails. This is why I'm proud to announce I've come up with a new, objective FGA indicator. It's called the PistaDex. Simply go to your local Craigslist Bikes for Sale section, search out all the Bianchi Pistas, and take the average of the prices at which they're being offered. That is your local PistaDex. A healthy PistaDex should be at or close to full Pista retail, or $579.99 for a 2007 model, and means the FGA is still a long way away. But should it fall below, say, $400, you'd better start shopping for a BMX. Let's take a look at the current PistaDices in our larger cities:
New York City:
2005 Bianchi Pista Track Bike (57cm) Chrome, $475 (West Village) [original URL: http://newyork.craigslist.org/mnh/bik/478180150.html]
Reply to: [deleted]
Date: 2007-11-13, 10:08PM EST
As the title states, Bianchi Pista 57cm. Bike is in exceptional condition. Comes with a freewheel installed (wheel can be easily flipped for fixed riding). Also comes with installed front brake. Only "flaws" are semi worn tires (original tires), and 2 scraps on the handlebar tape. The price is FIRM. If you ask for a price negotiation I will not reply to your email. This follows in meeting up as well. $475 FIRM. Thank you.
BTW, please don't request pictures. This is not some form of a scam (local sale only) and the bike is EXACTLY as described. You can see a near clone (my handlebars have black tape) here: http://www.bianchiusa.com/06_pista.html . Again, the bike is chrome, not gang green. Lastly I'm 5' 10" and the bike feels great, but this size frame can accomodate someone relativelt shorter or taller easily.
OK, only one Pista on the NYC list at the moment, but at $475 it means the PistaDex is still well above the point at which we should be alarmed. There are also certain intangibles here that further assuage any concerns I might have, particularly the seller's brusque and borderline abusive manner. (In times of healthy PistaDex, sellers treat buyers as annoyances.) Also reassuring is the fact that the bike includes no "upgrades" beyond the addition of a freewheel and a front brake. Lastly, he couldn't be bothered to include a photo, and instead links to a different color bicycle on the Bianchi site. So while the PistaDex isn't through the roof here, I see no cause for alarm quite yet.
OK, only one Pista on the NYC list at the moment, but at $475 it means the PistaDex is still well above the point at which we should be alarmed. There are also certain intangibles here that further assuage any concerns I might have, particularly the seller's brusque and borderline abusive manner. (In times of healthy PistaDex, sellers treat buyers as annoyances.) Also reassuring is the fact that the bike includes no "upgrades" beyond the addition of a freewheel and a front brake. Lastly, he couldn't be bothered to include a photo, and instead links to a different color bicycle on the Bianchi site. So while the PistaDex isn't through the roof here, I see no cause for alarm quite yet.
NYC PistaDex: 475
CHICAGO
Bianchi Pista, sized 49 - $300 [original URL: http://chicago.craigslist.org/chc/bik/482931410.html]
Bianchi Pista, sized 49 - $300 [original URL: http://chicago.craigslist.org/chc/bik/482931410.html]
Reply to: [deleted]
Date: 2007-11-18, 5:55PM CST
I have a clean Bianchi Pista sized 49 with no decals! The fork is also a size 49 (I believe it is a Benotto).
The specs can be found here http://www.bianchiusa.com/06_pista.html
I am just selling the frame and fork. It does not come with a headset or BB.
The frame has one tiny dent on the top tube. If interested please email me and I will send you some pics.
The price is 300 obo. I would also be willing to trade for a bigger sized track frame and fork. Thanks
When I saw this one, I almost panicked. $300 for a Pista?!? Fortunately though it turns out it's just a frame and fork, and doesn't even include a headset or a bottom bracket. Considering the fact that you can buy new fixed-gear frame/fork combos for around $300 means we're still in good shape here.
When I saw this one, I almost panicked. $300 for a Pista?!? Fortunately though it turns out it's just a frame and fork, and doesn't even include a headset or a bottom bracket. Considering the fact that you can buy new fixed-gear frame/fork combos for around $300 means we're still in good shape here.
2004 All Chrome Pista - $500 [Original URL: http://chicago.craigslist.org/chc/bik/480386134.html]
Reply to: sale-480386134@craigslist.org
Date: 2007-11-16, 12:40AM CST
For sale is a 2004 Bianchi Pista track bike. I've only ridden this for one season, always kept it indoors. No wrecks or significant scratches. I've stripped and clear coated the main tubes, leaving only the Bianchi symbol on the headset and "Chick Built," cause it's a cool sticker. Also has barely-ridden kevlar-lined Bontrager tires. Rear hub has flip track/single-speed gear. Ready to ride. $500 or best offer.
I was further comforted by this listing. $500 for a 2004 Pista complete with a set of (un)flop-and-chops sporting a nice dog-erection tape job. Of course I hate to see the "or best offer" because it implies the seller may be negotiable, but still, things are looking quite good in Chicago.
Chicago PistaDex: 450*
(PistaDex adjusted by adding a modest $100 to frame/fork price.)
DENVER
sell/trade my fixed gear Bianchi Pista for SS Mt bike or FS frame - $625 [original URL: http://denver.craigslist.org/bik/461650662.html]
I'm sorry to hear about the seller's knees of course, but bad news for him means good news for Denver. His asking price of $475 keeps their PistaDex in the safe zone.
sell/trade my fixed gear Bianchi Pista for SS Mt bike or FS frame - $625 [original URL: http://denver.craigslist.org/bik/461650662.html]
Reply to: [deleted]
Date: 2007-10-27, 6:29PM MDT
Bike has some upgrades. I painted the fork red and have red matching speedium tires, I will even throw in a set of black continental tires. All have many, many miles left on them. New black KORE stem and handlebars were flipped and cut to make bullhorn style. I replaced the awful stock plastic pedals for generic but decent metal ones. I have 2 front wheels for it as well the original and a cool looking black Grecal Parade with 16 spokes (I think) instead of the normal 32. plastic rear fender is just clipped on. Only drawback is that the rear tube is flat right now and it does not include the Brooks saddle.
If you want to buy it outright I will let it go for $675 which is exactly what I paid brand new so you are getting all the upgrades for free.
If you to trade I would take a single speed Mt bike or a full suspension frame. I would prefer something with disc brakes or disc brake mounts, so keep that in mind. Thanks.
This is a welcome sign. Butchered bars, questionable home paint job on the fork, crap-tastic extras of dubious value, and an asking price well over what a new one would cost. Praise the Mono-Cog Lord!
**2007 Bianchi Pista** Fixie, Silver/Chrome 56cm - $475 [original URL: http://denver.craigslist.org/bik/452740714.html]
This is a welcome sign. Butchered bars, questionable home paint job on the fork, crap-tastic extras of dubious value, and an asking price well over what a new one would cost. Praise the Mono-Cog Lord!**2007 Bianchi Pista** Fixie, Silver/Chrome 56cm - $475 [original URL: http://denver.craigslist.org/bik/452740714.html]
Reply to: [deleted]
Date: 2007-10-18, 12:09PM MDT
Bianchi, fixed/track bike, 56cm. I've put close to 200 miles on this bike in approximately a month...I have to sell it due to my knees...I've had both reconstructed and it is tearing them up...The bike is in great condition, beautiful, beautiful bike...All original equipment-you can read more about it here: http://www.bianchiusa.com/07_pista.html
Please see the attached pictures. Comes with flat pedals, I've taken mine off.
I'm sorry to hear about the seller's knees of course, but bad news for him means good news for Denver. His asking price of $475 keeps their PistaDex in the safe zone.Denver PistaDex: 550
SAN FRANCISCO
57cm 2007 Bianchi Pista - $1000 (western addition) [original URL: http://sfbay.craigslist.org/sfc/bik/481451012.html]
Reply to: [deleted]
Date: 2007-11-17, 12:29AM PST
I am selling a 57cm, 2007 Bianchi Pista with additional upgrades, $2000 worth after completion. Here is a list of the upgraded parts:
I just had my bike stolen, it was a battleship gray bianchi pista with suntour superbe cranks. If you happen upon it, it's a stolen bike. Please contact me with details. Thank you!
SAN FRANCISCO
57cm 2007 Bianchi Pista - $1000 (western addition) [original URL: http://sfbay.craigslist.org/sfc/bik/481451012.html]
Reply to: [deleted]
Date: 2007-11-17, 12:29AM PST
I am selling a 57cm, 2007 Bianchi Pista with additional upgrades, $2000 worth after completion. Here is a list of the upgraded parts:
Frame/ Forks- Bianchi.
Cranks- Sugino 75.
Chain Ring- Sugino 48t.
Bottom Brack- Sugino.
Rear Cog- Phil Wood 18t.
Rims- 622x15
Mavic MA3 (both machined).
Hubs- Phil Wood 32 high.
Bars- Deda Velociti.
Stem- Nitto.
Peds- MKS.
Toes- MKS.
Straps- EAI.
Chain- Scram.
Saddle- Bianchi.
This is what everybody who dreads the Apocalypse wants to see--a compulsively upgraded Pista that breaks the four-figure mark. Hallelujah! Reciting that list of components is an incantation powerful enough to make derailleurs all up and down the West Coast quiver and fall off.
Stolen Bianchi Pista, battleship gray 53cm - $500 (downtown / civic / van ness) [original URL: http://sfbay.craigslist.org/sfc/bik/478790181.html]
This is what everybody who dreads the Apocalypse wants to see--a compulsively upgraded Pista that breaks the four-figure mark. Hallelujah! Reciting that list of components is an incantation powerful enough to make derailleurs all up and down the West Coast quiver and fall off. Stolen Bianchi Pista, battleship gray 53cm - $500 (downtown / civic / van ness) [original URL: http://sfbay.craigslist.org/sfc/bik/478790181.html]
Reply to: [deleted]
Date: 2007-11-14, 11:25AM PST
I just had my bike stolen, it was a battleship gray bianchi pista with suntour superbe cranks. If you happen upon it, it's a stolen bike. Please contact me with details. Thank you!
I'm always sorry to see a bike stolen, but if the owner's willing to pay $500 to get it back that number must be factored into the PistaDex.
San Francisco PistaDex: 750
LOS ANGELES
Bianchi Pista 53cm - $600 [original URL: http://losangeles.craigslist.org/sgv/bik/480534887.html]
LOS ANGELES
Bianchi Pista 53cm - $600 [original URL: http://losangeles.craigslist.org/sgv/bik/480534887.html]
Reply to: [deleted]
Date: 2007-11-16, 6:03AM PST
Bianchi Pista 53cm. Pretty much a stock pista with chopped Nitto B115 bars (have original drops (included). Ridden, but well taken care of with just a couple minor chips. Mavic Open Pros with Suzue ProMax 32 hubs, MKS SYII pedals.
One Pista in LA at the moment, but happily it's selling for over the MSRP.
Los Angeles PistaDex: 600
So in conclusion, it would seem that all our fear-mongering has been for naught. The combined PistaDex for these five cities is a robust 565, which is almost exactly what a brand-new Pista costs in a bike shop. Of course, whether this is good news or bad news is subject to debate. And we should not allow ourselves to grow complacent. Some of these cities are a $250 Pista away from doomsday.
