|
|
|
| |
Submitted by
SlowRoller
a Cross Country Rider
from SLC, UT
Date Reviewed: July 18, 2009 | | Favorite Trail: | Phil's World | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Purchased At: | Used | | Strengths: | Light, quality steel tubing, durable components, great ride quality.
| | Weaknesses: | Heavy wheels, chrome finish, the fact that it's not a 29er. | | Similar Products Used: | Soma Juice 29er, Vassago Jabberwocky | | Bike Setup: | Easton XC One Wheelset, WTB Stout 2.3 tires, WTB Silverado Saddle, EC70 Zero Seatpost, Easton Monkey Lite Bar, Avid Elixir Brakes, Race Face Crank | | Bottom Line: | A great ride for the price. If you want a to try a single speed and are strapped for cash, give this rig a try. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
sthersh
a Racer
from carmel, indiana, usa
Date Reviewed: October 22, 2008 | | Favorite Trail: | nebo ridge | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$895.00 | | Purchased At: | online | | Strengths: | Two words: Aggressive Geometry. | | Weaknesses: | Wheels, saddle, pedals. | | Similar Products Used: | Bianchi Corsa road bike. Independent Fabrications Cross bike and a Fat Chance hard tail. | | Bike Setup: | Flight Saddle, Continental soft compound/hard pack tires, Mavic 32/28 rims/XTR hi flange single speed hubs, Ritchey Carbon Fiber seat post, Ritchey Carbon Fiber Race Light 120 stem, Easton carbon fiber Monkey riser bars, Zipp custom Carbon Fiber bar ends, Avid Juicy 7 discs, scalloped Avid rotors, 46/18 gearing, SPD pedals, Chris King Ahead Set. | | Bottom Line: | The SASS is a lovely ride. Whether popping out for a coffee or pounding tight, fast single track, this single speed is set up for performance. Fast in the turns and confident in climbing very steep (50 degree) inclines, it doesn't give an inch. The SASS is also extremely confident in tracking and reacting to rapid shifts in weight/balance and direction. More often than not I am able to outpace riders on full suspension due to a tight, superior design. Did I mention it is bomb-proof? You can beat it to death and it comes back for more. The best part is apres-ride the downcast look from riders on 21 speed full suspension kits that just got smoked by a guy on a fully rigid, single speed. Okay, I have made a couple of modifications. Still, the soul of the SASS remains. I wouldn't sell it or trade it for anything. Buy one. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
jimmy1725
a Cross Country Rider
from Napa County
Date Reviewed: September 6, 2008 | | Favorite Trail: | Lower Marie Creek/Manzanita | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$600.00 | | Strengths: | The Bike climbs like a Goat | | Weaknesses: | There shouldn't be weaknesses unless you buy a bike you do not want. | | Similar Products Used: | Bianchi PUSS | | Bike Setup: | Truvativ stylo 180mm Cranks, Paul Hubs, Mavic Rims, Thomson stem and seatpost, BB7's, fizik Arione, Rivendell desighned Grip King Pedals | | Bottom Line: | Set up correctly, the SASS has become my Favorite bike of all time. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
elnegro
a Weekend Warrior
from pittsburgh,pa
Date Reviewed: August 20, 2008 | | Favorite Trail: | whichever one i'm on | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$830.00 | | Purchased At: | pittsburgh pro bikes | | Strengths: | i come from a bmx backround so this bike really gives me that feeling | | Weaknesses: | not crazy about integrated seat clamp | | Similar Products Used: | this is my first ss | | Bike Setup: | changed too 711mm h-bar,velo saddle,bear trap pedal,shorter stem | | Bottom Line: | great bike if u want/like that pure feeling when you ride the SASS should be at the top of your list | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
westernslop
a Cross Country Rider
from Grand Junction, CO
Date Reviewed: August 15, 2008 | | Favorite Trail: | Holly Cross (Lunch Loop) | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$550.00 | | Purchased At: | Ruby Canyon Cycles | | Strengths: | The steel is strong and smooth. The gear ratio is perfect for all day riding and weekends at the resorts make you strong. | | Weaknesses: | None to date | | Similar Products Used: | My last bike was a 13 year old GT Pantera. Pretty differnt ride feel, but similar geomerty. Classic XC race. | | Bike Setup: | Chris King headset. 09' Fox F100RLC (going to space it down to 80mm). Time Atacks. Specilized sadle. Specilized Fast Track Pros. Yeit Hard Core grips. | | Bottom Line: | I first rode this bike fully ridiged, which was fine if you wanted a lighter bike that turned really fast. But I found I was able to incresse my speed going both uphill and down with more control and pleasure with a front fork.
I had an old F80RLC on ther and it was perfect. I tried to get a new one but all FOX had left were F100s. Which I have ridden on a few trails and can feel the benfit of longer travel, but it really does not belong on this bike and slows the handling down considerbly.
Bottom Line: Riding without gears has let me refoucs on why I ride, and for a long time mtn. rider it has been a very refreshing feeling. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Chris Krenz
a Cross Country Rider
from Stevens Point, WI, USA
Date Reviewed: May 23, 2008 | | Favorite Trail: | 9-Mile (Wausau, WI) | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$550.00 | | Purchased At: | Hostel Shoppe | | Strengths: | Lightweight even though the frame is steel. The tires are the best I've ever ridden. They grip in sand, mud, snow, and dry dirt and corner perfectly. Nice set of BB7 disc brakes which are great in wet conditions. The crank is solid and responsive. | | Weaknesses: | The rear slotted dropouts allow for the rear wheel to displace itself in hard stops. Because the bolts holding the wheel on are so large I need to carry a large wrench with me for every ride. The headset is subpar and the seat wore out pretty fast. | | Similar Products Used: | I test rode a Raleigh XXIX and they were both comfortable but the SASS was less expensive. | | Bike Setup: | Stock except for the pedals. I added some Carnk Bros Candy Cs. | | Bottom Line: | If you want a steel, rigid singlespeed that's light and still offers stabilty and a solid ride this is a great choice. Bianchi doesn't sell these anymore but if you find a used one, I say, "pull the trigger and grab it." | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jimmy
a
from St Paul, MN, USA
Date Reviewed: July 19, 2007 | | Duration Product Used: | Tested or demo'ed only | | Price Paid: |
$680.00 | | Purchased At: | Grand Performance | | Strengths: | Only 24 pounds! Steel frame, RIGID FORK!, old school... The disc brakes seem pretty cool, too. | | Weaknesses: | None yet. | | Similar Products Used: | Test rode several Gary Fishers: Wahoo, Marlin, Tassajara (sans discs), and a Montare. Also tried out a (too) small Raleigh "XXIV". | | Bike Setup: | Stock except for my 10-year-old Time "A.T.A.C." pedals. | | Bottom Line: | Okay, so I hadn't even looked at a bike in close to ten years but I let some coworkers talk me into getting one. I test rode several different Gary Fishers but neither the Genesis Geometry nor the front suspension agreed with me. Just for kicks and giggles I tried out a Raleigh "XXIV": steel frame, rigid fork, 29-inch wheels, single speed. Simply put, nnniiiccceee, but the local chain-store/bike shop didn't have my size.
If you haven't figured it out yet, I'm not all that impressed with the flashy new gadgets slapped on bikes nowadays. Riding that Raleigh confirmed what I had always known true: I love to FEEL the road (or the trail, as it were). A suspension fork in the flat state of Minnesota is just an excuse for those who would overlook bike-handling skills.
I knew single-speed bikes had a definite fan following and it's something out-on-the-fringes-different so that sounded interesting. And there's no other way to put it: a steel bike just has soul, man!
Disc brakes; I could take 'em or leave 'em. Twenty-nine-inch wheels have that same allure as the single-speed but I wasn't sold on them and it seemed to overkill the fringe-factor to combine them with the SS.
Anyway (off my soapbox), like I said the shop was out. So I headed over to U.S. National Time Trial Champion Dan Casebeer's shop and, lo and behold, they had this little chrome gem, the Bianchi "S.A.S.S.", right in my size. I bought it the next day after digging my old "Dominator 2's" out of the closet.
This beauty-of-a-bike is a llliiiggghhhttt 24 lbs and it carves corners like butta. In fact, I'm a little nervous that I'm going to launch myself over the bars it corners so fast. This is my first exposure to disc brakes and I have no complaints; they're supposed to be pretty good ones as far as mechanical go.
My only hesitant complaint about the bike so far is that I feel like I'm centered a little too far forward.
Otherwise, add my five stars to the long list of SASS lovers on this page.
If you're looking for a quality single-speed that adds an equal share of fun and challenge to your routine, this is the bike for you. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
steve Curren
a Cross Country Rider
from chicago
Date Reviewed: July 16, 2007 | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$700.00 | | Strengths: | nice riding frame, while it lasts... | | Weaknesses: | frame broke- I weigh 150lbs, and ride recreational XC. My local bike mechanic inspected the break, at the junction of the drive side chain stay and bottom bracket- he thought the weld was faulty- contacted Bianchi and they told me to get lost. Bad customer service | | Similar Products Used: | Kona Unit, Surly 1x1 | | Bike Setup: | stock | | Bottom Line: | Quality control at Bianchi is not up to scratch. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Will Ghormley
a
from Des Moines, Iowa
Date Reviewed: March 30, 2007 | | Favorite Trail: | old science center trails | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$825.00 | | Purchased At: | Boulevard Sports | | Strengths: | Rigid Frame, Single Speed, Disc Breaks
| | Weaknesses: | Flat Land | | Similar Products Used: | Pioneered Home-made Mountain Bikes in Durango, Colo in the late '70-early '80. Shwinn, Pugot, Trek | | Bike Setup: | Stock except for: Bulletproof cleated pedals, Serfas Stabilizer handlebar end caps, two water bottles, bike pump, fully stocked emergency tool and repair kit under seat, and up-graded break pads. | | Bottom Line: | For a broke-down cowboy pushin' 50 who's been part of real mountain bikin' from the git-go: the SASS is the ultimate, tear-'em-up, bulletproof, trail-bustin', man-handelin', indestructable, testosterone-pumpin', adrenelin-injected,off-road, two-wheeled machine. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Landon
a Weekend Warrior
from Columbus, OH USA
Date Reviewed: March 25, 2007 | | Favorite Trail: | Alum Creek | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$500.00 | | Purchased At: | Ebay | | Strengths: | Bianchi chromo frame, Avid disc breaks, Easton stem and bars. | | Weaknesses: | WTB tires and the sorta cheap headset and pedals. | | Similar Products Used: | None, my last mountain bike was a Giant Rainier SE. | | Bike Setup: | Stock, however I want/need to replace that shinny seat and get a pair of clipless pedals. | | Bottom Line: | Strong, fast, and buttery frame. This bike is all about the frame. I have not had it out on the trails yet (I'm waiting for it to dry up here in Columbus) but riding on the streets has been fun. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
RACINGMIX
a Weekend Warrior
from Concord, California
Date Reviewed: December 13, 2006 | | Favorite Trail: | Urban Assault | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Strengths: | Ladies Love It - Bling - Italian Style - Yuppies Love It | | Weaknesses: | Steel is Real...and it Rusts. | | Similar Products Used: | 2006 Redline Monocog | | Bike Setup: | Fox F100X, White Industries freewheel, 32/18 gearing, lock ons, Chris King headset, Thomson 27.2 Masterpiece seatpost and 31.8 stem. | | Bottom Line: | So sick I think I need my medication. The pix are here: http://singlespeedgallery.com/340-racingmix-bianchi-sweet-ass-single-speed-sass/
P.S. Patrick Leal is the man! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
marty
a Cross Country Rider
from west bend wi usa
Date Reviewed: August 28, 2006 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$625.00 | | Purchased At: | lbs milwaukee | | Strengths: | simple fun very cool | | Weaknesses: | well its a rigid single weakness or advantage? | | Similar Products Used: | old trek singled | | Bike Setup: | stock except for bontrager revolts and 540's | | Bottom Line: | I bought this bike because it was cheap and cool lots of friends had singles. What I didn't expect was how much I would ride it. I ride it around town, with my girlfreind on trails and on old familiar trails that now seem much more fun. Trails that are overkill on my Fuel 110 are much fun on single. I can climb faster now because of this bike. It is a lot of fun to blast up a hill past a guy on a $3000 suspended bike. I put lights on it and ride the rail trails at night when I work late. In this order get a mountain bike then a road bike then one of these.
Oh everything works, the rigid steel fork is pretty plush,and this bike handles great. If you ride a long travel bike most of the time, then you will think it steers like a slot car. Avid mech disk brakes work really well and are easy to set up. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
e culver
a Cross Country Rider
from medford, oregon, usa
Date Reviewed: July 10, 2006 | | Favorite Trail: | i'll show you but not tell you | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$800.00 | | Purchased At: | rivercitycycles, pdx, oregon 11/2003 | | Strengths: | Great design, and very comfortable. Old-school steel is real feel. I have raced XC and CX races on my SASS, as well as ridden all-day so.oregon epics with no problems. Put an 18 on the back and you will be ready to ride.
| | Weaknesses: | I racked my brain for a weakness, and only came up with one; the stock WTB tires that came on the SASS, were simply worthless, oh and you'll need real pedals too, thats it. | | Similar Products Used: | 2001 Redline Monocog (Leadline Monohog) about 10 lbs. heavier than the SASS. | | Bike Setup: | Very stock still, I have replaced the tires, cog, chain, brakepads, and the pedals. | | Bottom Line: | Highly recommend the SASS or whatever it will be called in the future, I am partial to steel, though aluminum may be lighter, either way Bianchi has been making non-custom single speeds for many years and it shows.
Sky Yeager rules!, wherever she may be. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dustin Bond
a Racer
from Salt Lake City, UT
Date Reviewed: June 7, 2006 | | Favorite Trail: | 95% urban rider | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$650.00 | | Purchased At: | Wild Rose | | Strengths: | Sassy. It's chrome! An Absolute tank. Turns heads every where you go. Super Light-weight, can ride hard all day, and beat geared cyclists every time (except on plains) ha! Great components for your dollar, great bike to build up, Hardtail solid fork, you always know where you're at. | | Weaknesses: | People want to steal it. >_< | | Similar Products Used: | Kona ss custom.
Big Wheels ss Custom (Built by bicycle mechanic friend). | | Bike Setup: | All Stock except: Bike bell (black) ; ) + Crank Bros Candy SL Pedals (black) + Bianchi Racing Saddle of some kind, I forget (black) (ditched the silver seat) and though I love the rigid fork. . . Thinking RockShox Revolution if I can find a good deal in the next 30 - 45 days on ebay! ; ) (Planning on finally riding single track this summer). | | Bottom Line: | If you're buying an manufactured ss go for the S.A.S.S. A buy you will never regret. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ian Kenway
a Cross Country Rider
from Rohnert Park, CA
Date Reviewed: March 5, 2006 | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$1400.00 | | Purchased At: | Cambria Bicycle Emporium | | Strengths: | Awesome frame...good feel. I cracked the frame, however, due to manufacturer defect most likely--and it was warrantied no problem. Find the right gear ratio, and you're set. | | Weaknesses: | Nothing. The only weakness on a bike like this might be found in the rider not fit for it. | | Similar Products Used: | None.
| | Bike Setup: | Bianchi SASS...SPOT rear hub...King front hub/headset...Marzocchi Atom 100m w/ lockout...Ti seat post and bar...White Ind. ENO freewheel...2.24 mutanoraptors...OURY lock on grips...Surly stainless steel front chainring... | | Bottom Line: | Bianchi makes an awesome single speed. I started with the SISS, and bought the front shock right away in 2003. Since then, I have upgraded to top of the line stuff as the stock stuff wore out...but plenty bike for the buck...and a good place to start off. I LOVE IT! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Sam
a Weekend Warrior
from Austin
Date Reviewed: February 25, 2006 | | Favorite Trail: | greenbelt | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$625.00 | | Purchased At: | Sun and Ski | | Strengths: | Lightweight, instant turning response, and a chrome finish that turns heads or blinds people. | | Weaknesses: | The seat is a bit different than my Selle Italia Gel seat.... Took a little getting use too. Disc brakes were a bike spongey until properly dialed in. For the price, the components are top notch. I do see a new hub, suspension fork and hydralic disc brakes in the future though. | | Similar Products Used: | none | | Bike Setup: | Shimano 540's + stock components | | Bottom Line: | I just received the bike and rode it once ( had to leave the day after ). All I can say is that 24 hours later I am still grinning ear to ear... I had to write this review just to relieve some of the excitement. Razor sharp turning response made to eat up single track.. This bike goes where you want and fast. If you want a no frills, lightweight, rigid riding machine that you can seriously abuse and upgrade.. GET IT RIGHT NOW. If you are looking to take this on the trail get some seriously padded gloves because the rigid fork will make you feel everything. I wouldn't recommend this bike if you are just starting to trail ride with friends .. make this your second bike ( it feels so much better when you earn it) Excellent buy!!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Matt Daniels
a
from St. Louis, MO
Date Reviewed: October 19, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | Cross Creek (Ozarks) | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$800.00 | | Purchased At: | Big Shark Cycles | | Strengths: | Frame and fork are very well balalnced. Overall the geometryis very comfortable and can be ridden for hours without discomfort. Also the frame and fork have ample room for HUGE tires! | | Weaknesses: | Headset feels slightly less sturdy than the rest of the bike. Also the rear wheel tensioners slipped the first two rides, but have been fine since. | | Similar Products Used: | Redline Monocog (05 and 06), 06 Kona Unit, Surly 1x1, Surly Karate Monkey set up as singlespeed | | Bike Setup: | Surly front and rear hubs, 18 tooth rear cog, Sun Rhyno Lite rims, Kenda 2.6 Sicke-Ez tires, pimp green Salsa grips, Shimano M646 pedals | | Bottom Line: | I have ridden this bike off of some of the same stuff I ride my K2 Brass Monkey off of, and it likes it. This bike is built like a tank, but remains agile enough to pick a sneaky line up tangled roots on the trail. It sticks to rock and concrete like a mountain goat. It's fast, light, strong, and responsive. Great bike. I like it more than any of the others I tried, including the Kona. And for the price I paid I feel that I got an unbeatable value. Rhyno Lites and Kenda 2.6's? Hell yeah!!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Scott
a Cross Country Rider
from Erie, PA USA
Date Reviewed: October 16, 2005 | | Duration Product Used: | Tested or demo'ed only | | Purchased At: | Test rode at Competitive Gear, Erie PA | | Similar Products Used: | Owned a Redline Monocog single speed and now own a Gary Fisher Rig | | Bike Setup: | Stock | | Bottom Line: | I test rode a 2005 GF Rig first and then test rode the 2005 Bianchi SASS. I've seen alot of people that really like them, but have also read about the chain line problems and so forth. After riding the Rig and then testing the SASS, I was totally uninterested, a combination of the geometry and the bigger wheels on the Rig made that decision an easy one. If you are into single speeding and wants something that climbs well and conquers trail obstacles like they aren't there, then try out the Rig. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Emily The Queen of Single
a Cross Country Rider
from Florence, KY, USA
Date Reviewed: September 19, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | England Idlewild Park | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$800.00 | | Purchased At: | Smitty's Cyclery | | Strengths: | Great gear ratio, attention grabbing finish, great mech. disc brakes, excellent tires | | Weaknesses: | none found yet. can't speak for the headset, I replaced it with the King pink head set.
| | Similar Products Used: | none really, i test rode a C~Dale Scalpel, and actually perfer the S.A.S.S | | Bike Setup: | stock, but for the headset (KING PINK!!!)and the pedals, I swapped those out with my old wellgo spds that have held up great for a $30 pair of pedals. | | Bottom Line: | This BIke begs to be ridden. If you are considering going single get this bike. If I had to choose between keeping my SASS or keeping the C~Dale scalpel that i tested, i would definately keep the SASS.
Do not listen to the guy that says that this bike isn't for sissy road weenies. That guy must be suffering from some male problems, as i was previously a sole roadie. Not to mention female. I love to ride both now. The hardest decision i have to make on the weekend is which bike to ride. the SASS usally wins as I ride the road to work most everyday. As a sissy female roadie even I can keep up with the guy, geared mtn bikers that i ride with. So the only person that shouldn't buy this bike is someone who has carpal tunnel syndrome, but buy it and put a suspension fork on it. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Erik
a Racer
from Monterey
Date Reviewed: August 26, 2005 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$200.00 | | Purchased At: | Ebay | | Strengths: | Light weight steel frame. | | Weaknesses: | NONE | | Similar Products Used: | Nothing compares | | Bike Setup: | Bianchi S.A.S.S. 21.5 inch frame. Rock Shox Sid World Cup, Chris King Single Speed Wheel Set by: Speed Dream, Chris King Headset,Magura Marta SL Disc Brakes, Thomson X4 31.8 Stem, Specialized S-works Carbon Rizer Bar, Truvativ Stylo Cranks 34 Tooth Front Ring, 17 Tooth Steel KingKog Rear,(I Like 2:1)FSA Platinum Pro Titanium Bottom Bracket,Thomson Seatpost, SDG Bel Air SL Seat, Sram PC-48 8-Speed Chain,Oury Grips,Continental Explorer Supersonic, Stans NoTubes. | | Bottom Line: | This is the single greatest reitail singlespeed on the market hands down. My personal singlespeed as described above has been heavily upgraded. As Described above my singlespeed weights in at 21.5 pounds. Thats good for an XL steel singlespeed. I am 16 years old and have raced Beg/Sport singlespeed at Sea Otter Classic and came in 3rd out of 106 when the bike was new with all the original parts. Raced Expert/Pro singlespeed at the local CCCX races and came 3rd Both times on my bike after a few upgrades. Bianchi is currently producing the greatest bike on the planet stop reading this and go out and buy it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Chris
a Cross Country Rider
from Maine
Date Reviewed: August 21, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | any single track | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$800.00 | | Purchased At: | lbs | | Strengths: | Steel frame, disc brakes, simple to maintain. All around good ss bike. | | Weaknesses: | chain line problems. When i pedal the chain will tighten up in one spot then it will loosen up. Wtb wierwolf tires i dislike, and will be replacing soon. | | Similar Products Used: | Trek 8000, Specialized stumpjumper fsr xc | | Bike Setup: | Richy clipless pedals, easton monkeylite carbon riser bar, thompson stem, fsa saddle manitou axel 80mm fork with lockout. Drivetrain is 32-18 for now. Will be putting the 16t back on soon. | | Bottom Line: | I really love this bike. Now that i put on a suspension fork i like it even better. I sold my specialized fsr and bought this bike and i dont regret it one bit. The trails that i ride is like riding them for the first time again. You can focus on the trail and not what gear your in. I was sceptical at first and couldnt understand the interest in ss but now that i have one i understand.This is a great bike and i recomend it to anyone. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
maya
a Weekend Warrior
from dallas
Date Reviewed: February 4, 2005 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$850.00 | | Purchased At: | lbs | | Strengths: | brakes. frame. | | Weaknesses: | chainline problems. throwing chains. replacing chains. | | Similar Products Used: | conversion singlespeed's since 99 | | Bike Setup: | stock except went to 2.1 tires. better grips. fi'zi:k seat | | Bottom Line: | has anyone else had a chainline problem with this bike? i finally got sick of it and took it in. my mechanic found it off 1/2". he had to drill out crankarm bolts, a first for him in 15 years of working on bikes. install correct bb and even shim that to make it right. now it works perfectly. called bianchi they say no one has called them with chainline problems till i did. sounds like bs to me. i am happy with bike now but i would not buy another bianchi after the call to warranty/cust service. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Erik Ebberoth
a Racer
from Seaside, California, United States of America
Date Reviewed: January 20, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | Couch Canyon | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$800.00 | | Purchased At: | Winning Wheels | | Strengths: | It's CHROME, Brakes, Cranks, STEEL IS REAL, The ozersized pontoon tires. | | Weaknesses: | The headset, whe i was removing the steel fork that came stock, i had to force it off doing so the headset literally blew into pieces all over the floor in the garage. Aluminium stem Big AL with Hell Bent XC not the best combination for a fully rigid bike, bent the hell out of the handle bars going through 24hrs of adrenalin course. the crome wears of the seat one the seat condom is ripped off. | | Similar Products Used: | Kona Unit, Bianchi BUSS | | Bike Setup: | 19.5 inch frame, Noleen Mega Air(or Girvin whatever you like to call it.) Avid mech. disk brakes. Specialized S-Works 31.8 carbon riser bar. Weyless 31.8 carbon road stem 110mm inverted to create a positive stem incline. TruVative Stylo 33 tooth cranks. stock wheel set. titect stock seat post and stock seat. sram pc-1 chain. stock headset (whats left of it). | | Bottom Line: | This bike is great!!!!!!!!!! asisde from some of the flawed specs. i love every second i am on this bike. the only reason i have a suspension fork is because it was lying around the garage for years and we didn't use it. the rigidness of the steel fork beats the hell out of you. if you wants be oldskool be my guest be make certain you have some advil it's one bumpy ride. Kudos to bianchi for reviving the way mountain biking is supposed to feel like.
buy it if you have strong legs and alot of pain killers. don't if your like to sit down and climb, or id you are a roadie.
ONE IS ALL YOU NEED. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Alan
a Cross Country Rider
from Claremont, CA
Date Reviewed: January 20, 2005 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$650.00 | | Purchased At: | InCycle - San Dimas CA | | Strengths: | A respectable steel frame and excellent parts group. Avid discs. Spot rear hub. This bike is designed for disc brakes; no brake bosses to cut off or plug. | | Weaknesses: | I'm not a big fan of chrome, but I don't think it will chip as easily as the paint on the Kona Unit I was considering. I expect the headset to give up the ghost pretty quickly. I don't really like the routing of the rear brake cable or the cable guides; the guide on the top tube snags my baggy shorts. All small annoyances. | | Similar Products Used: | I've converted several older geared bikes to single speeds. My Cannondale M700 with a rigid pepperoni fork is the bike on which I've logged the most SS time. I've logged several hours on a 1FG; it's stiff folks. Efficient, well built, designed for discs, but stiff. | | Bike Setup: | I've changed the stem to 110 with 0 degree rise and added a white brothers 17/19 freewheel. The rest is stock. Don't see the need for front suspension yet. If I need suspension to enjoy coming down what I've just gone up, I probably won't be climbing it on my SS. | | Bottom Line: | I'm surpised this is not a MTBR pick. I agree the 1FG is a sweet ride and great deal and should be a pick. I even think the Kona Unit should be a pick. Why not the SASS? The 1FG is extemely efficient and is an excellent value. You can't add a suspension fork to either the Unit fo the SASS and get the quality of the 1FG. But I wanted steel for it's ride quality. I seriously considered the Kona Unit, but even though the frame on the unit is better than that of the SASS, the parts spec on the SASS wins hands down. Upgrading the Unit to avid discs makes the Unit somewhat more costly than the SASS, and my SASS has a Spot rear hub and overall better parts spec than the Unit. I don't think the SASS steel frame gives up too much to the steel of the Unit for my purposes. Any of these three bikes are worth considering if you're looking at prepackaged SSs. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
ERC
a Cross Country Rider
from Louisville, KY
Date Reviewed: January 12, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | Haw Ridge in Oak Ridge, TN | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$850.00 | | Purchased At: | Cycler's Cafe-LBS | | Strengths: | Spot Hubs, Avid Brakes, titec, WTB and best of all, Steel. Crome nonetheless. This is a very nice overall package. Try building a Surly with these parts and do the math. | | Weaknesses: | No adjustable BB. Stock Headset is weak. | | Similar Products Used: | Mongoose IBOC Zero G SX- Converted SS. | | Bike Setup: | Stock except a Marzocchi 100MM MXC fork w/ETA. Chris King Headset. Gearing- Currently running a 33x18. I like this setup for singletrack and short steep climbs which are in this area. | | Bottom Line: | The Good: Deda steel tubing makes for a responsive, supple ride. Great parts pick and value by Bianchi. The geometry will accept a 100MM fork without sacrificing handling or jacking up the bike (too much). If you do not prefer suspension, the rigid fork tracks beautifully and is a lot of fun to play around with. Lastly, I have grown to love the WTB Mutanoraptor tires. They break loose easily in hard cornering but are very predictable and make it fun to practice the art of two wheel drifting.
The Bad: Disc Brakes have to re-adjust to remove the rear wheel. This problem would be eliminated with an adjustable BB. The original headset was very "flexy", but frankly is there anything better than Chris King products.
Durability of the clear coat shows it Taiwanese origin.
The nitty gritty: Unless you are going for boutique and expensive SS brands like Spot, Rock Lobster, Independent or other specialized frame builders, this is a great buy. The bike has created a fun factor that I have not felt since I first started riding 15 years ago and was the only MTB bike I rode this summer.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Borasam
a Cross Country Rider
from Des Moines
Date Reviewed: December 21, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | Denman's | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$850.00 | | Purchased At: | Rasmussen's | | Strengths: | This bike asks for more! The first time I rode it I went 20 miles non-stop in 36 degrees weather. It is very responding and relatively light. These bikes are flying off the shelf at thhe local shop and at $850. It's a good deal! | | Weaknesses: | You better have good shoulder strength to subdue this bull! Front suspension would be nice, maybe some day in the future. For now, I want to enjoy it this way. | | Bottom Line: | Your bike sucks! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jay
a Weekend Warrior
from Southern New Jersey
Date Reviewed: November 11, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | Dead Moose Alley | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$650.00 | | Purchased At: | LBS | | Strengths: | Solid steel frame, yet feels light | | Weaknesses: | none so far | | Similar Products Used: | Kona Hoss Dee-Lux hardtail | | Bike Setup: | Stock from the LBS, except changed out the cheap plastic pedals, using Kona platforms. | | Bottom Line: | I love it, easy to maintain. Love the rigid setup, can read the trail alot better. I like tha fact that it keeps you honest and humble while riding, because there is no shifting to try and compensate going up hills. It gives a great full body workout. I don't want to ride my other bikes. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Menso
a Cross Country Rider
from Cupertino ca
Date Reviewed: October 3, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | UCSC | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1000.00 | | Strengths: | It is a great cross country SS except for a few minor stinking points, which are probably just personal preferences more than manufacturing deficencies. Super efficient and fast, relatively light, and you can't forget the awesome chrome. I slapped some Candy's on it and it flies. The 2.4 tires work like a cheap version of suspension (thats a good thing). I just roll over minor obstacles. They also run fast on roads for those long rides you sometimes have to do to reach the best trails if you're fifteen and can't drive. The brakes are great, but then I'm a little biased since all a had before were crummy rim brakes. I traded the rigid for for suspension, which seems to be working out fine. The 33:17 gearing works well for me. It's a great ride. | | Weaknesses: |
::I don't liked the seat, I found it too hard, but you might like it.
::I'm 6' 4" so I got the 21.5". The problem is, most of my height is in my legs, so in that respect the frame is perfect but my shorter torso has a hard time reaching the handlebars comfortably. The first few times I rode, my back was very sore. I had to solve that by putting an 85 mil stem on it.
::The bad part...
The little plastic thingy that helps hold the back wheel in place doesn't reach far enough in factory gearing and chainlength, so all that's hold the wheel in and the chain tight are the two bolts on the wheel itself. As a result, the wheel slips a bit in the frame, resulting in annoying slack of the chain, almost bad enough to whack it against the chainstays on bumpy downhills. Basicallt, I have to constantly tighten the bolts and tension the chain, but "soon" (whenever I get around to it) I will either change the ratio or take out a few links to make it fit. Definately not a fatal weakness on an otherwise great bike.
::It's kinda expensive for not coming with suspension or pedals or something, but what do I know? | | Similar Products Used: | First SS | | Bike Setup: | Factory
exceptions: Pilot fork, some other seat | | Bottom Line: | wonderful bike, pros definately outweigh the cons | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ian Kenway
a Cross Country Rider
from Claremont, CA
Date Reviewed: September 21, 2004 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$1080.00 | | Purchased At: | Cambria Bicycle Emporium | | Strengths: | Initially, I wanted a high-end bicycle without the high-end price. Also, being that I was not extremely experienced with bikes, mechanically, I wanted something that would be easy to maintain: voila!
The Bianchi steel frame allows you to really feel the trail when you are flowing it...I put on a 100 mm Marzocchi fork, and the front end never lifts up while climbing...The geometry is awesome--they have found a good balance between climbing and downhill functionality.
I have crashed on it tons of times; the frame is very strong. And, overall, it comes with good, reliable parts. | | Weaknesses: | The only weakness I can think of is the freewheel. Mine broke after only about three weeks...Bianchi gave me a new and improved one that lasted quite a bit longer when the first one broke, though.
Other than that, I don't really see any weaknesses. The five or so more pounds that come with getting the steel frame pay off in a solid feel, and the steel is very comfortable relative to aluminum. | | Similar Products Used: | NONE, really...just other hardtail bikes. | | Bike Setup: | Mainly stock, accept for: Titec titanium bars; Chris King Headset; Marzocchi coil 100 mm w/lockout; White Industries freewheel; Sram chain w/ powerlink; and beefier tires which are awesome for Southern California terrain (Panaracer DH Pro 2.3). | | Bottom Line: | If you do not have a good work ethic, a single speed may not be the type of bike for you. If you are a powerful rider, or know that you have a savage beast inside of you just waiting to surface, then perhaps this bike WILL suit you.
With this bike you get a chain that will never fall off, amazing climbing efficiency, incredible versatility, and an insane workout, both upper and lower body.
I have ridden this bike for a year now, and I don't plan on stopping. Once my legs got in shape, and I learned the single speed style of "attack-riding," it has been nothing but a pleasure.
I just bought a 2004 Santa Cruz Heckler, figuring I'd go all out if I was going at all. It has Chris King hubs and headset, Hayes hyraulics, Marzocchi Z1 Freeride, ...every-
thing high end...
...BUT, I still like my single speed just as much, if not more. Nothing compares to the feeling of getting out there on the trail, with only your camelbak, one speed, and some solid disc brakes, (and I would go with a front suspension fork as well). | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dan
a Cross Country Rider
from Indiana
Date Reviewed: July 31, 2004 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Purchased At: | LBS | | Strengths: | Spot rear hub, avid mech. disc, wheels are solid, price, the "your bike sucks" sticker on the drive side chain stay, and the rigid fork. | | Weaknesses: | haven't found any | | Similar Products Used: | 1st real SS, Klein additude, spec stumpjumper, trek 8500 | | Bike Setup: | how it came | | Bottom Line: | this bike kicks ass, no fooling around with changing gears which I found to be quite an advantage, bike climbs awesome. Nothing like the rush of passing suspended geared MTBers on a SS. LOVE IT- at $850 its a steal. get one | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
dave
a Weekend Warrior
from md
Date Reviewed: July 23, 2004 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$850.00 | | Strengths: | disc brakes, looks cool, single speed rocks, coolest bike i own, and i've only had it a couple days. | | Weaknesses: | a little more than i wanted to pay for a bike with one gear, the rigid forks is killer on shoulders, might get some shocks. | | Similar Products Used: | cheap crappy giant, rigid GT, bianchi is first SS | | Bike Setup: | wheels, seat, handle bars, frame. | | Bottom Line: | kick ass bike, fun to ride, no problems but i haven;t ridden that hard yet. only problem is rigid fork, which will be changed eventually. but this is my first single speed and it is definately really cool, i love this bike. i haven't ridden my other 2 bikes since i got this one and i don;t plan on riding them too soon. i like the low maintinance and simplicity of SS. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Anders L
a Cross Country Rider
from Bend, OR
Date Reviewed: July 19, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | flag line | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$850.00 | | Purchased At: | hutchs | | Strengths: | light, solid, good parts, good price, really fun to ride, and it makes me strong | | Weaknesses: | tires are kind of beefy which does make for smoother ride but adds weight. pedals that came with it are trash. kind of funky tail end. | | Similar Products Used: | Cannondale 1FG Headshok | | Bike Setup: | Marzocchi MX Comp ETA fork, time z pedals, rest stock | | Bottom Line: | this bike is rad. my first single speed and i am hooked. i wanted to buy the kona unit but couldnt find a a bike shop in town that could get one unless i wanted to wait a few months. so i got the sass and am happy anyway. im going to keep the beefy rear tire and put a lighter tire on the front now that i have a front shock. i think the reason they didnt put good pedals on it was because they didnt know what people would want. ive seen alot of ss's with platform pedals and a few with clipless. i road it for a while with just platforms but thought that i could be smoother with clipless so i went the middle road with the time z and am happy. so that you can change the size of the rear cog it has horizontal dropouts which keep the rear hub in postion with little screws... and they slowly loosen after riding. this makes the chain get looser over time. thats the only problem i have had with it. but its no biggy | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Patrick Leal
a Cross Country Rider
from San Jose, CA
Date Reviewed: March 18, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | Soquel Demo Forest | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$800.00 | | Purchased At: | Slough's Bike Shoppe | | Strengths: | Inexpensive, nice parts, chrome finish, lightweight | | Weaknesses: | Short headtube (for me, a weakness; could be someone else's strenth), cheap pedals (they should've come sans) | | Similar Products Used: | Redline MonoCog | | Bike Setup: | WTB Speedisc wheelset, SPOT rear hub, Truvativ cranks, WTB Mutano Raptor 2.4's, Titec riser bars, stem and seatpost, WTB Speed V saddle, Avid mechanical disc brakes. | | Bottom Line: | This is one solid ride. Lightweight and steady, this singlespeed enjoys hours of backcountry pounding. The only abnormalities for me were the short headtube, which, depending on your style of riding, maybe good or bad. Since I am 6'1", it sort of threw me on top of the front wheel too much, making the bike a little quicker than I am used to. Also, the bike came from the shop with a 33-16 ratio and 180mm cranks, but that's norm for SS. I changed to a 32-18, so that I am able to tackle some pretty beefy climbs. Yea, I spinout a bit more than I am used to, but I try to go on rides that don't have too many flats; either up or down, like Henry Coe in Gilroy or Mt. Hamilton.
The parts are top notch for this bike's pricepoint. The Avid mechanical discs are awesome, as are the Mutano Raptor 2.4's. Just pump those up to about 28psi and you have natural shock absorption. No need for a suspension fork!
The only things I have replaced so far are the pedals (you get some cheap plastic things) with some Egg Beaters, the chain and the freewheel. I got a White Industries ENO 18T, and that makes a big difference in ride quality. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
| |
|
Photo Caption Contest
(sponsored by Maxxis)
|
Enter here
|
|
|
$ 849.99
