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Submitted by
Carlos
a Racer
from Perez
Date Reviewed: January 13, 2005 | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$500.00 | | Purchased At: | Used | | Strengths: | Quick response, 19.5" frame feels great and I'm 5'8", nimble, looks sweet when it's clean | | Weaknesses: | Stock avid pads wear out too fast; terrible stock headset - wore out after 6 months of use; 24+ lbs stock; Noisy rear brake cable slaps against frame unless you tie it down; poor bottom bracket; chainline is out - fix was to move chainring to outside and insert washers to space properly; Bashgard is useless unless you're DHing which you wouldn't be doing in this bike anyways | | Bike Setup: | Stock except front wheel (taco'd the stock one in a race) | | Bottom Line: | This is my first and only singlespeed. It's a nice frame geometry and I can ride almost anything with it. The chainline leaves a little room for improvement. But then again this is an older bike now and there is a lot of newer stuff out there.
The componentry on this bike is not the plushest on the market, but you get what you pay for. And for the $800 or so that this bike retails for (now SASS steel frame) you can't go wrong. It's simple, responsive, and an E.O.Y. (extension of yourself), as singlespeeding always is. If you haven't single-sped before, this is the bike to start with. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ziggy Stardust
a Cross Country Rider
from outer space
Date Reviewed: August 3, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$875.00 | | Purchased At: | lbs | | Strengths: | Cheap, light frame, cool looking, single speed specific (horizonnal dropouts), great product spec (for the money), great avid disc brakes, frame comes with lifetime warranty | | Weaknesses: | WTB 2.4 Mutanoraptor tires are wire beaded (there is a kevlar beaded version thats a little lighter and they are easily confused with these), front WTB tire was slightly out of round, the spot rear hub had bound bearings due to improper setup (forcing me to replace the bearings), the bike overall is pretty heavy (~25 lbs for a SS is high), bottom bracket feels loose already (after only a few months of riding), headset is junk (but is hanging in there so far), stock pedals are worthless/slippery plastic (throw them away immediately), chain line was out significantly - I needed to remove the bashguard and move the chainring outside (with spacers) to correct the chainline, stock Avid pads wear very rapidly in muddy conditions and cost $25 a set to replace (now using EBC golds which are holding up much better), very harsh ride with stock rigid fork (I put a Duke SL 100mm on and I'm MUCH happier now). | | Similar Products Used: | 1971 Columbia single speed with banana seat and steerhorn handlebars (when I was 7) | | Bike Setup: | Stock 02 DISS frame with '03 SISS component set, except replaced freewheel with 15 tooth ACS, Time carbon pedals, Rockshox susp seat post (26.8), WTB Ti laser saddle, water bottle cages (2), WTB 2.5 Mutanoraptor Kevlar up front, EBC gold pads on the Avids. | | Bottom Line: |
This bike is good and I'm pleased with it overall. I REALLY love the singlspeeding experience thats for sure. But I did have several teething problems that irritated the hell out of me. Especially the bound bearings on the Spot rear hub and the skewed chainline...these are things that should have been caught/corrected at the factory and at my LBS...but instead I had to deal with it.
The bike feels sturdy as hell. I've heard of several people breaking Bianchi SS frames, both their steel and Al versions (usually by the chainstay). It's hard for me to believe I'm going to break this frame though. The bike feels tough, but I'm not a hardcore jumper or huckster...just a Joe Blow XC guy (190 lbs, 6'1" and a 21 XL fits me well). But this frame is not intended for that kind of use anyway. I guess durability will reveal itself in due time. I'll use the lifetime warranty if I need to.
All in all this is a good bike. I mention a lot of weaknesess above. But for the price it is very hard to beat. Plus, if you know about the shortcomings ahead of time (which you do now!), you can use this information to get your LBS to straighten the flaws out BEFORE you take delivery. Afterwhich, you'll be a happy singlespeeding camper. This bike is nice once you get it dialed in, don't underestimate it.
| Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Robert
a Cross Country Rider
from San Francisco, California
Date Reviewed: March 20, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Golden Gate Park/Presidio | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$750.00 | | Purchased At: | A Bicycle Odyssey/Sausalito CA. A great shop check it out. | | Strengths: | Responsive, light, quick, strong, and comfortable on paved roads and fire trails. This bike is great on non-technical ascents. On my first single-speed ride ever I rode from San Francisco to the top of Mt. Tam and never had to get off the bike once, and I am only in average shape. This is simply a great looking bike, no bright colors or silly stripes of any kind; just plain flat black. | | Weaknesses: | The pedals are not acceptable, no grip whatsoever. This is not the bike for you if you want to hit the rocks hard or do any jumping, the aluminum frame will rattle your bones to the core, the 2003 steel-frame SISS would be a better choice for this type of riding. The sizing is odd, get at least one size larger than normal as they run quite small. This bike does not like quick sharp turns, take it slow until you get used to how it handles. | | Similar Products Used: | This is my first single-speed. | | Bike Setup: | Stock, I plan to replace the pedals ASAP as they lack grip. | | Bottom Line: | I got this bike because it fits the riding I like to do, city streets & dirt fire trails with an occasional foray onto the actual rocks. I also love the fact that you can realy concentrate on your actual ride without concerning yourself with when you should shift gears. You will get a great workout with every ride as you really use your upper-body! If you live in a hilly area do not be afraid of this bike, it loves the hills. This is a really fun bike, I am no-spring chicken but I feel like a kid when I am on this thing. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jason
a Cross Country Rider
from TX
Date Reviewed: January 31, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$600.00 | | Purchased At: | Individual | | Strengths: | Avid discs
Truvativ Stylo (ISIS)
Light | | Weaknesses: | 26.8 seatpost - 27.2 would be nice, so I could run a Moots post! (nit pick)
Titec X-wing post is crap | | Similar Products Used: | Gunnar Ruffian, Santa Cruz Chameleon | | Bike Setup: | Stock bars, stem, headset, Duke XC, King hubs, XC Pros, Oury Grips, Egg beaters, trying to find a Ti post!! | | Bottom Line: | This is a nice bike. I really think that for cross country it's a great deal for what you get. I didn't like my Gunnar because it seemed to noodly. My Chameleon is great I love that bike! It is more versitile than the DISS although it is more expensive. The Chameleon gets thrashed urban, cross, jumping, etc. The DISS will be used for XC riding only!! The bike just doesn't fell like it can take a bunch of abuse. It feels stiffer than the Gunnar but not near the Chameleon. The DISS climbs very well and decends just as good, it's a little slow in the tight stuff. I bought a large which measures about 23.5in C-C TT. The Chameleon in a large measures 22in C-C. I'm 5' 11" and I tend to like the shorter top tube although both bikes have their own pros/cons. Bottom line, this is a great bike and I'd recommend it to anyone who enjoys SSs and wants one at a good price! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
242 Barham
a
from everywhere they send me
Date Reviewed: January 18, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | any and all | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$800.00 | | Purchased At: | Indepentently Owned Local Bike Shop | | Strengths: | AVIDS! Price, components, responsive frame geometry, comfy ride,bad boy looks. | | Weaknesses: | Heavy for a SS. Short steer tube(no adjustment). Frame prep from factory,Crummy headset,freewheel,pedals and cable routing. | | Similar Products Used: | Converted Specialized HardRock. Trek 850, Raliegh Team Peak, Sycip Unleaded 29" | | Bike Setup: | Stock except Chris King NoThreadset, Crank Bros eggbeaters and Titec Big Al stem. | | Bottom Line: | Got this machine as an 02' closeout. Frame is very compliant despite the oversized Al frame. Easton Ultralight with some really wild manipulations to the tubeset. Typical "factory" welds and a somewhat fragile paint job. Well I think it's paint? Plenty O' stickers including one that states "Your bike sucks" Chromo disc specific fork with a short steerer.(no spacers from the factory).The components are all good to very good except the junk headset, Shimano freewheel and plastic pedals. Tru-vativ stylo splined SS cranks and BB, flexy but not to the point of distraction. Can lean the bike to the side and press the crankarm against the chainstay. Wheels are WTB disc specific with the Spot rear hub (HEAVY). WTB Mutano-raptors 2.24, really good tires, although they add to an already heavy wheelset. The freewheel has been gritty and very "sticky" to the point it produces ghost pedaling on the repair stand, even after 100 miles of break in. Chain was reversed because master link rubbed on chaingaurd. Avids, excellent 6" discs, cables and SD 5 levers. Cool rear Disc brake tab has slots milled in it so you can loosen the bolts and slide the caliper out of the way to remove the rear wheel. Not the fastest set-up but with practice not to bad. Titec seatpost 26.8 has a very comfortable flex that smooths the ride out even more. Had to change out the stock Easton stem for a super burly Titec Big Al 135 +-0. WTB seat is a chromo version of their Ti laser series. So comfy I am puting one on my 29" Sycip. Also changed out the crap Aheadset for a Chris king NoThreadset, enough said. 24 lbs with the changes mentioned above plus egg beaters and an Al water bottle cage. All in all a very nice package for someone who might be looking to getting into SS. $750-850 may seem a little steep but price a SS frameset with the same components and you cant touch the DISS. Three flaming poo's cause I cant stand junk headsets, cable routing is a creatively poor(zip ties).And headtube and bb shell was in a very desperate need of a facing job.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Alexander Kahn
a
from Cambridge, MA, USA
Date Reviewed: January 11, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | city streets and sidewalks | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$750.00 | | Purchased At: | Ace Wheelworks, Somerville, MA | | Strengths: | Responsive, powerful feel. Beautiful cosmetics. Good brakes, wheels. Excellent value for the supplied components. | | Weaknesses: | Attractive, but weak paint job. It looks nice, but rubs off, scratches and nicks easily. The brake cable hitting against the headtube caused the paint underneath to rub off within 2 months. Personally, I would prefer shorter chainstays. The stock pedals were awful, but that's understandable. | | Similar Products Used: | None. | | Bike Setup: | Stock, except Sun-Ringle Zuzu pedals, shorter stem (no name), Spot/SDG saddle, Oury grips | | Bottom Line: | Bottom line, this is a great bike simply because it's fun to ride. It feels sturdy, almost like a tank. If you want a durable, reliable, stylish bike, this is for you.
I purchased a shorter stem for a more responsive feel, a more comfortable cockpit and to move my center of gravity slightly rearward. The pedals needed replacing because they would not keep my feet in place even when it was dry out. The saddle, of course, is a matter of personal preference.
I ride mostly around the city on this bike for which it is well suited. It's great on icy, snowy roads. My apologies to those who want information about this bike on the trail. I'll start on that this spring. :) | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
David
a Weekend Warrior
from Colorado
Date Reviewed: December 20, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Downhill (hey, it's Colorado) | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Purchased At: | 750 | | Strengths: | Amazing components and frame for the $$. As the mfg. says, the tires DO have a lot of suspension in them. Brakes are fling-you-over-the-handlebars powerful. I like the feel of the WTB saddle (your butt may vary). | | Weaknesses: | As others have noted, the pedals are usable, but not fancy. Rear brake cable slaps a lot. Chain master link hangs on front sprocket (reverse it to fix). | | Similar Products Used: | Hand-welded, mild steel frame, with solid-rubber tires and training wheels (circa 1962). | | Bike Setup: | Stock, for now. | | Bottom Line: | The fun of biking is back. Maintenance hassles are few and infrequent. The ultimate commuter bike -- and more. My road bike and other MTB sit in the garage gathering dust. I'm trying to see if I can get my endurance up to the point where I could do a 60- or 70-mile ride with this beast (maybe not fast, maybe not pretty, but definitely fun -- especially on the downhills where the massive brakes come in handy). | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Reed Powell
a
from D.C.
Date Reviewed: December 6, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Anything in MD, or VA | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$850.00 | | Purchased At: | Revolution Cycles | | Strengths: | Great Frame, Amazing BB and cranks, Great Disks, Great Seat Post, Stiff Ride, Who can argue Giant builds a great frame. Yes another rebadged Giant bike. This is my second post, and I love the bike more then before. | | Weaknesses: | Crummy pedals. and a Shimano Freewheel, Bad front Chain Ring, mine is out of round. (I am searching for a good wide replacement) | | Bike Setup: | These are recomendations based on a guy with nothing else to spend money on. Oury Grips, Chris King Single speed hub this means no more freewheel(15 tooth cog), King front hub, Mavic 618 Rims, built by Pinky, Egg Beater pedals, Easton Monkey Lite Hi Rise, Original Stem and Seat Post, BMX Bushingless Chain, | | Bottom Line: | Amazing freaking bike. I only change parts for product testing, it was fine as it came, the only thing you have to change are the pedals and the grips. Out of the box it is a great bike. Maybe some day it will get a suspension fork, but there are so few that do this bike justice. Buy it as a built single speed, especially if it is your first. there is no cheaper way to get these parts one at a time.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Richard Kilshaw
a Cross Country Rider
from Portland, Oregon
Date Reviewed: October 18, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Browns Camp | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$799.00 | | Purchased At: | Lakeside Bcycles | | Strengths: | Value for money, Stock spec- Avid Mechanicals, WTB disc specific rims, Trivaviv crank, Easton | | Weaknesses: | Paint does chip easily | | Similar Products Used: | Tried a Gunnar S.S, Rode a BMX whan I was younger, have a Cannondale Jekyll. | | Bike Setup: | Stock plus the following: Marzocchi MXC, Egg Beaters, Continental XC, ODI grips, Titec Bar ends, Chris King no thread set | | Bottom Line: | I bought this bike for use as my commuter (mainly off road up and through Forest park) since single speeding seemed like a low maintenance, inexpensive and fun way to get some fitness back into this beaten up and misused body of mine.
My full suspension bike now no longer gets a look in and is hanging in the garage getting its share of care and attention from the spiders.
The D.I.S.S is a great all round bike for the money. The avids are the best brakes I have had on any bike. I have the modulation set for maximum feel with the levers positioned for single digit braking.
I tried riding the bike with the rigid fork for a while when I first bought it but had to give in, put my hand back in my pocket and get the Marzocchi with the Chris King to finish the package. The Bianchi frame feels very responsive and the stiffness that was all too present with the rigid fork has been dampened nicely with the addition of the MXC.
The Chain link was catching the ring guard when I first got the bike. I liked having the ring guard so, rather than removing it, I solved the problem by rotating the chain so the offending chain link is facing the rear wheel. The mutanoraptors that came with the bike have served me well over the summer but have been retired for the cyclocross season and replaced with the skinnier Continentals. They will be back on the bike in the spring.
I had to add some cable ties to stop the continuous cable slapping and put on some paint saving clear stickers at the advice of some earlier reviewers.
Bottom bottom line is this bike has given me twice the fun of my full suspension at a third of the price, with a great workout included for free! If I had known I would ride this bike as much as I do, I would have paid a lttle more and got a Gunnar or Jerhicho.
Buy this bike unless you want to pay for/can afford a custom steel build.
1 chilli off for the 'Italian' but made in Taiwan along with the easily chipped paint job.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Denver Maddux
a Weekend Warrior
from Corvallis, Oregon, USA
Date Reviewed: August 17, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Any nice singletrack | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$769.00 | | Purchased At: | Peak Sports | | Strengths: | Components and Ultra Light frame! The Avid mechanical disc brake system is a sweet addition to the Bianchi SS line this year. | | Weaknesses: | Pedals... replaced with Kona Jacksh#t pedals before getting out of the store. Brake cables had to be grommeted before riding as well because of the warnings of others about paint scrappage. | | Similar Products Used: | Home built single-speed conversion. | | Bike Setup: | Stock with the exception of the pedals. | | Bottom Line: | The components alone were worth the price of this bike. I'm totally in love with it and can't wait to put more miles on it. Being able to pick this bike up and over my head with one hand is a totally wicked... reminds me of my old rigid Cannondale. :)
Any looking into getting into single speeding... this is a good entry level bike if you don't want to convert your main squeeze. I have sold my ex-main squeeze and now ride this and my old hardtail SS conversion only. I don't know that I'll ever switch back to a geared bike again. And, thanks to makers the likes of Bianchi, maybe this will start catching on again. :) | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Reed Powell
a
from D.C. USA
Date Reviewed: July 22, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Shafer Farms | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$845.00 | | Purchased At: | Revolution Cycles | | Strengths: | Light frame, great bar, post, and saddle. Isis cranks/bb and slick chain tensioner. The geometry is great for me at 6'1" to use the 19.5" frame I love single track, and my local city streets. The ride is firm but not to rough. | | Weaknesses: | Those plastic thingies on the cranks had to go. and the grips had to be switched out for some Oury grips first thing. The paint is a bit easy to scratch off, but it is a MTB, not a prissy little road bike. | | Similar Products Used: | I have only use my Fisher geared bikes before this, and road the my friends CUSS then I new I had to ride this. | | Bike Setup: | The bike is stock except the Oury grips (black), Shimano DX peddals, and the King hubs are on order. | | Bottom Line: | Do not buy this bike if you want to race single speed!!!! Everything works great except changing a flat in the rear takes some practice. BUY this bike if you love single speed bikes, or want to love them. If you want to have pure simple fun and re-learn what MTB skills are, then buy this bike. You will know that you only need one gear. The bike comes with some sweet stuff on it, and the set up is sexy as hell. I will miss the quiet hubs (great for sneaking up on friends) when the Chris King hubs show up. I will give a review of them, and the other parts of my new wheels. I think that I will also replace the bar with a Monkey light. I work in a shop so it is easy to get parts and stuff. Keep riding rigid single speed bikes, forget the travel and the hype. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jim H
a Weekend Warrior
from Mill Valley
Date Reviewed: June 6, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | the street | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$800.00 | | Purchased At: | Sausalito | | Strengths: | Great price, great frame | | Weaknesses: | Silly knobby tires | | Bike Setup: | Rohloff 14-speed Hub!!!
| | Bottom Line: | This is an update now that I have the new hub installed.
The Bianchi DISS is the *perfect* bike for the Rohloff Hub for these reasons:
- the horizontal dropouts mean you can easily install the hub with no chain tensioner device at all. No chain suck!
- the disk brakes work great with the Rohloff hub - just order the AVID compatible disk (see www.rohloff.de for info)
- you don't waste money on a derailers and other expensive stuff you don't need. The only parts you toss are the chain ring, the old rear hub, and some spokes
So for half the price of the Rohloff-friendly Jericho frame, you get the Bianchi DISS with very nice brakes and wheels.
I must admit that the DISS was a lot of fun as a single speed bomber. But its even more fun as a 14-speed single-speed bomber.
5 chilis!
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Eric
a Cross Country Rider
from Somerville,MA
Date Reviewed: June 1, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Hodges Village Dam | | Duration Product Used: | Tested or demo'ed only | | Price Paid: |
$400.00 | | Purchased At: | Bicycle Alley | | Strengths: | It's a cool color. Its a singlespeed. Super light. | | Weaknesses: | Aluminum is good for beer cans, not mountain bike frames. I am a large guy who cranks hard and rides aggressively. I've broken the BaSS and the BuSS in the past years and I'm getting the DiSS as a warrantee replacement. If you work this frame it will break. It took me a year for each of the others, but it will break. | | Similar Products Used: | Bianchi BaSS, BuSS. | | Bike Setup: | mostly BuSS components. Paul hubs, Raceface cranks and bar, Continental tires (use the 2.3 Vertical Pro on the front...you'll thank me) | | Bottom Line: | Where are you (by you I mean a sub 200lb. rider) going to get quality components like Avid discs, Truvative splined cranks, and a really great ride for less than this bike? Not through legal means.
It's really a great bike, fun to ride, climbs as well as you can, descends like crazy due to its long wheelbase. I loved the bikes I had (BaSS & BuSS) but I can't be waiting for a month every year for my frame replacement to show up! I'm buying a Surly 1x1 and I'll review the difference between steel and AL. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jim
a Weekend Warrior
from Mill Valley
Date Reviewed: April 20, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | pavement | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$800.00 | | Strengths: | Nice frame, disk brakes, great buy | | Weaknesses: | Don't like the tires (too noisy on pavement) - The grips are too bumpy - and the seat is too firm.
Mounting a rack on this bike is not easy because of the disk brakes. | | Bike Setup: | Psylo SL fork, and a big fat cruiser style seat (with springs). And I put 1.95" Specialized Hemisphere Armadillo tires on it.
Also have rack and Vaude Paniers. And a light and a GPS radio and a bell and a SpongeBob sticker | | Bottom Line: | I'm no single speeder. I bought this bike to put a Rohloff 14-speed hub on it and make a fat-tire cruiser. This DISS frame can mount a multi-speed hub witout the need for a separate chain tensioner device.
But the Hub is still on order and I must admit this bike is waaaaaay fun to ride. I ride 80% on pavement and 20% on fire roads.
The wheelbase seems a little short to me, and the head angle seemed to steep for the fork that came with the bike - but with a longer fork the frame geometry is just fine.
I highly recommend this frame.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ralph Cardillo
a Cross Country Rider
from Califon, NJ- USA
Date Reviewed: April 5, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | South Mountian Trails.. Tempe AZ | | Duration Product Used: | Tested or demo'ed only | | Price Paid: |
$900.00 | | Purchased At: | Cycle Craft, CHESTER NJ | | Strengths: | Rigid Rocks, really like the light wieght. Really liked the "cars are coffins" on the frame! Feels very solid, the way single speed should feel. | | Weaknesses: | Cheezy Pedals.. need to replace them ASAP. Also didn't like the disc brakes on it...Felt a bit mushy, not that powerful. | | Bike Setup: | stock as of now.. baby's in the shop converting to HOPE Hydro-Discs.. and getting some Meaty-er pedals (need more metal!) | | Bottom Line: | I rode this rock around the parking lot and fell in love with her. Really like the overall feel. I'm keepin the bike down to earth with the whole single speed ora feel,,,( no suspension, no caged feet ).. like it rough. Can't wait till Friday till she's mine. I'll update the review and let you know how many bones I've broken. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Quo Vadis
a Cross Country Rider
from Eureka, CA, USA
Date Reviewed: March 5, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | illegal ones | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$850.00 | | Purchased At: | Henderson Ctr. Bikes | | Weaknesses: | Headset
Grips
Pedals | | Bike Setup: | Chris King headset
Ritchey Pro Threadless 100mm 6 degree rise stem
Marzocchi Z4 air
Velociraptors | | Bottom Line: |
Following the first real test of adverse conditions... moderate rain and copius mud...the headset was totally f***ed up and full of gritty kitty. I took it the shop and they overhauled the headset, said the rain had carried debris down into it from the top, and they warned me it would happen again. I had them slap a Chris King silver in it for $109. Looks great, no more worries on that end.
The freewheel is also gritty following that ride, the shop said from time to time lay it over and pour Phil's Tenacious Oil in the groove on the drive side and to plan on replacing the freewheel about every year. That's kinda weak but when I do replace it I will buy something more durable.
Put a shorter/angled stem to get off the front wheel. Better tires and grips.
I still love this bike, it's great, but I'm droppin a chili for the headset B**lS**t. Flush the AHEADSET and get a Chris King. If you ride this bike with a rigid fork you have my respect. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
shawn fowler
a Racer
from flagstaff, az, america
Date Reviewed: February 28, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | anything i have a chance of dying on | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$900.00 | | Purchased At: | loose spoke | | Strengths: | avid disk brakes are the best easton stem, bars, and frame and the wtb wheels are pretty good | | Weaknesses: | rigid fork(so i had to change that out) and the wtb saddle and tires put some tioga downhills a bike that looks this good needs so treads to go with it and the wtb grips how you you expect someone to ride a bike without yeti grips its just not human | | Similar Products Used: | none why look anywhere else for a dope single speed disk brakes come on | | Bike Setup: | stock except for a z.1 freeride fork with 130mm travel and tioga downhill tires | | Bottom Line: | this is the dopest bike made in 2002 almost up there with the trek fuel 100 but not quite loved this bike till some punk stole it from me guess ill have to just get another one | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Cesar Diaz
a Weekend Warrior
from Colorado Springs, CO
Date Reviewed: February 3, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Palmer Park's Templeton Trail | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$799.00 | | Purchased At: | Ted's Bicycles | | Strengths: | Grest looks, good parts mix, good price, easton stem and bar, Isis Truvativ crank, light weight | | Weaknesses: | cheap headset, rigid fork, wire beaded tires | | Similar Products Used: | BMX bikes and cruisers when I was a teenager | | Bike Setup: | Z2 with everything else stock | | Bottom Line: | This bike is a blast to ride. At first you keeping tryin to find the rapid fire trigger because you start revving out on your spin. The baike really makes you ride more efficiently. You learn to pedal at the right times and coast as well. The Mutanoraptors are killer tires. They hold a line in whatever is in the way. The roll well and if you lower the tire pressure will climb loose, sandy hills like a wildcat. The gearing was a little heavy for the climbing we do in Colorado but it wasn't too bad. I feel that to be smart you will need to invest some money on a couple of extra sprockets and freewheels. Just like when I use to race BMX, I would change my gearing for the specific track (downhill and or flat). Just a thought. I would recommend this bike to anyone looking to expand their biking skills. Ride on! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Quo Vadis
a Cross Country Rider
from Eureka, CA, USA
Date Reviewed: January 30, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | illegal ones | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$850.00 | | Purchased At: | Henderson Center Bike Shop | | Strengths: | solid
light (25 lbs with Marzocchi fork)
smooth
value
looks | | Weaknesses: | paint finish is easily scratched/rubbed off
(I'm talkin' finger-nail easy)
| | Similar Products Used: | Rockhopper Comp FS | | Bike Setup: | 2001 Marzocchi Bomber Z4 Air, 2.1 Velociraptors, 18 tooth rear cog, Shimano m515 pedals | | Bottom Line: | SWEET SINGLE SPEED MACHINE!
Solid and sturdy...yet light. Had the dealer slap a Marzocchi Z4 air/oil (no coils) on it before I even rode it...still feels evenly balanced front to rear. A light shock for a light bike. The pedals that come on it are designed to be temporary...plan on buying some SPD's. Flushed the stock tires, they were meant for all terrain use on a rigid frame bike, swapped with the dealer for some mud-hogs. I had the dealer swap the 16 tooth in the back for an 18 so I could climb easier...not very fast on the flats though. The paint job looks like a million bucks but scratches like a $2-HO. And if anyone tells you that the AVID mechanical disc brakes suck...it's because they don't understand how to adjust them. I figured out a trick to get them dialed in and I posted a separate review under brakes. Check it out if you need it.
SINGLE SPEEDERS ROCK AND SO DOES THIS BIKE!
Buy one! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
joe godoy
a
from Seal Beach, Cal
Date Reviewed: November 29, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$750.00 | | Purchased At: | Downey Cyclery | | Strengths: | Great bike, good looking quality components | | Weaknesses: | No Front Brake Pads upon delivery and Bianchi didnt seem to give a crap! Bianchi USA passed the buck and thank God I had a good shop that took care of the problem at their own expense! If Bianchi USA would have been more accomodating and taken responsibility I would have given 5 flames! | | Similar Products Used: | I also own a VOODOO Nzumbi that has RaceFace Cranks, XTR brakes, Time Pedals and Manitou TiSX forks! | | Bike Setup: | RockShox Duke Race forks, Time Pedals the rest stock | | Bottom Line: | Great bike and am really happy with it! Just order some extra pads at the time of purchase in case the pads arent in there. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dennis
a Weekend Warrior
from PA
Date Reviewed: November 29, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$800.00 | | Purchased At: | Indian Valley Bikeworks | | Strengths: | Great Frame. Great components- Avid Mech Disc Brakes, Truvativ Cranks, wide bar and great HUGE tires. | | Weaknesses: | head set/stem seems to have an ongoing creaking sound... | | Similar Products Used: | Bianchi CUSS | | Bike Setup: | 2000 Marz z2Atom 80, Panaracer XC 2.1 Fire Pro's, Cane Creek Bar Ends, Bontrager Seat and Shimano 17 tooth freewheel in back. | | Bottom Line: | Bottom line- this is a great bike for the rider who wants to find out what singlespeedingis all about or anyone who wants a highly quality ride for the lowest price.
The bike is very resonsive and a blast to ride! After a brief adjustment period you will stop going for the gears and concentrating on momentum, technique and speed. I have been tinkering with the bike ever since getting it and it has been nothing but fun- I didn't realize how fun it would be to find the best balance between weight, performance and personal touches...
I put a z2 Atom 80 up front and it matches up very nicely! The front end feels a little heavy but it hasn't bothered me. I have seen the bike with a Manitou BLACK and there was a definite weight advantage, but the only place I want to be using an air pump is on my tires...
I found the gearing to be just alittle too heavy for technical climbs, and I switched the freewheel for a 17 tooth Shimano BMX. Now I can squeeze out that last little umph to keep the wheels rolling. The Bianchi DISS comes with a 32 Tooth Chainring giving the rider the ability to make the gear easier (using 17 or 18 tooth cogs) but I am not sure if you can make it harder without getting a 34 tooth chain ring (Spot makes rings and guards that will fit the Truvativ Cranks).
A couple of other important points. The front Avid Brake pads seem to be getting knocked loose and lost in shipment; if you special order the DISS, like I did, you may want to order a spare set of pads. Even if you don't need them right away you may need them down the road. Speaking of brakes, the frame and rigid fork only accomodate disc brakes and will not accomodate linear brakes. If you are on the fence about whether you will keep the disks you may want to consider a 2000 CUSS if they are still available. Finally, the 17.5 size comes with 175mm cranks; I'm not sure if the larger sizes are spec'ed with 180mm's but if you are a taller rider that might be something you should look into. I'm on the shorter side and was happy with the 175mm.
This is a long review but I hope this information helps anyone considering the DISS as an option. The bike is excellent and I expect many many many happy miles! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Eric Didier
a Racer
from Portland,Oregon
Date Reviewed: November 19, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$799.00 | | Purchased At: | Lakeside bicycles, Lake Oswego | | Strengths: | Light weight, stealth flat black, avid disc brakes, isis bottom bracket. | | Weaknesses: | Throw the stock pedals in the trash. The cable stays for the rear brake that go over the top tube are too far apart and cause the cable housing to slap the top tube (rings like a bell offroad). Fixed by adding rubber grommets to cable housing. The crank gear ring was getting scratched up due to the master link on the chain facing out instead of inboard. I removed it anyway and saved 1/4 lb. The front brake cable routing has rubbed the finish down to the alu within 50 miles. Also cured with rubber grommets. | | Bottom Line: | Lot of bang for the buck here! Run the tires low on psi and be prepared for a great ride. Go check the guys out at Lakeside bicycles in Lake Oswego for a great deal on this bike. Great shop! e-mail me if you want to ride in Portland on single speeds... always available. I ride Powell butte, forest park, Hagg lake, and various personal unknown local trails. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Greg
a Racer
from Richmond, VA
Date Reviewed: November 19, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Forest Hill Park | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$799.00 | | Purchased At: | Wheelworks, Belmont, MA | | Strengths: | Frame rigidity, component mix, price | | Weaknesses: | Frame finish | | Similar Products Used: | Bianchi BASS | | Bike Setup: | Stock: Truvativ SS Crank, WTB Speed Disk Rims, Spot Rear Hub, Titec X Wing Post, Easton EA50 Bars/Stem, WTB Laser V Saddle. Non-Stock: OURY Grips (you'll need them with rigid fork), Time ATAC Pedals | | Bottom Line: | Price: Wheelworks was the first shop I found that carried the bike and had multiple sizes in-stock. The total price was $817 with shipping (no sales tax). The bike represents the best value in a single-speed. Period. You simply cannot put together a high-quality, light-weight, stiff, disk-compatible SS bike at this price.
On-The-Trail: As Bianchi says, the suspension is in the tires. The 2.25 WTB tires hook up well and allow low tire pressures. The narrow WTB Speed Disk rims should help prevent pinch flats at low tire pressures. OURY grips are still a must if you want to feel your hands after a hard ride. The Truvativ crank doesn't look as cool as the old Race Face cranks that came on earlier models, but it employs the new ISIS BB. The AVID disk brakes work very well and are easy to set up and adjust. They don't have the sensitivity of Shimano hydraulics, but they're less than half the price. The wide Easton bars are appreciated on hard climbs, but the stem started creaking on the second ride. Regarding the flat-black finish, after two rides, the finish shows signs of coming off where the rear brake cable bounces against the top tube.
The Bottom Line: This is a great value for the price. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Devian
a
from Monterey, ca, usa
Date Reviewed: November 17, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$883.00 | | Purchased At: | winning wheels | | Strengths: | full rigid, flat black, disc brakes, freewheel is silent, people look at it & dont know what to think. | | Weaknesses: | titec x wing seatpost does not have enough adjustment to raise the nose of the saddle (flite saddle), so I just swapped it out with a Ti post I just happened to have not in use. | | Similar Products Used: | this is my first SS, but I've gone thru a bunch of bikes in the past 10 years. | | Bike Setup: | swapped out to a carbon flat bar, ti seatpost, flite saddle, & atac carbons | | Bottom Line: | Im really digging the SS gig. The bike is great. Seams like it is real strong, there never seems to be any sign of flex, the wheels are crazy strong, brakes rule, its flat black, and the freewheel is silent. All I really need to work on is my CX form (of which does not exist). | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
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