Hey Bob,

Awesome bike! I didn’t say I was down with the ‘fad’ movement either, most people can’t figure out WTF class or group I fit into, which is all the better for me (I just posted some photos on the Members thread if you get curious). You sort of have that Sheldon Brown & Rasputin look going if you resemble your avatar!!! If you’re into beards, I can appreciate as you’ll see from my pics – can’t say my wife appreciates!!!

PS: Would your "hucking" comment be based upon BSNYC's recent post on the topic? If so, classic reference!!!

 

No, I honestly don't know what hucking is lol. I had to google to figure out what a "manual" is, and here I've been doing this stuff since the late 80s ... I just like to ride, all the rest is made up stuff to try to get the cool kids to spend their money.

Another good rant about meaningless trendy bike talk http://waltworks.blogspot.com/2008/12/saturday-rant.html

I call my bike booger, because it's so flickable.

 

Bianchi... The only SS MTB I've messed with was the MUSS and I remember something about Most Ugly Single Speed, which seemed right, since that year it was a baloney color. Thought that came from the catalog, but I guess it could have come from my imagination.

I'm waiting for the 29er SSers to be steel! Please oh please?

--Greg

 

I've heard "Most or More Urban" "Most or More Ultimate" (Ugly is substitute plug). I found "more urban" referenced from a few different sites as well as the '06 model is described as such (http://www.bianchiusa.com/06-bicycles/06-mountain/06-muss.html).

On the Sok 29er, the only thing I can think of is since it sold with front suspension with the hard tail option, thus they sell the frame in alloy. It seemed with the SS models in years past, they had a good balance between steel and alloy. It doesn't make much sense to me; I think every company ought to give the option for at least 1 steel frame for SS as it's not secret if you are riding fully rigid steel is the only option. This could be why Surly and others have the edge.

 

Sky Yeager

Bianchi also likes to market (and badge their SS rigid bikes at that time) as "chick designed" - the designer for Swobo (current) designed that range of rigid SS's for Bianchi. My SASS chromed out has a badge on the tubing with an bondage chick in net stockings and a whip. I'm assuming for the "single gear, always the wrong one!" mantra of single speed riders. It may be why some models came with leopard print saddles???

One forums member posted the following opinion:

OK, Sky Yeager worked seventeen years at Bianchi as Production Manager.

When did the current Pista, with the sloping top tube and double-axis-flared downtube come into production?

If in the last 17 years or so, one can then assume Syk Yeager either designed it, or supervised its design.

And another site opinioned:

Sky Yaeger has been leaving her mark on the bicycle world since the 1970s. Her years at Bianchi brought us such industry-shaking models as the "Milano," the "Pista" and the "San Jose." She also introduced the world to the first production single-speed ATBs (the Bianchi BOSS, BASS, BUSS, MUSS, DISS ,SISS, SASS, WUSS, GUSS, MUSS, LEWIS). Since she joined Swobo in 2006...

In that same site, Sky notes her fine arts and design background and goes onto say: There is no one "perfect bicycle," but I guess it would have to be whatever inspires someone to get out and ride. One person's perfect bicycle would be another person's nightmare. There are few things in life that are as varied and personal as bicycles and the opportunity to personalize your ride is part of the appeal. I love looking at all the pimped out bikes on the Fixed Gear Gallery site. They have almost 8,000 bikes posted now. If you are talking about what I would design if a million bucks landed in my lap, it would have to be a light-weight belt-driven internal hub urban bike with integrated features like lights and locks and carrying capability integral to the frame.

 

Mine has the "chick" badge also. Never thought of it in those terms. Makes sense that she is no longer at Bianchi and their models have changed significantly since. I like the Swobo gear and such, I guess I need to look closer at their bikes.

Good intel.

 

I like the Swobo gear and such, I guess I need to look closer at their bikes.

Some coming attractions here
http://www.swobo.com/htatbl/archives/2009/03/bike_wood_wednesdays.html

 

Hey Bob,

Did I miss something in their catalog, are there no trail bikes? I assume they support the urban thing only, I guess. If that's the case, I guess Sky Yaeger's talent of trail SS's is not being used. I may have to prbe a question to Swobo or her directly...

 

No they don't make hard core trail bikes, but drop the chain guard from the Baxter and add knobbies, and it's a lot like my Bianchi as seen above.

I definitely agree that the urban thing is Swobo's thing, always has been.

Reading more it fits fat tires and fenders, sounds useful to me

 

No they don't make hard core trail bikes, but drop the chain guard from the Baxter and add knobbies, and it's a lot like my Bianchi as seen above.

I definitely agree that the urban thing is Swobo's thing, always has been.

Reading more it fits fat tires and fenders, sounds useful to me

You think that bike could tolerate the trails? Has a carbon fork (not that it matters too much). I'd be concerned about those cranks, not sure what grade they are and if they can handle the off-road abuse. I'd be more inclined to buy the frame only and build it up. Although I think I'd let somebody on here build one and try it out before I went that route.

 

No way to tell until there's more info

No doubt there's better choices if your going to trail ride it though.

 

SOK? whats that stand for?

 

"are these bianchi SS bikes respected high end bikes?"

I would consider the SOK a nice mid-level complete single speed. Very nice for a bigger company. It is alu. frame which many here frown upon. I have rode steel bikes that were less comfy than a good alu. bike. It is a 29 er so that should help the ride a bit. I am really tore between a Rig and the Sok or building up a frame.

 

BUSS limited edition?

So I thought over time I would figure out the secret code used in the first two letters for Bianchi's single speed line (since I'm assuming the "SS" is single speed). MUSS, GUSS, PUSS.....but alas it still escapes me!
Copied from Bianchi's website: M.U.S.S. is son of S.A.S.S., who is the son of S.I.S.S. The whole fam damily of single-speeds is made of steel, unlike their kissin' cousins, B.O.S.S, B.A.S.S., C.U.S.S., B.U.S.S., D.I.S.S., G.U.S.S., P.U.S.S., and the newborn, W.U.S.S.....
:madman: Are you kidding me???? Can someone "in the know" please share? It's driving me crazy and my OCD is rapidly escalating...soon I won't be able to sleep and I'll start wandering and wondering.

I picked up a BUSS SS with the Gold Race Face cranks and Gold Paul hubs, complete with the Cars R Coffins decal on the top tube AND a Poopship Destroyer
(WEEN reference?)sticker on the TT..looks like it was always there, any ideas? Dont' have the stock rigid fork unfortunately but the White 80 MM suspension fork is damn close to rigid in it's current state. Thanks for playing:thumbsup:

 

Yes, the BUSS (brown right?) always had the Cars R Coffins decal. That was the first model wasn't it? The Paul hubs in gold - v brake rims right? Good thing you went 80mm on the front fork - I have found the 80mm is just perfect to maintain the horizontal top tube classic lines prompting the yuppie gentlemen at coffee shop storefront tables to affix their eyesight and state, "the Italians know bikes!" and the women in frolicking crochet tops to admiringly gaze, "that is such a sexy bike." Bianchi for the win.

 

brown indeed

Yes, the BUSS (brown right?) always had the Cars R Coffins decal. That was the first model wasn't it? The Paul hubs in gold - v brake rims right? Good thing you went 80mm on the front fork - I have found the 80mm is just perfect to maintain the horizontal top tube classic lines prompting the yuppie gentlemen at coffee shop storefront tables to affix their eyesight and state, "the Italians know bikes!" and the women in frolicking crochet tops to admiringly gaze, "that is such a sexy bike." Bianchi for the win.

this BUSS is brown for sure, with the gold bits. It came with the shoddy White Bros 80mm fork, might work better when it's overhauled but I'll more likely just swap it out for a Marzok'd 80mm. Anyone know about the Poopship Destroyer decal that's on my TT? It's not quite warm enuff for crochet tops here in AZ, soon we hope
gracias:thumbsup:

 

36T chainring fitting Bianchi Single Speed SASS frame?

SASS owners, have a question if the 36T clears as the bike was built with a 32T and 2.4 tires... I suppose it's a good thing, but riding the 29er at a higher gear ratio has trained my legs stronger and the 32:18 is just too easy. I however do not want to change out the 18T WI Trials freewheel, so I want to go with the chainring. Anyone know if 36T clears the driveside chainstay? The crank is a Shimano Saint external bottom bracket. Thank you.

 

No fuss, just M.U.S.S. - two rides so far

I've made it mine now with the FU Bar .. and the bell :thumbsup:

 

SOK? whats that stand for?

According to an ebay auction I stumbled across, "Sok" is Italian for "Stump"..

Google translate does not agree

 

2003 Bianchi S.I.S.S., 19.5"

Here's my recently purchased 2003 Bianchi S.I.S.S 19.5"

Stock aside from the Nashbar/Novatec/no-name cassette hub and 32h Double Track. Added ODI Ruffian Lock ons, Kona platforms, and Kenda Kwest 26x1.5 for the street.

 

Holy crap! Who welds these Bianchis? Does Bianchi 'employ' the local high school metal shop?

 

Here's my recently purchased 2003 Bianchi S.I.S.S 19.5"

Stock aside from the Nashbar/Novatec/no-name cassette hub and 32h Double Track. Added ODI Ruffian Lock ons, Kona platforms, and Kenda Kwest 26x1.5 for the street.

Yo - Welcome to the Bianchi fam, nice looking S.I.S.S. The pink fork adds a nice touch!

 

There's another S.I.S.S. in 19.5 that I'm seriously considering buying for my sister....

Was it fate that two S.I.S.S.'s pop up at the same time?

 

Holysh** that rear Sun Doubletrack is awesome!!! Check it out, 39 wide, 30 height? That's the same height as a Velocity Deep V rim!!!

 

Holysh** that rear Sun Doubletrack is awesome!!! Check it out, 39 wide, 30 height? That's the same height as a Velocity Deep V rim!!!

I know!

I wish they made them 700C! They'd probably be a bit heavy though.

I was going to use them on my 24" DJ, but they've since been discontinued; I did hear that J&B has like 200 32h in 24" though....

It's makes a damn sturdy drive wheel for SS bikes.