Question: Who wants to modify a stock Allegro Pista to make it fully bling? using as much off the shelf stock as possible?

Question 2: Why would you want to do that?

Answer 1: Bill wanted to. Actually, not bling but fast and fun…

Answer 2: Because the Allegro Pista is a cool locally designed frame but it’s definitely not fitted with my choice of components

So, I spent quite a few months choosing the right parts. Here’s a summary of what’s been done:

1. cut down and thread the steerer
2. fit Stronglight threaded headset (an aheadset on a lugged frame isn’t the right look…)
3. build Phil Wood 36 hole high flange hubs to Mavic Open Pro rims. I was going to build with Sapim Race 2.0/1.5/2.0mm spokes but they turned out to be hard to source so I built with DT silver Competitions – and brass nipples)
4. fitted 17 tooth 1/8″ Phil ISO cog. Phil made the point at AusBike a couple of months back that going ISO not threaded means an evenly dished wheel. Even better, the different front and rear hub flange heights mean that all spokes are 286mm which is kind of cool.
5. Scored a Suntour Superb Pro 144/165mm track crankset (sorry! this is definitely not a standard stock item!). Fitted a Sugino Zen 47 tooth ring. Unfortunately to get it on the road quickly I had to fit a Shimano UN54 68x107mm bottom bracket. I’ll upgrade this soon. Likewise the Sram PC1 nickel chain I’ll upgrade at some point but it got me going
6. Moved my Brooks B17 Special. I wasn’t keen to go through the break-in period of a new saddle!
7. fitted a set of Schwalbe Stelvio 28-622 tyres. I had these on the go because I’ve been wondering how they handle. I was surprised to find they fitted fine.
8. fitted my Shimano M520 pedals from my Shogun – they may not be in keeping but they get me going and I was hoping to avoid toe overlap by not runnnig clips but as the photos below show there’s no overlap anyway
9. moved some flatbars from my Shogun on. These are temporary and give a very upright riding position but at least they get the bike going.
10. Found an old Shimano 600 caliper… yay! I’ve got brakes (as opposed to breaks)

I took it for a ride on Sunday night after finishing the build are was surprised by the ride. The 47:17 gearing gives approx 75″ which is pretty much spot on. The ride feels extremely relaxed for a “pista” but that suits me (I’m not going to be on the track at all). After burning up a set of Schwalbe Marathon 28-622 tyres in the past couple of months, the Stelvios are really grippy and amazingly cushioning. They’ll wear through extremely quickly though.

PS – I stripped my Shogun on the weekend and am riding the Pista for commuting so you can check outif you drop into the shop on a weekday.

PPS – This bike is an interim ride until my Shogun comes back from Ewen Gellie… I’ll be selling the Pista on after that so if you’re interested come and take it for a spin.