Little time was spent actually riding the Bianchi once it was converted to Single Speed design.  The bicycle was too small for me to ride comfortably.  With that in mind, the bicycle was test ridden for several miles before being offered for sale on Ebay.

However, and even though I did not ride the Bianchi much, the Single Speed ride quality is, usually, an improvement over that of the original bicycle, as it was issued.  Why would this be so?

First of all, the bicycle will feel lighter, because it is lighter.  Marginally, to be sure, but lighter non the less.  And that reduction in weight will contribute to faster acceleration, quicker handling and better braking, though, in all truth, it is doubtful that the rider will actually feel much difference based on weight reduction, alone.

However, as many will say, perception is the foundation of our individual realities.  Since the bicycle is lighter, and certainly looks lighter, then I expect it to feel lighter when I ride it.  Perception!

Though not all that much will actually have changed, your perception of the change will exaggerate the actual results.  And, that is just fine, as far as I am concerned.

Of course, few people, converting an old Ten Speed to Single Speed design, will just do the minimum to achieve Single Speed converted results, as I did on my personal Single Speed Poor Boy.  Rather, most people will seek to upgrade, this or that or this and that, in an effort to personalize, customize and improve the looks/performance of their bicycle.

And it is those upgrades that will manifest themselves in a vastly improved/imagined feel, ride quality and performance.

And that is pretty much what the Bianchi Single Speed offered in ride quality.  A lighter feeling, faster feeling bicycle that was lighter and faster.  A bicycle that stopped better, than did its predecessor, thanks to the brake calliper/lever upgrades.  A bicycle that felt more comfortable for its intended use, thanks to the more upright sitting position encouraged with the choice of handlebars.  A bicycle that proved to be more comfortable thanks to the indexed saddle post and upgraded leather saddle.

All in all, the Bianchi Single Speed proved to be a very nice bicycle for around town use.  About the only criticism I would have for such intended use is that the Bianchi is just too nice to leave tied up, here there or anywhere for any length of time.  The pretty nature of the bicycle will prove to be a theft magnet.  And that is why I ride my  Peugeot Poor Boy Junk Bike.  Only a fool would steal that baby!