Death of a Pista

@ Ed - Did you not get a Bob Jackson? I don't really like the look of the BMW and can't see on their site how much they retail for. I would also like to buy British if i can. Why do you think it makes sense?

I'll try an put a photo up soon.

I had a Bob Jackson.

main reason why I no longer had it is because it's not the right size for me (to cut a long story short - I need a top tube length that'd fit a 5'4 person despite being 6'), but I'd still have it had it not been for my odd sizing.

The BJ was lovely, noticably lighter (due to 631 tubing probably) and feel somewhat different to the Pista, the Pista felt a bit sluggish in comparison, not sure why, perhaps it's in my head.

What I like about the BJ is that it's a lovely ride, a proper British Lightweight so to speak, comfortable in a long distance ride, still feel fast (with the right component says a light wheelset), won't feel as stiff as the Pista, but defintely doesn't feel sluggish.

I agree, it make sense to buy local, especially in the environmentally unfriendly world of our, but the BMW Gangsta is still a fantastic bike to ride, to put it simply, it feel so *right (*but then I'm biased since I'm picking mine up tomorrow... hopefully).

Having says that, test ride as much bike as you can, from an On-one Pompino to the Surly Steamroller, bicycles are personal choice after all, if you like how the BJ handle (especially the tyres clearance!), go for it, if you don't, there's other option.