General Cycling Discussion - any comments on a Bianchi Milano 2003?

Hi all:
I am looking for a bike that I can use for commuting from home to school (about 10 miles round trip). Went to a local store, they recommended a Bianchi Milano for me. I am totally new to cycling, so your opinion is really appreciated: I will mainly use the bike for commuting, but I also want to use it on Beach or unpaved road etc when I go out for fun. Will Milano be able to do these? Is it comfortable enough if sometimes I want to ride for a long run? Will mountain bike be a better choice for me?

Thanks

jane

I have the 2002 version. It's a very well made bike by Bianchi and the Nexus 7 is solid as a rock. A hub gear bike is the best choice for commuting there is since it's enclosed from the elements. The bike shifts ALL the time and EVERY time flawlessly. I'm also commuting with a three speed and have yet to encounter a problem with shifting with that bike There's only one thing I'm going to change and that's the tires. I never like the Kendra low pressure city tires since they tend to soak up the speed. I'm looking at Tom Slick or maybe Schwalbe tires where I can get 75 - 90 PSI.

Some people on this forum are not going to like this but I added a suspension seat post and Tuffy liners on both wheels. Mine didn't come with fenders but yours will which is an added plus. In my opinion, you can't go wrong with this bike. Ask the dealer if he can change the tire for better ones.

One more thing.

Ask the dealer to show you how to change the rear tire in case you get a flat.

Jane, the Bianchi Milano is a nice bike, and it should suit your needs very well. As Dahon.Steve mentioned, the 7 speed internally geared hub is reliable and low maintenance. Plus the bike just looks cool. It should be comfortable for you, but test ride one and decide for yourself. What kind of unpaved roads are you talking about? If you are talking serious off road trails, then a mountain bike would be the way to go. Of course, then you will need knobby tires and those will slow you down on your commute. Plus, the derailleurs will need adjusting from time to time. But if you will mostly be on pavement with the occasional smooth dirt trail, I'd go with the Milano. Also, they come in two colors, so get the one you like best. Have fun whatever you decide.

I think they're really cool (but never rode one :()

thanks... I heard that the red seat (on the green body ones) tens to "bleed", and actually stain your pants, is that true? is there a way to correct for that?

I have never heard that, but I suppose it's possible. If you are concerned about it, most bike shops are happy to swap the saddle for you when you buy a new bike. Be sure to try out some different ones and get one that is comfortable for you. (Of course, then you wouldn't have that cool taillight in the back.)

Its a good choice for local rides on road and well prepared trails.
I know one cycle club rider who uses Shimano Nexus 7 sp on lightweight touring bikes, and ride 50-70 miles, and others who put the wheel onto an MTB for flatland and muddy trail riding, and many who use it on their utilty bikes.
Compared to a well adjusted derailluer bike system, it may lose out in some efficiency, but compared to a dirty, worn and badly used system (as seen on most commuter bikes), it fairs very well.
Make some sale-time upgrades/accessories , fenders, luggage rack, lights, tyres and perhaps pedals and saddle if you want.

That saddle rear lamp is cool, but would be concealed by a coat.

>>>>thanks... I heard that the red seat (on the green body ones) tens to "bleed", and actually stain your pants, is that true? is there a way to correct for that?<<<<

I don't know if it comes with the red seat anymore. The Celeste color has been discontinued for the 2003 model and the seat is now all black.

One more thing.

If your going to park this bike outside on your commute, you'll need 2 good locks. Get the New York Kryptonite U-Lock or Chain to secure the frame and rear wheel. Get a chain or a STRONG cable lock to secure the front wheel. The Milano is NOT a cheap cycle and you'll need strong locks since it's a great looking bike.

I have been looking at a Milano and it does not have fenders, the dealer claims it is a 2003 model and has it priced @$579.99-I think it is an earlier left over-does anyone know what year the fenders were standard equipment?

The Milano is a very cool bike.

I wouldn't mind having one to ride around the beaches :)

I also had one but recently sold it, but for the year and a half that I did have mine, I just loved the bike, looked cool and worked well...Definatly would recommend it for your purposes!!


Benjamin

jfz,

I checked the Bianchi website, and the '03 model is shown with fenders. They are also listed in the specs. The '02 model has no fenders.

What color is the bike? They both come in "celeste" (bianchi green) but the '03 comes in black and the '02 came in a clearcoat/brushed aluminum finish.

All the other specs seem to be identical. Still, you should get a discount if they sell you and '02 bike. $579.99 is the retail price.

www.bianchiusa.com

The bike I am considering comes in Celeste. it is a sharp looking bike but at $579.00 w/no fenders, no light or rack I will have quite a few bucks tied up in a bike that might look to goo to a theif!

I may just buy the lowest price trek steel mt. bike and work that up into a commuter.

I have only seen the Milano at an LBS down in San Deigo and I know nothing about the nexus gearing. I do know one thing though you can't go wrong buying a Bianchi. I have a 20 year old San Remo and a 2 year old Grizzly both very sweet rides. The Milano does that have electronic shifting? I seem to recall the one I looked at (around 2000 or 01) had electronic shifting.

The one I am looking at does not have electronic shifting-that would definatley be too much for my commuter!

It looks like the breezer is the best bet for what I need.

I just upgraded my Milano with a Brooks saddle B73! WOW! I can't tell you how much a good saddle can improve the ride. Here's a pic of the saddle I purchased.

http://www.wallbike.com/B73.html

I can ride for miles with NO saddle pain at all. Seriously. It's the most incredible saddle in the world and beats the Milano saddle by miles. The saddle that comes with the Milano comes with a rear light that's good if you get caught at night. Unfortunatelty, it's as hard as a rock!

If you're planning on getting a Milano, order a Brooks mattress saddle with springs. Get one of the more aggressive models like the B73 and don't look back!

The Milano is a nice bike, unfortunately the current model doesn't include fenders, lights or rack. I think a Breezer would be a better choice--same Shimano Nexus 7 hub, plus the other features you need.

http://www.breezerbikes.com/