I have a Bianchi Milano. The Nexus 7 speed (the new ones are 8) has a really good spread, and you can change gears while stopped. VERY comfortable, and pretty quick for a bike of this style. Retail is about $650, and usually not lower than that, as their in pretty high demand. Funnest bike to ride I own, period. Also, one of the best looking bikes you can buy, fantastic paint.

Nothing really bad to say about it save the pedals, which are poop (replace immediatly, get some metal one's, anything other than the plastic P.O.C. that the bike comes with), and the seat, which is cool with the rear built in LED and all, but not very comfortable for longer rides, or day after day. I put a Brooks saddle and aluminum Eastern BMX pedals on mine, as well as a adjustable riser stem, which sounds like could help you as well.

You'll get catcalls from girls, and thumbsup from other bikers as well, cause it really, really looks sweet. Err, also, make sure when you're looking at the Milano that it has rack mounts, cause I've heard tell that some do not.

two cents.