Bianchi USA Inc. Milano

Price Paid:  $600.00 at County Cycles- Rosev

Model Year:
2007

Favorite Ride:
Passing road bikes on Milano

Bike Setup:
All standard from manufacturer; 8 speed internal hub

Summary:
This bike always makes me smile. I have made no changes to it other than adding a small mirror. I regularly take it on organized rides of 35-50 miles. You can easily average 16 mph while riding in comfort.

Strengths:
Gearing is very good. Bike looks and rides great. Hard to refrain from doing impersonation from "Pee Wee's Big Adventure" when rolling downhill on this bike.

Weaknesses:
Changing rear tire takes some patience and dexterity due to internal hub. Internal hub also requires involvement of local bike shop for adjustments that can normally be done by mechanically adept riders (this excludes me).

Price Paid:  $0.00 at Eaton Bike

Model Year:
2007

Favorite Ride:
Bianchi Milano

Bike Setup:
Rear rack, bell, headlight (Mag LED light BRIGHT!)

Summary:
I've been an avid cyclist for a number of years and had several different "rides" The Milano is a great commuter, grocery-getter and just plain fun to ride Yeah... maybe a bit of excess for a small island (I live in Key West) but what the heck!

Strengths:
Way Kewl looking bike! I'm always getting compliments. love the Nexus hub, Handles great, great brakes, just about everything you could want in a commuter bike.

Weaknesses:
Rear hub makes it hard to change out a flat, Hard to mount rear rack. Maybe a little pricey, but well worth it

Similar Products Used:
Highly modified Sun "cruiser" SEVERAL road/touring mountain bikes over the years various brands.

Price Paid:  $549.00 at Wares Cycle

Model Year:
2006

Favorite Ride:
Anywhere on two wheels

Bike Setup:
Selle Italia flite saddle, otherwise completely stock

Summary:
After a long & frustrating search, I have finally found the perfect bike. If you want one bicycle that can do everything,this is it. The Nexxus shifting is as close to perfect as there is. Next to no maintanence & absolutely beautiful. Defintely a "head-turner". This bike just begs to be ridden. Grazzie Bianchi!!!!

Strengths:
Everything!

Weaknesses:
Absolutely none!

Similar Products Used:
Giant Cypress, Gary Fisher Tiburon, Giant Suede, Bianchi Advantage, Bianchi Avenue, Bianchi Rollo

Price Paid:  $0.00

Model Year:
2005

Summary:
Of all my bikes, this is the one I'm riding the most since it's my daily commuter bike. It's a rather quick and nimble handling bike (70/72) with 26" wheels, 1.5" street tires. The fenders and chain guard keep you clean. Adding a front mud flap would be a nice addition as well as light generator. I put a rear rack on mine with a milk crate zip tied to it. Holds my briefcase and jacket fine. Nexus 8 speed w/rear drum brake is clean looking and the gear range is plenty. Pedals and grips are not the best and will soon be replaced. The seat has a cool built in rear flashing red light, however, the battery compartment has prematuraly opened and batteries lost from normal riding. Nice idea but seat needs to be rethought. Overall look and shape of frame is very cool! Up close though, the paint finish is not that great (crooked lines) and the Bianchi badges (I have the 120th anniversary edition bike) are crooked, peeling off, and made from cheap plastic. Overall, the bike is fun to ride, get's me to work on time, and I would buy it again.

Strengths:
Attractive looking bike. Nexus 8 speed w/drum brake. Fenders.

Weaknesses:
Paint finish and badges.

Similar Products Used:
Trek clyde, Various Electra cruisers, Felt cruisers, etc...