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Bianchi’s city bikes for 2009
August 22nd, 2008 by Fritz 
I’m looking at the preliminary 2009 Bianchi product line. I see some pretty interesting things in their road and mountain bike lineup, but this is a commuter site so I’ll keep my focus there.
For the city and commuter bikes, I see mostly evolutionary changes and enhancements to Bianchi’s existing product line. For example, the popular and inexpensive Bianchi Pista will get brakes and flat handlebars for 2009.
Besides the brake hardware and handlebars, this bike is exactly the same as its brakeless counterpart. Both this version and the brakeless version will be available in chrome and blue.
The Bianchi San Jose is a more relaxed singlespeed city bike. An all new option for 2009 is a flat bar, fender equipped bike.
The San Jose, with its cyclocross style steel frame and fork, 700×32 tires, and cantilever brakes, is good for city riding on bumpy, potholed streets. Bianchi will also have the “San Jose Pro,” which is the fancy trim version and features a carbon fiber fork, Fizik Pave saddle, Deda Big Piega handelbar and Big Logo stem, and fenders.
I don’t see many changes in Bianchi’s Milano series of commuter bikes. The 3 speed Milano Parco shown here, for example, is identical to last year’s model. It’s a tried and true design that works, and I still love that Bianchi Celeste color.
Other models in the Milano series include the Milano Alfine 8 speed hub, the very similar Milano Città with 8 speed Shimano Alivio derailleur gearing, and “ladies” step through versions of each of these models.
Remember, this is a preliminary product line — Bianchi may have more on the way. CommuteByBike will be at Interbike next month to show you more of what’s new.
August 22nd, 2008 at 1:53 pm
Now if they would just sell something along the lines of the Sheldon Brown/Harris Cyclery San Jos8 I might break down and buy one. A friend has a Volpe (same frame as the San Jose) and loves it.
August 22nd, 2008 at 2:14 pm
The san jos8 is just the san jose with the internal hub. With flat bars on the san jose all you do is get a new wheel put together with an internal hub and put the grip shifter on.
That’s it.
August 22nd, 2008 at 2:18 pm
@ Seth -
I know that. What I was getting at is that it would be nice to see more normal (I’m not a fan of the stylized frame on the Milano) bikes that are set up for commuters, and internal hubs are a great way to go. Unfortunately, most that are available are far too expensive for new commuters to be willing to buy.
August 22nd, 2008 at 5:41 pm
The Bianchi Volpe is my favorite commuter bike by far. I tend to carry lots of stuff in my panniers, so I love the handling and load-ability of this bike. City bikes certainly have their place, but not necessarily on a distant, daily commute. If you are considering a Bianchi for your next commuter, definitely check the Volpe out!
August 25th, 2008 at 6:36 am
I own a Bianchi Cross Project. This is the steel lugged version before the Axis came out. It works great for my commute into work. I just recently rode 100 miles around Lake Winnebago so the bike is comfortable too. The other positive, the bike handles nicely in the winter.
August 25th, 2008 at 7:44 pm
I used to have a Rollo, which is the single speed version of the Milano. Worst frame design EVER!
Those are really hard to fit due to the short as hell top tube.
And don’t get me started on the 45 degree rear dropouts…..
Dang.
The rest of the line-up looks pretty nice, though!
Flat bars on the Pista!>!?!?! Yeah, son!
August 29th, 2008 at 2:56 pm
I ride a Bianchi Axis ‘cross on my daily 15 mile roudtrip commute. For Seattle’s weather, and hills, it rocks. The aluminum frame and carbon fork provide the perfect combination (for me anyhow) of stiffness and road absorbance. I ride fast and appreciate the comfort and handling of this bike. I use an Ortlieb backpack instead of panniers/racks. The frame has a great set-up for fenders and lights.
I’m dispapointed in Bianchi’s 2009 offerings. I feel they have taken a step down in their componentry for the same bike and same price as the 2008 models. When I see bike makers do this, I feel they’re offering us less than they did the previous year, instead of more. Give su a reason to choose you! I love my bike but I wouldn’t support Bianchi’s “cheap” approach to their 2009 models.
September 7th, 2008 at 7:36 pm
anybody know of bianchi iseo bike?
September 14th, 2008 at 3:34 pm
I just bought a Bianchi Iseo–it’s fabulous.
September 15th, 2008 at 4:58 pm
I just purchased an Iseo today. I commute 5 to 7 miles a day + what ever I do on my days off (about 1o -20 more). it came with cheap Shimano combo shifters wich I will replace soon. I looked up the Iseo on the Bianchi website but didnt find it.
September 19th, 2008 at 10:31 am
I just bought an Iseo yesterday. Seems great so far. I can’t believe I can’t find it online, though. It’s not on their website.
September 21st, 2008 at 12:20 pm
I want to replace the flat bars on my Iseo with drop or otherwise but the “tech” at the shop said not to because of the frame. Shuld I go ahead?
I really like the Iseo btw.