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 Citte 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.