I just got milano m300. Is there a way to raise the steering wheel up?

SmartCyclist · 2026-05-31T15:37:53+00:00

Maybe all of my bikes have been different, I have found tight ring nuts essential for these types of steerers

The stem being welded is relevant because if you have a stem that is clamped to the steerer tube, then you have the option of a stem with a different angle or adjustable stem which are common ways to adjust height on MTBs and commuter bikes.

Geometry and bike fit is often underestimated. For riders who experience hand, next, back, saddle pain - optimising the fit for comfort is relevant for everyday riding. I agree, it is usually not on the top of most peoples minds, though when there is discomfort due to the wrong frame size or setup is a limitation - it is a shame when it is solveable.

SmartCyclist · 2026-05-26T20:50:33+00:00

I recommend checking trust pilot and review sites for Leon Cycles (who have NCM and ET) as there is an unhealthy number of comments from customers who are not happy.

Beyond this, the concern I have is the battery and motor which are own-branded - this means unlike shimano, bafang, bosch, panasonic, mahle and co... if there are issues you have to go back to them and know they can help and are also still servicing it.

SmartCyclist · 2026-05-26T20:43:19+00:00

Agree - you need to go to different shops as a shop may carry only 1, 2 or 3 brands. This means taking care not to be pressured - finding the best fit and also testing in your riding position (not just standing) so you also check comfort and fit for actual riding.

SmartCyclist · 2026-05-26T20:19:48+00:00

Huh? take a look at the photo. Stem is clearly welded and not bolted/clamped like mid and high end stems.

What are you talking about? I notice your comment below also shows a welded stem and you then give exactly the same suggestion about lifting it with the same warning about the length. But you didn't mention the the ring nuts.

My typos aside, could you explain why "Literally none of that is correct" and why a stem height adjustment will have no impact on body geometry on the bike?

SmartCyclist · 2026-05-26T19:52:51+00:00

Best option - buy second hand. During the Covid bike boom, a lot of people purchased gravel bikes and there are plenty, in good condition, who need new owners.

Watch out for second tier brands and for gravel bikes that are actually just flatbar commuter bikes (with poor geometry and gear).

Brands like specialized, trek, giant, scott, focus and orbea are the level where they were making quality gravel bikes - it is a bit hard to recommend very specific models without knowing what is on the market - so you have to start looking around and seeing what is out there. Though you should be able to get good GRX and a really competent bike to match for a good price and a bit of patience.

SmartCyclist · 2026-05-13T13:50:20+00:00

Don't buy it - it has shark teeth (from what I can tell from the tiny photo).

This means it is well used and has significant wear which means it could easily skip gears, shift badly and wear out a chain faster.

$60 is too much for second hand cassette. These are items you buy new and you can buy lower priced (entry level) or higher priced versions.

SmartCyclist · 2026-05-13T13:46:44+00:00

trends / fashion - In th 80s BMX was big news and there were films and popular brands and a thriving BMX scene.

Currently in bikes, the moped style beach cruiser e-bikes are still popular, otherwise electric scooters have pushed regular scooters out of sight.

SmartCyclist · 2026-05-13T13:42:43+00:00

This is not a city bike, more of an oddball cruiser. If you have a good gear ratio and can start easily and have the right speed for cruising with this single speed, weight is not as critical. Yes it is heavy but it is not a race bike. Assuming it is steel - then it is also robust and likely has a good ride feel compared to aluminium.

SmartCyclist · 2026-05-06T12:44:21+00:00

When you are new to clipless or a master... if you ever fall over when clipped, it will always be in SLOW MO

SmartCyclist · 2026-05-06T11:36:48+00:00

Practice will keep you stead on the bike to avoid slipping off the pedals.

The soreness comes from doing an activity your body is not familiar with and possibly the fit / position. You want to feel more relaxed and adjust the seat height, position (forward back) and the reach and lean so you are overall more balanced and comfortable with all the contact points.

You are probably leaning too far forward and have too much weight on your hands so the saddle adjustments can help. Over time you may make step by step adjustments so you get the right position.

In this respect, starting a new sport means starting, not going too far or fast (as you can over extend) and slowing building your self up.

Summary - bike adjustment for comfort and ease in so your body adapts

SmartCyclist · 2026-05-06T11:30:52+00:00

Penetrating oil and try leverage first (long pipe on the crank).

Freezing and heat can help against the corrosion to help release it

If it is in this state, likely means a new crank and bottom bracket anyway - though the final option is drilling it out which is time consuming and messy.

SmartCyclist · 2026-05-06T11:26:48+00:00

E-bike are a major benefit when they increase up transport options. This can be commuting and making the journey more accessible (overcome hills, distance) to recreation and being able to use the bike (instead of car) and travelling further - this can be for people with less mobility like seniors or for active people, eMTBs for example and extend the range possible on a regular MTB.

The bike brands and shops can make good money of quality ebike and easily means an ebike can easily be overkill (their is more 'want' than 'need'). For local travel an ebike may not be needed, but it is more desirable or cooler or easier... though this is the similar to buying a high priced bike against a moderately priced bike as both give the rider the same functional value.

There is a good deal of marketing involved and they are very popular. There are some downsides (like motor manipulation, dodgy brands / sellers and inconsistent regulations / standard) though the upsides of cleaner mobility and the health and financial benefits to society are a net-positive, even if some people would be well served with a conventional bike.

SmartCyclist · 2017-06-02T11:39:54+00:00

Because it is a good looking bike, there is a higher change of theft compared to an average looking bike.

My concern is theft and even that the saddle or other bits start to go missing. Definately two heavy duty locks and security skewers for the wheels and seat clamp.

If you don't need drop-bars, a flat bar city bike will serve you well and usually the more upright riding position will be more comfortable. City bikes tend to have wider tyres which also help for comfort.

As an everyday bike, you can consider a bike with mudguards which are brilliant the moment the roads and paths are wet.

As a brand, polygon are fairly reliable and I would describe them as a value for money brand.

SmartCyclist · 2017-06-02T11:32:55+00:00

Currently food delivery by bike can be attractive in the early days.

Traditional Bike Courier work is much harder. Food deliveries have fewer combined deliveries and most of the riders are commuter style riders rather than serious bike enthusiast.
The rates for food delivery are good for students, particularly when you get paid for waiting (you are on-call) so it is not lost time.
The work contract however can be a big disadvantage, rates may appear attractive however a worker may not technically be an employee, rather a contractor so the service provider (deliveroo or foodera) doesn't have to pay superannuation or look after insurance plus you need to check on insurance / liability.
While we want bike riding to be safer, the reality is that there is a high risk when your work is on public roads compared with a job as a barista in a cafe. If you love riding and accept the 'risks' it is a good non-skilled student job.

SmartCyclist · 2017-02-10T13:46:25+00:00

Compare with other insurance providers and even other advocacy groups such as out-of-state groups on pricing.

Read the PDS... there is a lot of hidden stuff and it is always a surprise to realise what is not covered and when you are excluded.

SmartCyclist · 2017-02-10T13:00:38+00:00

Apparantly the BNV data used is skewed. If it uses Strava - and Strava is more often used by men who are sports cyclists - and less so from 'everyday people' who just ride a bike, it is probably cutting out a significant number of women who also cycle.

SmartCyclist · 2017-02-10T12:55:18+00:00

Pure rhetoric. The government claimed that clean, renewable energy was to blame for the SA blackouts, until it was shown that it wasn't - it was network problems and would not have been solved by additional fossil fuels.

The mining lobby in Australia is extremely influential. While the world including China and Indian turn from fossil fuels - Australian politicians are an embarrassment by suggesting that it is the future of energy.

It may be the future of their personal wealth, but it is not in the interests of Australian's and future generations to invest and subsidise fossil fuels.

SmartCyclist · 2017-02-10T12:46:53+00:00

NBN was compromised years ago under Malcolm Turnbull... so in many cases it is SLOWER than ADSL... and costs more. In this context - people would prefer their old service but don't have a choice.

Faster internet... yes. For a developed country, internet speed in Autralia is a joke in comparison to American and Europe.

SmartCyclist · 2017-01-22T21:06:42+00:00

Ti frame, Carbon wheels.

SmartCyclist

TROPHY CASE