Bianchi has launched a new version of its Specialissima lightweight climbing bike. Whereas the old Specialissima – launched in 2015 – majored on its light weight, with round tube profiles and rim brakes, the new bike adds aerodynamics, integration and disc brakes to the mix.
Bianchi still claims a competitive painted frame weight of 750g, with the fork adding 370g for the totally redesigned bike in a size 55cm, marking it out as a pro-level climbing weapon. But Bianchi says that the Specialissima sits at the top of its road racing all-rounder category, with a top-notch stiffness to weight ratio, so it’s good for flat races too.
Bianchi has updated the frame with aero tube profiles borrowed from its Oltre aero bike and the Specialissima is now disc brake only. You still get Bianchi’s Countervail vibration-damping tech built into the frame’s carbon lay-up. Along with the switch to disc brakes, there’s an increase in tyre clearance to 28mm. The headset uses 1.5 inch bearings top and bottom, rather than being tapered.
There’s increased integration too, with Bianchi following the modern trend for fully internal cable routing from the bar into the frame, helping to reduce air resistance. That’s paired with an integrated seatpost clamp. Bianchi says it’s sharpened up the new Specialissima’s lines too.
Ready for GreenEdge in 2021
The new Specialissima will be raced in the WorldTour next year by GreenEdge Cycling’s men’s and women’s teams, who have recently announced their switch from long-time bike provider Scott to Bianchi for the 2021 racing season.
A Bianchi wouldn’t be a Bianchi without a celeste colour option. But you can also select an all-black option, which saves 80g of paint and which Bianchi plans for use by its WorldTour pro riders. There’s also a colour available that Bianchi calls “greenish blue” and you can select from a menu of five custom iridescent colour options, hand-painted in Italy, which Bianchi calls its Signature Collection.
How much will the new Specialissima cost? As they say: if you have to ask, you can’t afford it.
Bianchi hasn’t actually told us yet, but with the old model costing north of £8,000 don’t expect much change from ten grand, which now seems to be the benchmark for top-end road bikes.
At launch there will be spec options kitted out with Super Record EPS, Dura-Ace Di2, SRAM Red eTap AXS, Ultegra Di2 and mechanical Ultegra. There’s also a frameset-only option, with seven available sizes running from 470 up to 610.
Bianchi Specialissima Super Record EPS spec
- Frame: Specialissima Disc Carbon
- Groupset: Campagnolo Super Record EPS 12-speed
- Ratios: 50/34, 11-29t
- Brakes: Campagnolo Super Record hydraulic disc
- Wheels: Fulcrum Wind 400 DB
- Tyres: Vittoria Corsa G2.0 25mm
- Bars: FSA K-Force carbon
- Stem: FSA NS ACR alloy
- Seatpost: FSA K-Force Light 27.2mm carbon
- Saddle: Fizik Argo Vento R1 carbon rail
Bianchi Specialissima Ultegra spec
- Frame: Specialissima Disc Carbon
- Groupset: Shimano Ultegra mechanical 11-speed
- Ratios: 50/34, 11-30t
- Brakes: Shimano Ultegra hydraulic disc
- Wheels: Fulcrum Racing 418 DB
- Tyres: Vittoria Corsa G2.0 25mm
- Bars: FSA Energy SCR alloy
- Stem: FSA NS ACR alloy
- Seatpost: Reparto Corse 27.2mm carbon
- Saddle: Fizik Antares R7 alloy rail
