The Vertigo road bike is new for 2013 and forms part of the comfort-oriented Bianchi C2C – or Coast to Coast – range, with a price tag of £1,499/US$1,999.99.
De rigueur tweaking of geometry means the chainstays have been lengthened slightly, for greater stability, and the top tube has been shortened a tad. The head tube has been elevated to create a more upright, back-friendly riding position.
The geometry isn’t that extreme – this 54cm model has only a slightly relaxed 72.5-degree seat tube angle and 72-degree head angle. It has a 1 1/8in steerer and the main frame tube profiles are oversized, with a substantial bottom bracket junction. The chainstays are also chunky.
The wheel and tyre combination pairs Hutchinson Equinox tyres and Shimano R500 wheels – both are tough enough to handle badly maintained roads. Shimano 105 is also par for the course, as is the very well-finished frame with full internal cable routing.
The chainset is a non-series R565 item from Shimano, while elsewhere on the 8.36kg (18.43lb) Vertigo there's a selection of Bianchi Reparto Corse own-brand parts, namely the bar, stem, seatpost and brakes. There are even some subtle celeste green touches on the frame and kit.
Lenghtened chainstays are designed to help stability
The Bianchi Vertigo will be reviewed in Cycling Plus issue 276, which is on sale 28 May. For more information see www.bianchi.com.
