Blue's new Prosecco EX should be a welcome sight for many riders. The carbon frame features an endurance-based geometry, is adorned with high-end kit and has a very reasonable MSRP – all making this a very interesting bike.
Blue Prosecco EX highlights
- Full carbon frame
- Six sizes: XS (49cm) – XL (60cm)
- Shimano Ultegra Di2 11-speed
- Shimano R785 hydraulic disc brakes
- Aerus Quantum AL30 Disc wheels
- Hutchinson Nitro 2 28c tires
- MSRP $2699, £2006, $3624 AUD
- Available September
Heading in the right direction
Blue's new 2017 Prosecco EX is designed for the endurance crowd, but promises to be more than a let's-go-get-lost-all-day machine. It should fit nicely if you're a rider who appreciates a slightly more relaxed posture for taking in the scenery or the traffic ahead, or you want the speed and efficiency of a road bike without adopting an aggressive racing position.
This carbon version is an upgrade from the alloy Prosecco offered in 2016, and is absolutely loaded for its price. The component spec can be found on much more expensive bikes, and brings a level of refinement and performance seldom seen below the $3k barrier for a full carbon frame from a reputable brand.
The spec standout is definitely Shimano's Ultegra Di2. This electronic drivetrain is arguably just as fast, responsive, and precise as the Japanese giant's top-tier Dura-Ace group – it just weighs a little more. The Prosecco EX has a 46/36 crankset up front, pulls on a KMC chain, and propels Blue's house-brand Aerus Quantum AL30 disc wheels, which are held in place by quick-release skewers.
Stopping duties are handled by Shimano's brilliant R785 hydraulic discs. Their modulation and power are a welcome sight on an endurance bike such as this, when long hours in the saddle need to be met with confident, controlled, easy-to-use braking power.
More Aerus components can be found at the bar, stem, and seatpost. While Aerus might not be a flashy name, the spec is more than likely up to the task, and a fine way for Blue to keep the price on the happy side.
Blue Prosecco EX pricing and availability
As it sits, Blue's Prosecco EX is a lot of bike for $2699, £2006, $3624AUD. They should be available in September – let's hope Blue has made a lot of Prosecco EXes, because we have a feeling they're going to be popular.