"If the Oltre was about revolutionising aerodynamics, then the Specialissima should be the best tool for mountains and steep climbs," says Bianchi about the new race all-rounder, which was officially unveiled in front of cycling legend Bernard Hinault at the Italian Bike Festival in Misano. A few days earlier, the novelty had already been presented at the Vuelta and celebrated its race premiere: French mountain specialist Kévin Vauquelin (Arkéa-Samsic) piloted the Specialissima up to the Col du Tourmalet, among other places.
Lighter than the UCI allows
Bianchi set itself two key objectives in the development of the new race all-rounder. The Specialissima should make no compromises and still be aerodynamic with a low weight. The result on the scales is impressive: according to the manufacturer, the top model RC in frame size 55 weighs 6.6 kilograms. This means that it undercuts the weight limit of the UCI cycling world association by around 200 grams. The Pro and Comp versions are 400 and 1200 grams heavier.
The Predecessor - also with high-quality equipment - hung on the TOUR scales at 7.2 kilograms, with the frame in particular being comparatively heavy at 950 grams. Bianchi does not specify the frame weight for the new model. Instead, the brand from Treviglio emphasises the exclusive carbon components from its own production, which contribute significantly to the low overall weight: among other things, the new wheels with ceramic bearings are said to weigh 1380 grams, while the saddle with carbon fibre frame weighs just 145 grams.
Specialissima: The most important facts at a glance
- Weight of complete wheel: 6.6 to 7.8 kilogrammes
- Stack/Reach/STR: 536/391 millimetres/1.37
- Maximum tyre clearance: 32 millimetres
- Sizes: 47, 50, 53, 55, 57, 59
- Prices: 4456 to 10444 euros (plus tax)
In aerodynamic terms, the Specialissima is presented just under a year ago, Oltre based on it. Of course, the tube shapes are not so extremely flat, but the front in particular is strongly reminiscent of the aero racer. Although Bianchi has dispensed with the extravagant and UCI-non-compliant air deflectors on the head tube, it has adapted the pointed shape. In combination with the relatively flat fork, this is intended to direct the airflow better around the racing bike and rider.
In figures: the new Specialissima is said to be 31.9 seconds faster than the old model on the flat with an average pedalling power of 200 watts. On a ten-kilometre climb with a six per cent gradient, the advantage is around nine seconds, according to Bianchi. Overall, thanks to the combination of lightweight construction and aero optimisation, the new model now offers a wider range of applications; the Specialissima should now also be able to demonstrate its strengths over aero specialists on less steep terrain.
First ride impression: racy racing machine
We didn't make it to the Alps with the test bike provided exclusively by Bianchi so shortly before the presentation. The Specialissima RC has also not yet been on the TOUR scales. But even without long climbs and measured values, the new bike impressively shows its racing genes after just a few kilometres. The top-of-the-range model is excellent on the throttle in every riding situation and puts the rider in an extremely sporty riding position. According to the manufacturer, the STR quotient for the 55 mm frame is an extreme 1.37 - for all non-professionals, this means that back problems are inevitable on longer rides. In addition to its high agility, the all-rounder, which rolls on top Pirelli tyres, also impresses with its remarkable suspension comfort. Especially on cobblestones, our test rider has ridden much tougher competition bikes than the Bianchi, which has a flattened carbon seat post with a long extension.
Only the steering behaviour took a little getting used to and was undefined on our first test kilometres. Speaking of taking some getting used to: as with the Oltre, the frame design of the Specialissima is unlikely to appeal to all cyclists. The top tube in particular, which is thickened at the junctions, has little to do with the purist, classic Bianchi of the past. The gear ratio is unusual, as Bianchi uses the electronic Dura-Ace with compact cranks. Ambitious riders will probably long for a higher gear, while amateur athletes will be happy with it. And: Unfortunately, only the heavy entry-level model is available in Celeste, probably the best-known frame colour in the world of racing bikes. The reason: without the popular paint finish, Bianchi says it saves another 40 grams of weight.
Equipment and prices
The new competition all-rounder will be available from the end of September in the three model variants RC, Pro and Comp. The Italians have not yet announced exact prices for the German market. The top model RC - optionally equipped with Dura-Ace Di2 or Red AXS - is priced at 10444 euros without tax. The Specialissima Pro with Ultegra Di2 or Force AXS and simpler wheels from Velomann is significantly cheaper. The mid-range model is listed for 6282 euros without tax. Three versions with Ultegra Di2, 105 Di2 or Rival AXS are available for the Comp. The prices without tax are between 4456 euros (105 Di2, Rival AXS) and 4787 euros (Ultegra Di2).
Specialissima RC
- Weight: 6.6 kilogrammes (size 55)
- Price: 10444 Euro (plus tax)
- Switching group: Red AXS (2x12; 48/35, 10-28 t.) or Dura-Ace Di2 (2x12; 52/36, 11-30 t.)
- Impellers: Reparto Corse 33R Ceramitech (1380 grams)
- Tyres: Pirelli P-Zero Race TT (26 millimetres)
- Cockpit: Reparto Corse (One-Piece, Carbon)
- Saddle: Bianchi RC139 Carbon (145 grams)
Specialissima Pro
- Weight: 7.0 kilogrammes (size 55)
- Price: 6282 Euro (plus tax)
- Switching group: Force AXS (2x12; 48/35, 10-33 t.) or Ultegra Di2 (2x12; 52/36, 11-30 t.)
- Impellers: Velomann Palladium 33 (1460 grams)
- Tyres: Pirelli P-Zero Race (26 millimetres)
- Cockpit: Reparto Corse (One-Piece, Carbon)
- Saddle: Velomann Mitora 139 Hyper Carbon (180 grams)
Specialissima Comp
- Weight: 7.8 kilogrammes (size 55)
- Price: 4456 Euro (105 Di2, Rival AXS), 4787 Euro (Ultegra Di2, each plus tax)
- Switching group: Ultegra Di2 (2x12; 50/34, 11-30 t.) or 105 Di2 (2x12; 50/34, 11-34 t.) or Rival AXS (2x12; 46/33, 10-33 t.)
- Impellers: Velomann Palladium 33 (1460 grams)
- Tyres: Pirelli P-Zero Road (26 millimetres)
- Cockpit: Velomann Aero Compact (handlebar-stem combo, aluminium)
- Saddle: Velomann Mitora 139 (220 grams)
Julian Schultz
Editor
