Faster and lighter: Will the Bianchi Specialissima become Team Bahrain Victorious’s weapon of choice for the Tour?

According to Bianchi, the new Specialissima was developed in close collaboration with the Bahrain Victorious professional team. The team only changed its kit supplier this year, with Bianchi stepping in at the start of the season to replace the outgoing sponsor, Merida. The long-established Italian manufacturer had previously sponsored Team Arkéa-B&B-Hotels in 2025, which, however, had to fold due to financial difficulties.

Until now, Bianchi riders have mainly relied on the Oltre aero model in the Tour de France and other professional races, as the Specialissima posed an aerodynamic disadvantage. Whether the strategy will change with the new Specialissima, which aims to be an all-rounder, remains to be seen in July at the Tour de France.

Alberto Cavaggioni, CEO of Bianchi, explains: "Our aim was to develop a bike that performs on any climb and gives serious athletes a competitive edge, whether in the valley, on a mountain pass or in the final sprint of a Grand Tour stage."

Emanuele Liatti, Chief Product Officer at Bianchi, adds: "We have adopted a systematic approach and ensured that every new component and every new range serves a specific performance purpose. We have also listened to feedback from our professional riders to deliver a bike that feels natural, light, responsive and powerful.”

Frame and weight

The Spesialissima’s RC frame is said to weigh 750 grams in size 55, making it 40 grams lighter than its predecessor. Stiffness remains at the same level. The more affordable Pro version weighs in at 850 grams. All frames are made of carbon and incorporate Countervail technology, which is designed to dampen vibrations via a special lay-up. A D-shaped carbon seatpost contributes to the aerodynamic profile.

Aerodynamics and the cockpit

The redesigned fork and the new integrated handlebars are each designed to reduce aerodynamic drag. At 50 kilometres per hour, the new Specialissima is said to require 16 watts less power than its predecessor.

Bianchi has retained the geometry of the previous model, but has adjusted the reach and length of the handlebars. The changes are based on feedback from Team Bahrain Victorious and are designed to improve comfort in an aerodynamic position. The RC and Pro models are fitted with RC 49R carbon wheels featuring a 49-millimetre rim profile and a 25-millimetre inner width. The standard version comes with Bianchi wheels featuring a 49-millimetre rim profile and J-bend spokes.

Model variants and specifications

The flagship Specialissima RC costs 11,550 euros and is available with SRAM Red AXS or Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 in a 2x12-speed configuration. The integrated RC handlebars and the RC 49R wheelsets with a chopped carbon finish are included as standard.

The Specialissima Pro, priced at 7,700 euros, features the heavier 850-gram frame. The drivetrain options include SRAM Force AXS and Shimano Ultegra Di2, both 2x12-speed.

The entry-level Specialissima model starts at 5,200 euros. It features the same geometry as the more expensive models. You can choose between SRAM Rival AXS, Shimano Ultegra and 105 Di2, all in 2x12-speed configurations.

All three versions are available in frame sizes 47, 50, 53, 55, 57 and 59. There are six colours to choose from in total, although these are specific to each specification. The Specialissima RC can also be ordered with custom paint finishes via the Officina Bianchi programme.

Technical specifications:

• Frame: Carbon with Countervail technology, 750g (RC, size 55), 850g (Pro, size 55)
• Fork: carbon, 17% more aerodynamic than its predecessor
• Handlebars: RC integrated handlebars (RC/Pro), 25% more aerodynamic
• Seat post: D-shaped, carbon
• Wheels: RC 49R Carbon (RC/Pro), 49mm rim profile, 25mm inner width, straight-pull spokes / Bianchi 49mm (basic), J-bend spokes
• Groupset: SRAM Red AXS / Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 (RC), SRAM Force AXS / Shimano Ultegra Di2 (Pro), SRAM Rival AXS / Shimano Ultegra / 105 Di2 (Basic), all 2x12-speed
• Sizes: 47, 50, 53, 55, 57, 59
• Price: from €5,200 (Basic), €7,700 (Pro), €11,550 (RC)
• Colours: Antarctica (RC), Sky Blue/Aurora/Yin & Yang (Pro), Celeste/Black in Black/Mocha (Basic), Officina paint finishes: Alba/Archivio Celeste/Nebulosa/Bluemarine Drip/Canova/Miami Drip (RC)