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Lightweight road bikes from 6.5 to 6.8 kilosBianchi Specialissima RC on test

Jens Klötzer

 · 04.11.2023

Bianchi Specialissima RC, 6.7 kilos
Photo: Matthias Borchers
With the advent of disc brakes, the days of six-kilogram racing bikes seemed to be over. But the designers are working feverishly to make the racers lighter again than the UCI allows. We have tested six - unfortunately rather expensive - candidates, they show the current status. The new Bianchi Specialissima is supposed to be faster and lighter than its predecessor and only celebrated its race premiere at this year's Vuelta.

Short and sweet: The traditional Italian manufacturer keeps its word with the top version. The slimming down has been achieved thanks to high-quality add-on parts produced in-house. The 570 gram reduction in total weight compared to the old model (TOUR 12/2022) is based almost entirely on the wheels with ceramic bearings, which are fitted with lightweight time trial tyres. Overall, the "Reparto Corse" version weighs in at 6,660 grams.

The Bianchi Specialissima in a practical test.Photo: Markus Greber/SkyshotThe Bianchi Specialissima in a practical test.

Bianchi has given the frame and fork an aero update, the relationship to the Oltre is particularly evident at the front - albeit without the extravagant air deflectors - and helps the Specialissima to make a huge leap forward: with our reference wheelset, which reveals the potential of the frameset, the Specialissima improves by a whopping 15 watts. With the original wheels, it is five watts slower, but is at the front in this discipline.

In the final ranking, the Italo racer misses out on a better grade because of its weaknesses in bottom bracket stiffness. However, light climbing specialists will hardly be bothered by this.

With edges: The new Bianchi Specialissima is not a pure lightweight bike, but the aero trend also applies to this category.Photo: Matthias BorchersWith edges: The new Bianchi Specialissima is not a pure lightweight bike, but the aero trend also applies to this category.

Technical data and notes Bianchi Specialissima RC

Manufacturer information

  • Price: 12,449 euros
  • Frame sizes**: 47, 50, 53, 55 (tested size), 57, 59 cm

Weights and geometry

  • Total weight*: 6.7 kg
  • Weight frame/fork/headset bearing*: 903/395/87 grams

  • Seat/top/head tube: 505/555/135 millimetres
  • Stack/Reach/STR***: 546/381 millimetres/1.43
  • Wheelbase/caster: 990/67 millimetres

Equipment

  • Drivetrain/gear system: Shimano Dura-Ace (52/36, 11-30 t.) Brakes Shimano Dura-Ace (160/140 mm)
  • Wheels/tyres (weights)****: Reparto Corse RC 33mm/Pirelli P-Zero Race TT 26mm (f./h. 1,035/1,353 g)

Valuation

  • PLUS: aerodynamically good frameset, lightweight wheels
  • MINUS: tight translation

TOUR grade: 2.0

Bianchi Specialissima RC ratingPhoto: TOUR-Testabteilung

Even more lightweight road bikes from 6.5 to 6.8 kilos in the test

>> Factor 02 VAM

>> Giant TCR Advanced SL

>> Storck Aernario.3 Platinum

>> Trek Émonda SLR9

*Weighed weights.

**Manufacturer's specification, test size bold.

***Stack/reach projected vertical/horizontal measurement from the centre of the bottom bracket to the top of the head tube; STR (Stack to Reach): 1.36 means a very stretched, 1.60 a very upright riding position.

****Wheel weights including tyres, cassette, quick release/threaded axles and brake discs if applicable.

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Jens Klötzer

Jens Klötzer is a qualified industrial engineer and TOUR's expert for components of all kinds: brakes, gears, wheels and tyres - Jens puts everything through its paces. He collects historic racing bikes and owns both a modern time trial bike and a titanium gravel touring bike. When travelling, he likes to explore unknown roads in Eastern Europe - on wide but fast tyres.

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