The elaborately moulded tubes and the brand-typical "Celeste" give the Bianchi an appealing look; however, the tube composite would have deserved nicer weld seams. The heaviest frameset in the test is very stable, the function of the components is convincing despite the mix of features. The first-class tyres are an optional extra from the German importer. The brakes from Shimano's old "105" groupset in combination with the new "Ultegra" levers don't offer quite as much bite as usual. The saddle is comfortable; the classic Bianchi bottle in a high-quality Elite bottle cage will make fans' hearts beat faster. Two points of criticism: The simple seat post with screw-in clamp is no longer state of the art, and the grip area on the top handlebar is unfavourably shaped.
Reference/Info: Bianchi, phone 089/18952420, www.bianchi.com
Weight frame/fork/headset bearing*: 1,760/591/89 g
Frame sizes**: 44, 46, 50, 53, 55, 57, 59, 61, 63 cm
Seat/ steering angle: 74°/72.5°
Seat/ top/ head tube: 520/555/164 mm
Wheelbase/caster: 1,000/61 mm
Stack/reach***: 585/383 mm
EQUIPMENT
Fork: Bianchi
Steering bearing: FSA, 1-1/8 inch
Brakes/ gears: Shimano 105/Ultegra
Bottom bracket: FSA Omega (50/34 t.)
Wheels/tyres: Shimano WH-R500/ Continental GP 4000S
Handlebar/stem: FSA
Saddle/post: Selle San Marco Ponza/RC Carbon (31.6 mm)
*weighted weights; **manufacturer's specification; test frame size greased; ***stack/reach: projected vertical or horizontal dimension from centre of bottom bracket to top edge of headset cap
