Bianchi Specialissima Road Bike Frame

Bianchi Specialissima: Updated Design with Uncompromised Handling

If you have ridden a Bianchi Specialissima in the past, you may be distressed to read that it has received an update. But you need have no fear that it will have lost that special handling and snappy acceleration that made it one of the nicest riding bikes on the market. Rather with this new design, you can enjoy all the usual Bianchi handling with a lower weight, more aero efficiency and disc brakes.

The earlier edition of the Specialissima had been rim brake specific. Now Bianchi has flipped the switch and made the latest version disc brake specific, while reducing the overall weight of the frame. That’s quite a nifty trick to do since typically disc brake frames necessarily are heavier than rim. In this case, the disc brake Specialissima frame weighs just 750g while the earlier rim brake option weighed an already light 780. Keeping the frame so unbeefy means that there will never be any question that it will be fantastic to ride uphill. Bianchi has been clever with the carbon layup since it has not lost any of the rigid power transfer in spite of its weight loss.

Handling on rougher roads and especially on off-kilter descents remains impressive thanks to the CV vibration cancelling system combining viscoelastic material together with a special carbon fiber layup to dissipate road vibrations. That marriage of materials is what helps the Specialissima feel so planted and at one with the road. It also mitigates any muscle fatigue the rider might feel since it cuts out much of the hand numbing road chatter. Comfort levels and that connection to the road will also be enhanced by the fact that you can fit 28mm tires on the Specialissima now.

Aero Enhancements of the Specialissima

Though this is undoubtedly a climber’s dream bike, Bianchi have perhaps made the biggest changes to the Specialissima when looking at the tube shapes which have been very much aero enhanced. They have made this a great bike for long flat rides as much as for multi-col climbing days. By taking some inspiration from their own Oltre aero frame, Bianchi has given the Specialissima a much slicker profile to the wind without compromising on weight. Tube shapes have been revisited in order to provide that slippery effect and just as importantly, they have invested in greater integration with things like extensive internal cable routing as well as integrating the seatpost clamp and the cockpit.

The Press Fit BB 86 bottom bracket offers smooth functionality with a wide choice of crank compatibility, while allowing Bianchi to beef up and strengthen that essential section of the bike. It is available in seven sizes from 47 to 61cm, and comes in three classy colors, including a new greenish blue option, in addition to the classic celeste green and the more reserved all black with a celeste outline for the branding.

This is a bike that they have been very careful to balance the rigidity and durability requirements with the desire to keep it as light as possible. And that dual accomplishment will ensure that the Bianchi Specialissima will be a joy to ride for many years ahead.

Also check Passoni road bikes.