Bianchi Specialissima
Bianchi Specialissima
From a blast from the past to the very latest in carbon fibre technology and the Bianchi Specialissima. It’s a machine we’ve already covered in detail, having covered the launched and had the Specialissima back in the UK for a full review – but it’s certainly worth another quick look.
Bianchi have had the Oltre XR2 in their range as an aero all-rounder for a couple of years but there was a gap for a super-light climber’s bike and the Specialissima fills it. The 780g frame weight may grab the headlines but what’s most interesting about the Specialissima is Bianchi’s use of the Countervail technology first deployed on the Infinito CV Classics bike.
Countervail is basically a patented viscoelastic carbon material developed in conjunction with the MSC (Materials Sciences Corporation) and inserted into the frame between carbon layers. Its vibration-cancelling properties help serve up a remarkable ride quality which belies the Specialissima’s incredibly low weight. This is a bike which climbs like a rocket and descends with equal confidence.
Needless to say, that kind of tech will cost you, and the fact that Bianchi have only made the Specialissima available with Campagnolo and Shimano’s flagship groupsets tells you pretty much everything you need to know. Take your pick from Super Record EPS (£9,900), Dura-Ace Di2 (£8,900), mechanical Super Record (£7,900) and mechanical Dura-Ace (£7,000). If you want to put together your own build – and when you’re laying out this much cash then chances are you might – then the frameset’s yours for £3,450.