When it comes to building a retro road bike, a company like Bianchi is always going to have a head start. Founded in 1885, the fabled Italian manufacturer not only has an unrivalled history on which to draw, but also one of the loveliest and certainly the most recognisable signature frame colours in cycling.

Both are evident in the concept and execution of the Dolomiti, which alludes to the glory days of Fausto Coppi with chrome-plated lugs and slender cro-moly steel tubing while adding the contemporary performance of a carbon fork, Campagnolo Veloce componentry and a compact transmission. One of the surprise hits of Eurobike ’08…