Bianchi has launched an updated version of its Specialissima road bike in three different versions. The Italian brand claims the new designs are significantly more aerodynamic than before and that the top-of-the-range Specialissima Reparto Corse (RC) bike weighs just 6.6 kg (in a frame size 55cm).
The new Specialissima
The new Specialissima tops the road bike range of Bianchi, alongside the aerodynamic Oltre launched last year. While the Oltre is designed for better pounding on the flat and on hill roads, the Specialissima is meant to get you up the mountain quickly. Yet Bianchi says this all-rounder can actually give advantage on flat stretches too.
"The aim of the project was to improve aerodynamic performance. This, however, without compromising weight and responsiveness . That way we could offer a competitive advantage - even on less steep slopes," the Italian frame builder continued. "Reparto Corse (the race/design division of Bianchi, ed.) achieved this by adjusting the parameters of gradient and power with which the Specialissima offers an advantage over a pure aero bike.
To make the bike faster, the main focus was on reducing weight. Aerodynamic measures were also taken by moving the centre of gravity a little forward. This creates space at the rear of the bike to save weight. The front fork, top tube and down tube got more aerodynamics at strategic points. They lowered the rear fork slightly, the d-shaped seatpost is more aerodynamic and all in all, weight could still be saved. Combine that with minimal finishing and you arrive at a maximum of 6.6 kg.
