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The new model designed by Bianchi’s Reparto Corse department strengthens its climbing credentials with an ultra-light weight (6.60 kg), while staying at the cutting edge of performance on the flat and on descents thanks to its aerodynamic lines. Alongside the new flagship Oltre platform, the new Specialissima rounds out Bianchi’s range of high-performance road bikes.
Source: press release
Bianchi unveils the new Specialissima, the latest creation from its Reparto Corse department. This bike sits alongside the Oltre at the top of the brand’s road range, thanks to an innovative approach that paves the way for a new generation of ultra-versatile bikes. Here, lightness and aerodynamics converge on the ultimate goal: making you go faster.
No compromise
In a cycling world that keeps getting faster, Bianchi’s Reparto Corse department drew on feedback from professional athletes to create an ultra-light, responsive racing machine. It is on the steepest slopes that this bike reveals its true character.
Its performance on rolling courses is also helped by its efficiency on descents, its handling and its ability to save precious watts on flowing sections. Bianchi redesigned the frame and components of the new Specialissima with a systematic approach to improve its aerodynamic efficiency.
The numbers that matter
With a total weight of 6.6 kg (in size 55) and a market-leading stiffness-to-weight ratio, the Specialissima takes flight on steep gradients. The aim of the project was to improve aerodynamic performance without compromising the bike’s lightness and responsiveness, so as to offer a competitive advantage even on gentler slopes. Reparto Corse achieved this by changing the gradient and power thresholds beyond which the Specialissima offers an advantage over a pure aero bike. This tipping point is the level at which one bike becomes faster than another.
Whereas the previous Specialissima needed a gradient of 8.8% before offering professional athletes an advantage, the Reparto Corse department has brought this threshold down to 6%. A concrete benefit: compared with the previous generation, the new Specialissima gives an athlete producing 200 watts on a 6% climb an advantage of 8.7 seconds. On flat terrain, the advantage for a power output of 200 watts extends to 31.19 seconds. For the world’s best climbers, who can reach 30 km/h on a 6% climb, the new Specialissima saves an impressive 3.6 watts.
Lessons from the Oltre RC
In the quest for better aerodynamic efficiency, Bianchi Reparte Corso drew inspiration from the development of the Oltre RC, Bianchi’s aero hyperbike. As on the Oltre, the Specialissima’s fork is fully integrated into the frame to reduce drag. The fork design is also inspired by that of the Oltre. The D-shaped seatpost follows the optimised aerodynamic profile found on other sections of the bike.
Down to the gram
Reaching such a low weight would not have been possible without optimisation work on both the bike as a whole and each of its individual components. Bianchi Reparto Corse strategically shifted weight and material from the rear of the bike to the front, creating ultra-thin seatstays and slimmer chainstays, as well as a more generous head tube to improve aerodynamics.
This obsessive pursuit of lightness extends right down to details such as the derailleur hanger and the integrated seat clamp. Even the special finish of the Specialissima RC saves an extra 40 grams compared with the other colours.
A systematic approach
Specific components were developed to improve the performance of the Specialissima RC, starting with the integrated handlebar. With a 100% carbon construction available in five widths, the handlebar weighs just 330 grams in its 110×380 mm version. Compatible with the Acros cable integration system, the handlebar features a reach of 73 mm, a drop of 125 mm and a flare of 2°. The Specialissima RC handlebar is also compatible with the Specialissima Pro and Comp models.
The Specialissima RC comes with Bianchi Reparto Corse wheels with 33 mm tubeless-ready rims, compatible with tyres up to 32 mm, and Ceramitech hubs. The wheelset weighs just 1380 grams. The mix of traditional and Straightpull spokes offers a perfect balance between speed and comfort.
In a one-of-a-kind holistic engineering approach, the frame, the components and the rider form a seamless athlete-machine system for maximum efficiency.
One model, three versions
To bring the Specialissima’s innovative technical approach to a greater number of athletes, Bianchi has created three different versions of the bike. Besides the top-of-the-range RC, the brand also offers the Specialissima Pro and the Specialissima Comp.
Specialissima RC
Designed for WorldTour professionals and the most demanding athletes looking for an ultra-light bike capable of delivering maximum climbing performance and unstoppable efficiency on other terrain. Light and aerodynamically optimised, both the frame and the components guarantee excellent performance on the flat as well as on technical descents before and after the climbs.
The Specialissima RC is fitted with high-performance Bianchi components, including the Specialissima RC handlebar, the Reparto Corse 33R wheels and the RC139 saddle.
This model is available in a single colour, with a minimal paint application saving an extra 40 grams.
Specialissima Pro
Aimed at passionate amateurs and all riders who demand the most of themselves both uphill and downhill, the Specialissima Pro is the ideal choice for those who are not content with simply taking part in sportives.
The Pro is a genuine racing machine, with the same aerodynamic cockpit as the Specialissima RC and Bianchi’s CV technology, which eliminates vibrations for superior comfort.
The Specialissima Pro comes with Velomann Palladium wheels and a 139 mm Velomann Mitora Hyper saddle. It is available in two sophisticated matte colours: Metallic Celeste paired with Carbon Black, and Mystic Grey with Carbon Black accents.
Specialissima Comp
The Comp version is intended for those who want to enjoy the performance of a highly versatile bike from the start, with the option of upgrading component by component. For riders wanting to step up to the next level, the Specialissima Comp is fully compatible with the integrated handlebar of the RC model.
The Comp is fitted with Velomann Palladium wheels and a 139 mm Mitora H1 saddle. It is available in two colours with a glossy finish: the iconic Celeste and the intriguing Graphite.
Mountain passes in colour
Bianchi’s paint artists have created striking transitions and gradients on the Specialissima frame to give it an impression of airy lightness. This effect is heightened by the use of iridescent paints that evoke a multitude of shades.
On the RC and Pro versions, the unpainted sections expose the carbon, creating a contrast of textures and aesthetics, while the matte finishes further accentuate the impression of lightness.
Shades of purple and green combine in a modern interpretation of Celeste, a new metallic version of Bianchi’s signature colour, while the original CK16 variant is also offered.
Sizes and availability
The frame, in all three versions, is available in sizes 47, 50, 53, 55, 57 and 59, with a specific aero seatpost in three different lengths depending on frame size.
The new Specialissima will be available from the end of September 2023.
Contact: bianchi.com
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