Bianchi unveils the new Aquila RC Time Trial model

Designed around innovation and performance, the Aquila RC is the result of 20 months of intense Research and Development. It is a time trial model precisely engineered to redefine speed. The Aquila RC will make its race debut this Sunday at the Étoile des Bessèges.

Source: press release

In an increasingly competitive road cycling landscape, every second counts. This is true for any challenge, but even more so in the time trial, where one can only rely on oneself and the efficiency of one’s equipment.

To achieve the goal of becoming the fastest time trial bike in the world, the Bianchi Reparto Corse sought a perfect balance by reconfirming its design philosophy: treating the rider’s movement and the bike’s dynamics as a unified system. This approach, previously used to create the Oltre RC bike, found its ultimate expression in the Aquila RC project, specifically designed for time trial.

The aquila (eagle) has always been part of Bianchi’s emblem as it symbolizes power, speed, and elegance. The new Aquila RC continues this legacy by pushing the limits of time trial performance.

Project keyword: optimization

Drawing on decades of expertise and 20 months of dedicated development, Bianchi collaborated with world-class time trial specialists and with Kévin Vauquelin from the Arkea-B&B Hotels team, a Tour de France stage winner and participant in the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.

The Aquila RC is the result of a more streamlined design process: a continuous cycle of CAD analyses, advanced simulations, prototypes, wind tunnel and road tests, as well as experiments with different aerodynamic profiles, all with the sole objective of creating the fastest complete system.

After in-depth data analysis, the Bianchi Reparto Corse opted for a seat tube angle of 77.5° – to match the preferences of WorldTour time trial specialists – combined with increased reach. The consequence is a faster and more aggressive riding position.

The tube sections were designed to take advantage of a sailing effect, transforming lateral forces into forward thrust for the bike and rider.

Tests and Results

In time trial frame design, the adjustable variables are extremely limited due to UCI regulations and the laws of physics. Therefore, the Bianchi Reparto Corse focused on optimizing the most important components of the Aquila: the handlebar, seatpost, and bottom bracket shell. By refining their shape and position, Bianchi engineers minimized pressure drag in strategic areas of the frame.

Chassis tests went beyond wind tunnel experiments. Countless hours of riding were invested to understand how human movement interacts with the bike’s aerodynamics. The development of an innovative tool capable of reproducing movement with artificial legs allowed for further optimization of the bike-athlete interaction.

The Aquila RC was tested in different configurations: the bike alone, the bike with static legs, with moving legs, and using different types of forks.

The result is a saving of 16.1 watts at 50 km/h compared to the previous version. Over a 40.7 km course, at an average speed between 50.4 km/h and 51.1 km/h, the Aquila RC was 37 seconds faster than the previous model. This difference can obviously change the outcome of a race.

The Aquila RC consistently outperformed the previous generation and the best competitor in the industry at yaw angles from -20° to 20°.

An Aggressive and Adjustable Cockpit

The cockpit of the new Aquila RC is the result of a collaboration with Vision FSA, a global leader in racing component design. The result is a high-performance cockpit with impressive range, easy adjustment, and aerodynamic integration.

Availability and Technical Specifications

The Aquila RC is offered exclusively as a frameset, weighing 1.3 kg for the frame (size M) and 400 g for the fork. The frameset is available in sizes S, M, and L and can accommodate tires up to 28 mm.

The color of the new Aquila RC is Glossy Black and Metallic Celeste with Celeste CK16 logos and graphic inserts.

The Aquila RC will make its race debut with the Arkéa-B&B Hotels team athletes on Sunday, February 9, 2025, during the individual time trial from Alès to l’Hermitage, the final stage of the Étoile de Bessèges in France.

The frameset is available at a price of 5449 €.

More info: bianchi.com

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