Bianchi Specialissima: initial ride

[one60]

I am fortunate to have a friend who appreciates nice bikes, is my size and is generous enough to share his rides. Yesterday he dropped off a new Pantani Edition Specialissima draped in mechanical SR12 speed and rolling on Bora WTO 45s with GP5000s.

The paint and graphics are beautiful. A bit much for many but somehow it works quite nicely. The clear coat is a metallic pearl which looks lovely in the sunlight. Lots of nice details like Carbon Ti bottle bolts, seat color and headset cap.

Took it on a familiar route with some climbing and lots of rolling hills. (30 miles - 3000 ft of elevation). Wow! What a well-balanced bike...stiff yet very, very smooth. I rode some of these roads the day before on my steel bike with MAX chainstays and steel fork on similar tires. The Bianchi is every bit as smooth and more poised on the rougher sections. While that is in part a reflection of the wheels and tires, the frame does a great job filtering out the rough sections. And on smooth sections, its like a sofa!

I'll have it for a week or so and will update as I get some more miles on it.

[fa63]

I need a friend like yours! Nice bike :-)

[mastaliu]

ooooh, the Pantani edition, good friend.

I picked up a used Specialissima last year after riding a Look 585 which I rode for years and loved. It's a beautiful bike for carbon, doesn't look too different from an AL or oversized steel and isn't all shaped for aero. I will say it is super light, and not as stiff as you would think so it isn't harsh. Enjoy it!

[AngryScientist]

That's a really nice bike, and what a perfect build too. wow!

[oldpotatoe]

12s, mechanical and rim brakes..bravo!!!!

[BryanE]

The limited edition Pantani version?
Beautiful.

[KarlC]

Good timing for me on this as I'm just starting to get a few rides in on mine also

The below gives a few more details on this bike and how CV works .....

Bianchi Specialissima – Bike of the Year Winner

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kh8ciU3wdxc

.

[vincenz]

That is a good-looking bike. Enjoy the ride, would hate to give it back :hello:

[mistermo]

ooooh, the Pantani edition, good friend.

I picked up a used Specialissima last year after riding a Look 585 which I rode for years and loved. It's a beautiful bike for carbon, doesn't look too different from an AL or oversized steel and isn't all shaped for aero. I will say it is super light, and not as stiff as you would think so it isn't harsh. Enjoy it!

My story too. I rode a 585 for years and loved it. It was replaced 4-5 years ago by a Cannondale SuperSix Evo HiMod Black Inc Nano, which is now my benchmark for a fast road bike. Last month, I picked up a Specialissima from a well known forumite and just got it back from the shop last night, built with Campy SR 11 mech. I need to install bar tape, and swap tires, but I look forward to giving it a whirl this weekend. The Specialissima has been on my coveted list for a few years. This Pantani edition is even more lust worthy!

[robt57]

The Specialissima has been on my coveted list for a few years.

Me too to a large degree. Since I road tested a CV Infinito, then got a crazy deal on a Scott Addict LTD [extra sponsored racer's frameset instead] this was years ago.

The reason I am bringing up the Addict is that the 2008 LTD aesthetic style is slightly dated let's say. [A friend has it after 6 year as my #1 FWIW]. And the Specialissima is kinda that same straight tube aesthetic to my eye, anyone else see that?

I am after the CV tech more than anything else personally having been quite impressed with it. For a Infinito CV test ride [2013] I asked for and watched the LBS tech put 120PSI so I could see the worst it had to offer.

The worst was better than about anything else best, and being a #clydz, 23s unless tubular not a choice I ever make. #HolySmokes, IMO the CV tech is totally the real deal if one likes muted road buzz abatement rolling.

Anyone else align with this sentiment on the style/aesthetic of the Straighter carbon tubes?

I'd add a commonality with mistermo is that I still have and ride a 585, that is not likely to leave my choice of hooks to choose from either. Thus his ride report is of interest to me in particular.

[mistermo]

Me too to a large degree. Since I road tested a CV Infinito, then got a crazy deal on a Scott Addict LTD [extra sponsored racer's frameset instead] this was years ago.

The reason I am bringing up the Addict is that the 2008 LTD aesthetic style is slightly dated let's say. [A friend has it after 6 year as my #1 FWIW]. And the Specialissima is kinda that same straight tube aesthetic to my eye, anyone else see that?

I am after the CV tech more than anything else personally having been quite impressed with it. For a Infinito CV test ride [2013] I asked for and watched the LBS tech put 120PSI so I could see the worst it had to offer.

The worst was better than about anything else best, and being a #clydz, 23s unless tubular not a choice I ever make. #HolySmokes, IMO the CV tech is totally the real deal if one likes muted road buzz abatement rolling.

Anyone else align with this sentiment on the style/aesthetic of the Straighter carbon tubes?

I'd add a commonality with mistermo is that I still have and ride a 585, that is not likely to leave my choice of hooks to choose from either. Thus his ride report is of interest to me in particular.

I've got a similarly sized buddy (I'm 6'3"/clyde) who has the Infinito with Countervail. I've ridden it and also think the CV tech makes a noticeable difference. Eager to try out the Specialissima. While I loved the 585, the benchmark for me is the Cdale HiMod. I prefer it to the C60, Moots CR, Peg Marcelo, and some other high zoot bikes Ive owned and ridden.

[one60]

That is a good-looking bike. Enjoy the ride, would hate to give it back :hello:

but he knows where I live & ride!

[robt57]

I will say it is super light, and not as stiff as you would think so it isn't harsh. Enjoy it!


I've not seen the term 'CounterVail' and 'Harsh' in the same thread, no less a post yet. ;)

[Hellgate]

Beautiful bike! I'm envious [emoji57]

[PaMtbRider]

Bianchi countervail technology is the real deal. I recently sold an Infinito to a forum member. If I ever get the itch for another Bianchi the Specialissima will be at the top of the list.

[Matthew]

Maybe say someone stole it?!! Then only ride it out of town?!! That thing is absolutely beautiful. Enjoy the miles while you have it.

[uber]

I tested an Oltre 4 and it is a lovely bike as well. I probably would have bought one if the geometry was more favorable for me.

[one60]

Since I had the luxury to ride an uncommon bike, I thought I would provide a final assessment as my time with this beauty is at an end.

According to Strava, I've ridden 238 miles and climbed 13,500 feet since borrowing it. Without reservation, its simply a wonderful riding machine!

The wheels and tires (GP5000 / WTO45s) likel contribute to the sublime ride. I have many hours and thousands of miles Bora One 50s rolling either Pirelli P-Zeros or Panaracer Race A EVOs. The WTO45s seem more reactive and a bit easier to accelerate than the Bora's. The new rim shape does seem to be less susceptible to gusts. While I can't say they are faster than the Bora Ones, I would gladly swap them for the WTO45.

Back to the Bianchi...I (wrongly) assumed the CV technology was marketing hype and assumed the ride would never live up to the expectation. Wrong! Whether its the CV or not, the Specialissima has an impressive ride quality. Very smooth, IMHO the equivalent (or nearly so) of a great steel or Ti bike. But it retains that 'snap' that in my experience only carbon has.

The bike is composed on cracked or rough pavement and doesn't leave you sore after a long ride. On smooth roads, it literally floats along.

Its a great all-rounder...there's nothing lacking here and a lot to love!

[AngryScientist]

great report - thanks! it certainly is my favorite of all bianchi paint schemes, so cool!

coming from mostly steel and ti bikes, i wrongly assumed that a carbon road race bike should really be reserved for fast riding and hammerfest activities, but i was wrong. my current carbon road bike is the best of all worlds and carbon can certainly be tuned to be excellent at a lot of things.

cheers!

[KarlC]

Since I had the luxury to ride an uncommon bike, I thought I would provide a final assessment as my time with this beauty is at an end.

According to Strava, I've ridden 238 miles and climbed 13,500 feet since borrowing it. Without reservation, its simply a wonderful riding machine!

The wheels and tires (GP5000 / WTO45s) likel contribute to the sublime ride. I have many hours and thousands of miles Bora One 50s rolling either Pirelli P-Zeros or Panaracer Race A EVOs. The WTO45s seem more reactive and a bit easier to accelerate than the Bora's. The new rim shape does seem to be less susceptible to gusts. While I can't say they are faster than the Bora Ones, I would gladly swap them for the WTO45.

Back to the Bianchi...I (wrongly) assumed the CV technology was marketing hype and assumed the ride would never live up to the expectation. Wrong! Whether its the CV or not, the Specialissima has an impressive ride quality. Very smooth, IMHO the equivalent (or nearly so) of a great steel or Ti bike. But it retains that 'snap' that in my experience only carbon has.

The bike is composed on cracked or rough pavement and doesn't leave you sore after a long ride. On smooth roads, it literally floats along.

Its a great all-rounder...there's nothing lacking here and a lot to love!

Great report, I have been getting to know and enjoying mine.

Thx Karl

[one60]

great report - thanks! it certainly is my favorite of all bianchi paint schemes, so cool!

coming from mostly steel and ti bikes, i wrongly assumed that a carbon road race bike should really be reserved for fast riding and hammerfest activities, but i was wrong. my current carbon road bike is the best of all worlds and carbon can certainly be tuned to be excellent at a lot of things.

cheers!

Agreed...the idea of differing carbon types and lay-ups to craft a certain 'feel' seems a bit unbelievable but material sciences continue to evolve and bike design will benefit greatly! That logic was what lead Argonaut (and others) to transition from handcrafted steel to carbon.

Cannot wait to see what the next generation or two of carbon wheels and bikes becomes

[KarlC]

Such a great ride

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50610468353_39536a16ac_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2k7gSZX)

[robt57]

One of my fav PL posted bikes, top 5 for sure...

[KarlC]

One of my fav PL posted bikes, top 5 for sure...

This one is pretty hot ......

From here ....... https://twohubs.blogspot.com/


https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50611591492_d05feca58e_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2k7nCSq)

[woodworker]

Any other ride reports on these vs. other bikes that you've had (or still have)?

I'm curious, as I have a line on one at a pretty decent price. Everything I've read, particularly on this thread, is very favorable.

[SPOKE]

I’m getting ready to put one together with Campy EPS. I’ll post up once I get it put together.
SPOKE

[woodworker]

Nice. Look forward to seeing it and hearing how you like it.

[Matthew]

These may very well be my absolute favorite "modern" race bike in the looks department. That blue one is gorgeous too. Damn, I'd love one of these. Anyone holding one with a 55cm top tube?!! ;)

[robt57]

Yeah, it is! Please stop.... ;O

:)

This one is pretty hot ......

From here ....... https://twohubs.blogspot.com/

[Black Dog]

This one is pretty hot ......

From here ....... https://twohubs.blogspot.com/


https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50611591492_d05feca58e_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2k7nCSq)

That is the perfect colour of blue!

[ceolwulf]

My dream bike down to the last detail right there.

[one60]

Woodworker, FYI

Any other ride reports on these vs. other bikes that you've had (or still have)?

I'm curious, as I have a line on one at a pretty decent price. Everything I've read, particularly on this thread, is very favorable.

[woodworker]

Thanks guys. Responded.