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Bianchi launches new race bike, but not the one we expected - Are we calling time on the Oltre?
Cyclingnews • • technology
Key Points:
- Bianchi has chosen to completely redesign its Specialissima bike, shifting its focus from a lightweight model to an aero all-rounder, rather than updating the older Oltre aero bike as expected.
- The new Specialissima features an aero front end with a lightweight rear, maintaining a similar geometry to the previous model but with aerodynamic and weight improvements, including a 40g lighter frame and a 25% more aerodynamic cockpit.
- Combined aerodynamic enhancements in the frame, fork, and cockpit, along with new wheels, are claimed to deliver a total efficiency gain of 16 watts over the previous Specialissima model.
- The Specialissima will be available in three tiers, ranging from €5,200 to €11,500, equipped with varying groupsets from SRAM and Shimano.
- With the cycling industry trending towards single race bike platforms for financial and performance reasons, Bianchi's overhaul of the Specialissima likely signals the end for the Oltre model, mirroring a broader move away from maintaining multiple specialized race bikes.
