BianchiSpecialissima
Origin
The Specialissima name first appeared on Bianchi's steel race bikes in 1958 as the evolution of the Campione del Mondo that Fausto Coppi rode in the 1950s. Through the 1960s it dominated the Giro d'Italia under Felice Gimondi, and the model became inseparable from the Celeste-painted lightweight climbing tradition - most famously linked to Marco Pantani, who immortalised the brand on Alpine ascents in the 1990s. Bianchi resurrected the dynasty in 2015 as a full-carbon climbing flagship with a sub-780g frame and patented Countervail vibration-cancelling layup co-developed with US aerospace firm Materials Sciences Corporation. The current third-generation Specialissima RC, refined by Reparto Corse in collaboration with WorldTour athletes, weighs 6.6 kg complete and remains Bianchi's purpose-built weapon for the mountains.
Specifications
- Frame
- Full high-modulus carbon monocoque (Specialissima RC HM Aero); earlier 2015–2022 generations used Countervail vibration-damping carbon layup (viscoelastic resin from Materials Sciences Corp). Handpainted in Italy, logos masked & painted (no decals)
- Weight
- kg
- Drivetrain
- Electronic 2×12: Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 R9270 or SRAM Red eTap AXS (power meter included). Top builds run Campagnolo Super Record EPS
- Brakes
- Hydraulic disc — Shimano Dura-Ace BR-R9270 (or SRAM Red AXS), flat-mount
- Wheels
- Reparto Corse RC carbon, 33 mm deep rims (700×21C internal), Ceramitech fast-rolling hubs, tubeless-ready; ~1,370 g claimed pair
The verdict
- Exceptionally light — UCI-illegal sub-6.6 kg builds; among the lightest disc race bikes tested
- Fast everywhere, not just uphill — modern aero tube shaping makes it quick on flats and descents too
- Assured, confidence-rewarding handling thanks to the long-and-low race geometry
- Comfortable ride for such a stiff climber (Countervail damping on Pro-grade and pre-2024 frames)
- Premium finish — handpainted in Italy, painted-not-decaled logos, iconic Celeste heritage
- Divisive aesthetics — swooping top tube and low seatstays look bulky/unharmonious to some reviewers
- Stock 26c TT tyres are sketchy/jittery on real roads — best swapped for tubeless 28c for daily riding
- Shallow 33 mm wheels limit top-end aero; reviewers want deeper hoops for flat speed
- Setback seatpost criticised — an inline post is preferred for the steep-climb position
- Top-tier price (≈€12,749, Founder Edition €21,885) with limited tyre clearance vs all-road rivals
Where to buy Bianchi Specialissima in Lithuania
Local shops and marketplaces in your country.
These are searches on third-party sites — URBALT is not affiliated with them and does not sell directly.
Want one?
Find this bike on the marketplace, or compare notes with riders already on one.