Bianchi's updated Specialissima is its lightest road bike ever, and more aero too

Bianchi says it has completely redesigned the Specialissima, with the new all-rounder now its lightest road bike ever. At the same time, it’s claimed to be 16 watts more aero at 50km/h.

According to Bianchi’s chief product officer, Emanuele Liatti: “In order to realise the gains we have achieved with the new Specialissima, we chose to adopt a fully systematic approach, ensuring that every new component and every new line served a dedicated performance purpose.”

As with the previous generation Specialissima, there are three tiers: the top spec RC, mid-spec Pro and base-level Specialissima, with prices ranging from €5,200 to €11,500. 

Countervail is back for RC

Much of the new road bike’s aero gain comes from the new fork, which is claimed to increase aerodynamic efficiency by 17%. The new D-shaped seatpost is also claimed to be more aero.

There’s a 25% claimed improvement in the aerodynamics of the cockpit fitted to the Specialissima RC, which is shaped for a narrower hand position. Bianchi says the new reach and length combinations improve comfort when riding in an aero position.

The Specialissima’s frame is claimed to be as stiff as the last generation, while the 750g claimed weight is 40g less than the already-light 2023 bike. 

Ridden by the Bahrain Victorious pro team, at their behest the new bike retains the previous generation’s geometry. 

The previous Specialissima RC frame dropped Bianchi’s Countervail vibration damping to prioritise low weight, but the technology is bac with the new Specialissima RC. Bianchi says it’s revamped Countervail to increase vibration damping.

New Bianchi Specialissima outline specs and prices

The top spec Specialissima RC is fitted with Bianchi’s in-house RC 49R wheelset with 49mm depth and 25mm internal width, as well as the RC integrated cockpit. Kitted out with a SRAM Red AXS or Shimano Dura-Ace groupset, it’s priced at €11,500.

There’s the option to choose from six Officina Bianchi colours, as well as the stock colourway.

Bianchi claims an 850g frame weight for the mid-spec Specialissima Pro, which is available with SRAM Force AXS or Shimano Ultegra groupsets, comes with Bianchi RC components and is priced at €7,700.

Finally, the base model Specialissima offers SRAM Rival AXS, Shimano Ultegra or Shimano 105 Di2 groupset options and is priced from €5,200.

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