Bianchi Specialissima
Moderator: robbosmans
Had a chance to ride one recently. The color looks great in person. It's super stiff (almost too much so through the fork). But to each their own. Also, like a few people mentioned, in my opinion, it looks very boring next to an oltre.
Visit starbike.com Online Retailer for HighEnd cycling components
Great Prices ✓ Broad Selection ✓ Worldwide Delivery ✓
www.starbike.com
-
- Posts: 871
- Joined: Tue Mar 15, 2005 2:43 am
- Location: The 'Dena
Hi WW...
was wondering what the consensus was re the Specialissima... looks great and people that have them rave about them but ....
Gesink and most of the team seemed to ride the Oltre .. as well most other Bianchi sponsored teams... why is that ?
was wondering what the consensus was re the Specialissima... looks great and people that have them rave about them but ....
Gesink and most of the team seemed to ride the Oltre .. as well most other Bianchi sponsored teams... why is that ?
-
- Posts: 122
- Joined: Tue Mar 10, 2015 5:27 am
While I could be totally wrong here, from what I've read it seems like with the UCI weight limit being a factor and the weight difference between the two being relatively small anyway (1,120 for the Specialissima with fork vs. 1,350 for the Oltre XR4), there isn't much point in going to a Specialissima for the pro teams. Some Specialisima builds can come in under the 6.8kg limit, so why not just go with a bike that's closer to the limit but has all the aero features?
The reviews all seem to suggest that the Oltre is super responsive, relatively comfortable for an aero bike, and still excels at the climbs (although perhaps being not quite as responsive there, and apparently the aero bar isn't so ideal either).
I think at the end of the day it comes down to personal preference. I like the classic, clean elegant looks of the Specialissima - the Oltre is beautiful but I find it to be a bit loud personally. I also like climbing and I'm not sure I'd like the feel of the aero bars on the Oltre... and if you're not racing then the UCI limit doesn't apply, in which case if you want the lightest bike possible well then that will be the Specialissima.
In any event, if you want the latest and greatest it might be worth holding off... I noticed on their website here in Canada that they just lowered the price of the Specialissima, and with it coming up on two years since release this summer, maybe we'll see an update?
The reviews all seem to suggest that the Oltre is super responsive, relatively comfortable for an aero bike, and still excels at the climbs (although perhaps being not quite as responsive there, and apparently the aero bar isn't so ideal either).
I think at the end of the day it comes down to personal preference. I like the classic, clean elegant looks of the Specialissima - the Oltre is beautiful but I find it to be a bit loud personally. I also like climbing and I'm not sure I'd like the feel of the aero bars on the Oltre... and if you're not racing then the UCI limit doesn't apply, in which case if you want the lightest bike possible well then that will be the Specialissima.
In any event, if you want the latest and greatest it might be worth holding off... I noticed on their website here in Canada that they just lowered the price of the Specialissima, and with it coming up on two years since release this summer, maybe we'll see an update?
I really think the Speci is a much better looking bike than the Oltre; it's the geometry that I admire. I saw a Speci in a race for a bit before I crashed out, and the fluoro-celeste color is quite bright; it's aptly named.
- maverick_1
- Posts: 742
- Joined: Tue Sep 11, 2007 4:20 pm
- Location: Tokyo
Love it!
though...wish it was with a threaded BB
though...wish it was with a threaded BB
Visit starbike.com Online Retailer for HighEnd cycling components
Great Prices ✓ Broad Selection ✓ Worldwide Delivery ✓
www.starbike.com