I changed the saddle to a San Marco Regale. It's superb. Worth the 100g weight penalty
Saddle weighs 238g.
Also adjusted the shifters a bit lower.

Heard a noise like something is loose riding over bumps or rough roads.
Turned out the rear hub developed excessive play after 5 rides. A little play is normal, but I could pretty much move the rim left to right.
The preload adjustment solved it, but I had to set it tighter than zipp's recommendation.

As for the ride, it's sublime

Didn't think I'd like the Vacansoleil colour way that much, but I do!

What size are you on and what's your set up (bb-saddle, setback, drop, reach)?

Hi,

Frame size: 55
Saddle height: 74.75 cm (with 175mm cranks)
Saddle setback: 6.5 cm
Saddle tip to bars: 54.5 cm
Drop: 8cm

Nice rig! Though thinner saddle looks better on it.

Just bought the same bike, same colour way too according to Bianchi it was the last 55 they had in Europe just before the tour kicked off.

I'm running Super Record and a pair of Cosmic SLR's on it. Did a centuary they day I bought it and my god it was fantastic. Last week was I the Pyrenees doing stages 16/17 of the tour and I can report its the most rewarding bike I've owned. Very nibble,smooth and stiff. No jaring responses from it. I like the fact that the rear seat stays are so thin they iron out any vibrations. Also hit my top speed of 58.1mpg down Superbagneres!

I'm new to this forum so will upload some pictures this evening.

Bearman

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Bianchi Oltre 6.8kg

Thanks strobe, actually looks like it might work for me. Yours is so nice!

You're welcome and thanks

If anyone is interested in getting one, salden is running a sale
http://www.salden.nl/default.asp?pid=53 ... catid=2934
I am not affiliated with this shop, just thought it might be of interest to some of you.

Love the bike and color.

There's a special place in my heart for Bianchi's. This one has nestled right in there among the others.

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Exp001

strobe- AAHHAHAHHA WHAT ARE YOU DOING TO ME! STEP AWAY FROM THE COMPUTER, DO NOT ORDER SWEET OLTRE .

Sorry
not a bad deal though ?

Can't wait for my Vacansoleil-DCM to be built up this month

Except, I am taking the full team replica approach, so that means DA 7900 levers & derailleurs with FSA K-Force bar, stem, crank & brakes. I even managed to find a Team Issue saddle... http://i45.tinypic.com/5ewhfp.jpg" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Strobbe, did you consider a Concor at all? If so, why the Regale?

I am now hoping for some celeste FFWD F6R wheels to complete the look (I can't get ones with FFWD hubs but not the Bianchi originals with DT240s ), though I love your color matching black variation!

Dumb question but are your 404's tubulars or?

I heard good things about the Regal, so decided to try the Regale. I have to say, it's a very nice saddle for me.
Also searched for the team version of the Regale but decided to stay with black saddle and tape, more practical in the end. The Zipps are tubulars.

Thanks for the prompt reply as always

I've had to struggle to get the team Concor but luckily it is OEM for the complete bike... it's being sent to me from Italy after summer holidays as a favour. The Regale apparently is for the pro-team only.

Indeed, I saw the regale on the team bike, but nowhere to be found