Lets see some Bianchis

[MaxPower]

[dsk28]

Hi all,

I was browsing through some Bianchi models and fell in love with their classic Celeste color, Happy to see that this thread has been revived recently!

Since I am new to Bianchi, I kinda got confused with the bike range as they have a wider selection than usual as compared to the classic Aero/Allround/Endurance with other brands. Could anyone here help explain their range of models?

Aero Bike
Bianchi Oltre XR3/XR4 - Aero bike vs (Trek Madone, Canyon Aeroad, Specialized Venge)
Bianchi Aria - Aero bike ? What is the difference vs Oltre?

Allround
Bianchi Specialissimo - Allround bike vs (Trek Emonda, Canyon Ultimate, Specialized SL6)
Bianchi Sempre Pro - Aero-Allround hybrid ?
Bianchi Via Nirone - Entry level bike ? vs (Specialized Allez, Cannondale CAAD series)

Endurance
Bianchi Infinito - Endurance bike vs (Trek Domane, Canyon Endurace, Specialized Roubaix)
Bianchi Intenso - Endurance bike also ? What is the difference vs the Infinito?


Currently contemplating to get a frameset with disc brakes as I already have the components, which type is considered the most 'Classic' Bianchi?

Thank you.

[Kjetil]

Welcome to the Celeste world!
The Aria is an Aero/Triathlon crossover bike.
The Sempre Pro was an all rounder. Has been replaced with the Sprint.
The Via Nirone is Endurace. But there is also a Via Nirone Allroad for gravel.
The Intenso was Endurance, aluminium I believe.
There's an Infinito XE (no CV) that slots in below the Infinito CV

I'd say the Specialissima is the most "classic" Bianchi frame. Just (almost) straight tubes, no fuzz, and very pretty.
But of course you have to decide if you want the Endurace or Allround/Aero steering feel.

[bruno2000]

Strange to see there are no real world reviews of the new Superleggera disc?

[dsk28]

Welcome to the Celeste world!
The Aria is an Aero/Triathlon crossover bike.
The Sempre Pro was an all rounder. Has been replaced with the Sprint.
The Via Nirone is Endurace. But there is also a Via Nirone Allroad for gravel.
The Intenso was Endurance, aluminium I believe.
There's an Infinito XE (no CV) that slots in below the Infinito CV

I'd say the Specialissima is the most "classic" Bianchi frame. Just (almost) straight tubes, no fuzz, and very pretty.
But of course you have to decide if you want the Endurace or Allround/Aero steering feel.

Thank you for the explanation, I was undecided between the Oltre & Specialissima and currently leaning to the Specialissima due to it being the "classic" Bianchi.
Has the Celeste color always been teal with black Bianchi lettering? I am seeing some varieties where the teal is mixed with some black paint, and I have to say they do look more modern and very appealing!

Thoughts between these pics?
Celeste/Black Combo vs full Celeste

[Kjetil]

The classic is full Celeste like in your last pic (incidentally the same paint job as mine, see link in my footer). Celeste has varied over the years, hovering around a paint mix of 50%white, 50% blue and 50% green, these days with a bright "fluo" hue called CK16. Black detailing for letters and such, earlier an azure blue and before that red.
IMO the "classic" Specialissima Disc to go for now is this, colour code SC - CK16/Mermaid Scale:



A couple of pics for reference:
Mid 1990's:


Unrestored 1953, ridden by Fausto Coppi:

[icyhotchaz]

21 pages and not a single super pista! Here's my around town ripper.
No name china carbon wheels. Gearing is 48/17- great for quick accelleration from stopping in the city. Bad for top speed.
Even has 2 brakes and freewheel. Sacrilegious? Maybe. Super fun and quick.

[dsk28]

The classic is full Celeste like in your last pic (incidentally the same paint job as mine, see link in my footer). Celeste has varied over the years, hovering around a paint mix of 50%white, 50% blue and 50% green, these days with a bright "fluo" hue called CK16. Black detailing for letters and such, earlier an azure blue and before that red.
IMO the "classic" Specialissima Disc to go for now is this, colour code SC - CK16/Mermaid Scale:



A couple of pics for reference:
Mid 1990's:


Unrestored 1953, ridden by Fausto Coppi:

I see that Bianchi has released an all new Specialissima for the 2021 year, this new color in greenish blue looks great as well!
Love the fact they give tyre clearance up to 28mm - which I am using on my current bike.

[Kjetil]

Yup, that’s the new Specialissima Disc which I showed as frame only a couple of posts back. That dark bluish green is a nice colour but I’d still choose Celeste.
28 mm clearance is great. Mind you Bianchi is quite conservative. I use tyres that measure 28 mm on the rim brake Specialissima (25 mm clearance spec) and there’s still room for a 4 mm hex key all round.

[MiddMan]

This is such an awesome view!

Nice thoroughbred Italians!
I just introduced me/my Bianchi on the general introduction thread, but let me share a different image of my new rig here.

[fiber]

This is such an awesome view!

Thanks ... a snowy yard makes a perfect light box

[Arph]

On the Intenso: it was a mid-level carbon endurance bike, same geometry as the Infinito. Looks like it used the molds from the 1st gen. Infinito. It had a good old BSA bottom bracket for easy and cheap maintenance.

[iheartbianchi]

On the Intenso: it was a mid-level carbon endurance bike, same geometry as the Infinito. Looks like it used the molds from the 1st gen. Infinito. It had a good old BSA bottom bracket for easy and cheap maintenance.

Intenso is a good and perfectly bike - I still have the frame lying around somewhere. And yes, it was based on the 1st generation of the Infinito.

[iheartbianchi]

Thread is too quiet!

[Casagrande]

Here you go, my Oltre XR4, had it for about a year now, 8,000 fast and comfortable kms so far


In the old harbor of Spakenburg, after 60k on wet roads


With one of my mates' Specialized at Radio Kootwijk

Not at all a weight weenie build at 7.5kg.
Recently introduced myself on weightweenies after building a 6.0kg Carrera SL730