#bianchibicycles Sempre Red build @granfondocycles pt2

The GFC crew has confirmed a bike build weight from the previous post, of 15lbs with pedals and cages. That's a 50cm Sempre built with SRAM Red, SL-K crank and other FSA bits. I'll try and get some better photos of that build, during my next trip to Nashville.




In the meantime, they had a 59cm with Red roll out the door today. Britton's opinion on the ride is-- 'FANTASGREAT! It rides, um, awesome.'

Note- Sempre frame sets are now in stock; both paint schemes azzuro and celeste come with a full carbon fork.

--posted via iPhone.

Happy Birthday, it's an Oltre!

125 years of cycling goodness!

Here is a piece put together which highlights the launch of the 2011 range.

One thing of particular interest is :40 into the clip, the gentleman is holding a cross section of the Oltre head tube. With a 1.5 inch bottom headset bearing for added responsiveness, the Oltre front section utilizes Bianchi's latest X-tex construction.

This construction process provides increased rigidity, stiffness and razor sharp steering all while reducing the weight of the bike.

Enjoy!

Bianchi Press Event 2010 from Bianchi on Vimeo.

2011 Bianchi Zurigo shake down write up.

Bart at South Park Cycles has a few Zurigos at the shop. He's put some laps on this new 2011 model and here's his take on the bike.


Now tried and tested is the Bianchi Zurigo Cyclocross bike. For $1599 you get an aluminum frame, carbon fork and Sram Apex shifter and drivetrain kit. First impression was the bike handled great. The bike held a great line whether on off camber downhill or climb. I spent about and hour and a half on this stead and this was my first real ride on Sram drop bar components. I had no issues adapting to the shifting and the Apex shifted flawlessly. The other nice touches to the bike are the additional bar brake levers and the ability to add racks to either the rear or fork of the bike. This is not just a great reasonably priced cross bike but also a versatile commuter or touring bike as well. These also have been added to the rental fleet.

Thanks Bart!

Black is back.

One of our regular patrons at the company pub is the 2011 Pista. With two color options in 2011, white paint with a red panel graphic (like the Vigorelli) or gloss black with a creme panel, this classic steel bike keeps getting better with age.

The steel Pista is sporting a new crank from FSA. Inspection of the crank from 10 feet away, it looks like a Campy throw back to the Nuovo Record days. The gold chain ring bolts are definite hints from this era. And utilizing a square tapered bottom bracket spindle. The square taper bb axle opens up possibilities for upgrades down the road.

The Alex Solo track wheel set is stout spec for the Pista. This bike will see more urban use than Velodrome so having a strong, reliable wheel set is important. The last thing you need is to return to your LBS after buying your new fixed gear because the bike company spec'd a cheap wheel set just so they can sell a cheaper priced bike.

Even still, it's a great starter bike for those aspiring to spend some time at their local Velodrome.

Interbike wrap up and highlights.

Here is a blurb courtesy of BikeRadar.com on the 2011 goods.

From the rep perspective...we were very busy last week. Even with most of the top 7 bike manus out of the show, foot traffic at our show was plentiful. And from what I could see it wasn't overflow from the Health and Fitness Expo being in the same building, just straight up enthusiasts for the brand.

We have a terrific 12 page ad this month in Road Bike Action magazine; covering our road line up of HoC, B4P and C2C bikes. That and 2010 is our 125th Anniversary, makes for an tasty cocktail at the Vegas expo.

Last year's interests at the booth surrounded our new steel bikes-- the Via Condotti and the Via Brera. Let's not forget the matte black Super Pista frameset which drew a lot of attention. The Brera and Condotti are still available for 2011 but now we have new B4P and HoC bikes.

The 2011 B4P Sempre has been filling the shoes, since July, as our new weekend racer/on the rivet road bike. The Nano-Tech frame, BB 30 bottom bracket and hand masked paint job have won over the hearts of many Bianchistas in need a stable, quick and great looking road bike. You have four options with the Sempre. You can order it up with either Shimano 105(red/wht/blk), Shimano Ultergra(azzuro) or Campanolo Veloce(celeste paint) or a frame set.


The Oltre is now the flagship of the Bianchi range.

Its features are topped with Ultra High Modulus carbon laced with Nano-Tech and Nano-Tubes, tapered head tube/1.5" bottom bearing, X-Tex head tube construction, aero seat post, BB30 bottom bracket, internal cable routing, aero fork(designed after the Pico Crono) and aero seat post...phew! This looks like a bike that is the spawn of what Jenson Button is driving on the F1 circuit for the season.


This is a pre-production sample, cross section of the Oltre head tube featuring X-Tex. The slight internal ribs are the strengthening element of the X-Tex design. We're talking about a front end design that's stronger with steering capabilities bordering on the edge of telepathic. Combined with a 1.5" bottom bearing size should yield stability beyond most cyclists expectations.

The Bianchi eagle crest on the Oltre down tube is the icing on the cake for this Pro-Tour level bike. It will be available with either a Dura-Ace or Super Record 11 build. The frame set has two options as well; either standard frame or routing ready for Shimano Dura-Ace Di2.

The Infinito will be dressed in the new Shimano 105 5700 build kit. The black and white paint scheme threw me at first. Once up close, I noticed the black portion of the frame, which is nude carbon, has a matte finish on the top of the frame and a gloss clear coat on the bottom half of the bike. Italy has done a terrific job with the designs and paint on all the bikes for 2011.

The Volpe enters the 2011 MY with a beefier fork; since the rack mounts are back on. The coffee cream paint scheme along with the classic Bianchi panel down tube graphic firmly defines the Volpe within the Gran Fondo category. Most of the Gran Fondo bikes come with a triple ring set up since loads of miles and hilly terrain will be tackled with these models. However the new white Vigorelli comes with a compact crank, with the understand that this type of customer doesn't mind spinning a 50/34t ring combination and may not be carry panniers or bags of such.

The Campione is a tribute to the Coppi days and the current Bianchi urban fan base we all love. Not everyone is cut out to pedal a Pista, yet they want a minimalistic, toned down classic bike. You really have to see this bike in person. I was impressed by the gold leaf paint and the way it pops off the frame. Down tube shifters keep the package simple with easy for potential bar end shifter conversions if you feel like a randonneur set up.

The ladies line-- The Dama Bianca frame design has been rolled into the Coast to Coast line. It's still women specific cockpit bits, only now C2C geometry is providing a comfortable platform for the ladies to spin upon. The Infinito has a Dama Bianca version and echos that old commercial tag line...strong enough for a man but made for a woman. I know, that was corny, but it's true! Built with Shimano 5700, Infinito geometry, high modulus UM40 carbon featuring Nano-Tech for $2600 makes this a girls best friend starting with a 47cm frame size. On the entry level we have the C2C Via Nirone Dama Sora and 105 with our new Reparto Corsa branded wheel set. Many dealers commented positively about the contrasting colored spokes on the R/C hoops.

Upland Sports Group/Capo Clothing gave us some love at their booth. Err, well, lots of love now that I think about it. The entire perimeter of their booth was covered with huge images of Capo clothed riders upon Bianchi Infinitos.


I've heard Edge wheel sets are bombproof...


I have a Capo Team kit from my shop days and still enjoy riding in it. Not just because it looks fabulous but the padding in the bib short is extremely comfortable and doesn't seem to suck in all the Assos creme as soon as you pull the shorts on.


It's cyclo cross season and if you work for Bianchi, you're a lover of Campagnolo's fine components. They have a new groupo for CX bikes. The chain rings and seals for the hubs are designed for optimal performance under cyclo cross conditions. Beefier chain pick up ramps and pining along with burlier seals at the hubs separate this kit from its road counterparts. It definitely has my attention!

Sorry this is short and maybe not sweet enough; had I taken more photos. But when you're swamped, you're swamped.

Big thanks to Reed and Leroy for pulling off another excellent booth!
How about the new colored carpet at the booth guys?

Fwd: Bianchi at Friedichshafen - Euro Bike

Subject: Bianchi at Friedichshafen - Euro Bike

Friedrichshafen is a small German town located on the shores of Lake Constance and is probably best known as the home of the Graf Zeppelin dirigible. In less historical terms, the town is also known as the home of the annual EuroBike bicycle show – the hands down winner for the claim of world's biggest bike show. This year marks the 19th annual running of the event, and yes, as impossible as it seems, it is even bigger than last year with 14 exhibition halls providing over 100,000 square meters of floor space. That's room for a lot of bike stuff.

The latest from over the pond at Eurobike.

Here is a blurb from over the pond about the Oltre' and Sempre.

Eurobike is the mega show that proceeds the North American version (minus the lavish, over the top contemporary booth displays) known as Interbike.


Fingers crossed that we can get some of these murdered out frame sets for the Bianchistas.

Going big for Interbike.

What a way to kick off the arrival of the 2011 model season by none other than a huge insert in the October issue of Road Bike Action Magazine. It's arriving on news stands and in mailboxes now!

Be sure to stop by the RBA booth at Interbike and pick up a free copy.

Photo courtesy of JS, Bianchi USA Inc.

2011 Bianchi Bicycles- Turismo

2011 brings a face lift to our outgoing Cross-Terrain category. Renamed- Turismo, the bikes have received a fresh update, from the frame's tubing design down to the graphics.





The first thing that caught my eye on the Cortina, aside from the Italian Red paint, were the gold-leaf lettering on the frame. The top tube is hydro-formed and slightly arced with a structural triangular crease along the bottom of the tubing. This is a very sharp bike for $399.99 USD.

And yes, there are double walled rims on ALL the 2011 Turismo bikes. Even at this price level, it's about a quality ride, not building the cheapest bike for the money.

2011 Bianchi Sempre overview.

Travis of Just Riding Along Bike Shop in Laytonsville, MD received some bikes from us last week. Curious about the shipment of 2011 Bianchi Sempre 105, I hopped into the E and drove over for some photo action.

Allow me back pedal a bit on how exciting this bike is for us and my dealers...or at least Travis in his case. His bikes arrived last week, my cell phone rang, it's Travis' mobile number, which he doesn't call me on often. That's because as soon as he opened the first box, his Kung Fu grip wouldn't release the bike preventing him from reaching for the shop phone. With his other hand, he grabbed his cell out of his pocket and dialed me up. 'Dude, this bike is awesome!'. That's enthusiasm!


Based on our B4P (Born for Performance) geometry, this is a bike where you can keep the stock headset spacers (30mm), flip up the stem and have near-Coast to Coast upright, seating position like a Via Nirone. For weekend racers, remove the spacers (remember to leave 10mm on top for C.Y.A. stem clamping), cut the steer tube and you have a bike that is ready for the NRC.

As the frame sizes increment from 50cm up to 61cm, the seat tube, head tube and chain stay lengths change accordingly. Many budget carbon bike companies keep cost low by keeping their head, seat tube angles and sometimes the chain stays lengths, the same dimension or only varying +/_.5 degrees throughout the size run. This creates almost a one size fits all story and we all know that cyclists aren't the same size. By altering the geometry through the sizes, you're almost getting a custom fit without the custom price. Not to mention a better riding bicycle.


2010 Shimano 5700 groupo. This a new and improved Shimano 105 build kit. The ergos mimic the profile of the high end Dura-Ace shifters and now provide more of a flat perch for the hands rather than the curved bull horns of the outgoing design. Lever throw of the shifter is close to the previous generation equipment, with a noticeable, more communicative gear shift-click by the inside black lever. I would attribute this to a slight higher spring tension by the front and rear derailleurs. The shifter and brake housing receive the latest 'under the bar tape' treatment, cleaning up the front of the bike nicely. The control levers are angled out a bit more for ergonomics on this updated package and there's a stouter lever feel as your fingers wrap around them.

A BB30 FSA Gossamer compact crank with upgraded rings handle the gearing on the front. FSA has done a terrific job for 2011 by re-profiling their chain rings and ramping/pinning in order to facilitate faster and smoother up shifts.


The rear derailleur has been updated too. In addition to a better spring return feel at the rear shifter, the surface treatment of the derailleur is blackened with a matte 'Dura-Ace influenced' finish near the idler arm. Overall the 105, Ultegra, and Dura-Ace groupos are visually more cohesive for 2011.


So you need to slow down sometimes, right? Or at least scrub a bit of speed before entering that dog leg of a turn. FSA has been collaborating for years with Bianchi on the parts spec of production bikes, up to the Pro-Tour team crank, cockpit bits and now the brakes. The Sempre 105 features FSA collaborated brakes. What makes these brakes special is the two-tone brake arm coloring; branded with the FSA Gossamer logo on the rear arm, Reparto Corse Italia/celeste labeling on the front. Take notice of the pad carriers too. If you bought the same brake aftermarket, the pad would be a one piece, molded rubber pad. The one piece pads are softer and seldom provide positive brake modulation at the rim; for an experienced cyclist. The carrier style pads are easier to replace and and have a more robust feel when squeezing or feathering the brake lever.


We have new rubber for 2011. Vittoria Zaffiro Pro Slick. Smoother and stickier, this tire is the slimmed down version of the standard Zaffiro. The standard Zaffiro weighs in at 340 grams and the Pro is 250 grams, proving that you can shave almost a 1/2 lbs off a bike at the tires.

The Reparto Corse wheels are double butted rims by Maddux, laced with SAPIM spokes which are mated to high flange hubs with cartridge bearings. While this a 'house branded wheel set', it's obvious that using branded spokes and rims, can build upon the Italian bike philosophy that 'the sum of the parts is greater than the whole'.


Steering duties are handled by a straight blade carbon fork. The Shimano105 5700 bikes have an aluminum steer while the Ultegra 6700 and frame sets are slated to arrive in the US with a full carbon steer tube.


The Reparto Corse cockpit parts receive the White Treatment and the stem is finished off with a carbon fiber face plate. Be sure to use a Torque wrench when snugging the bolts on the face plate, stem and seat post clamp. I also recommend using a quality carbon assembly paste where needed and a Ritchey Logic Torque Key. The seat post is branded Reparto Corse with a swash of white and capped with San Marco's new, softer Ponza saddle.


The foundation of every great riding bike is the frame. The groupo, controls, and the wheel set must be in harmony and joined together by solid architecture in order to provide the proper ride experience.

In honor of Bianchi fans and their quest for a performance bike at an affordable price, Carbon Nano-Tech is utilized during the manufacturing of now 3 of it's road bikes; the Sempre is the 3rd for 2011. (Genetically, the Sempre shares the Nano-Tech of the 928 SL and the Infinito.) Nano-Tech aids in frame strength, weight and stiffness. Those three categories along with a BB30 bottom bracket makes this bike a serious contender for anyone shopping for a carbon road bike in 2011. The hand masked paint job adds another $200 to the cost of the bike. Retailing at $2299.99 makes the Sempre more delicious.


To balance out the stiffness to comfort ratio, Bianchi uses Ultra Thin Seat Stays or UTSS for short. Depending on road surface conditions, UTSS mellows out potential upward harshness of the bike, while keeping the bottom end of the bike stiff and responsive. Take notice to the lateral bladed profile of the tubing in the photo above.


The final weight of the 57cm Sempre minus pedals and electronics...18.11lbs.

Sempre bella!

2011 Sempre review coming soon.

Really.

I'll make a concerted effort to get you the dirt by Monday on the 2011 Sempre and my visit to Proteus Bicycles summer bbq.

Until then...

2011 Bianchi Bicycles- B4P, D2 Cyclo-cross

This month we're shipping out our 2011 B4P Sempre...or as we'll refer to it from here on out; The Sempre.



Personally, I have two shops in my territory who will be taking delivery of the 2011 boy racer bike-- Gran Fondo Cycles in Nashville, TN and Just Riding Along Bicycle Shop in Laytonsville, MD.

Retail on the bike is...arrh, not just yet, you'll have to call the shop to get that detail but I will say this again (many times)-- this bike frame is ahead of many bikes from the big dogs in this price range. With the Sempre, you're paying less and getting more in quality; UHM carbon and Nano-Tech, Not a plastic frame with upgraded components. Because in the sprint, a stiffer frame gets you to the line, not the next level up derailleur.

2011 will also bring a face lift for our Cross-Terrain bikes. As pioneers of this category, we are updating the frame design on the Cortina, Torino and Iseo bikes. Verona=r.i.p. Classic colorways and graffics will be at the forefront of these models along with the category name change to 'Turismo'.

Another category of major focus are our D2 bikes; precisely the cyclo-cross models. Stepping back from our mountain bikes, we're shifting the focus on dirt, over to the drop bar nobby bikes. New paint, historic names and groupos will maintain the buzz for our loyal 'cross dealers.


I'm amped for this baby! The Zurigo-- Named after the place in Switzerland where Renato Longo netted his 5th CX world championship victory way back in 1967. The Zurigo is aimed at the working class 'cross racer; offering them the ability to race on Sunday, commute on Monday.

After a 3 year hiatus, SRAM is back on our cyclo-cross bike. This powerful component brand is well respected and utilized through out the cyclo-cross racing community thanks to its 'Zero-Loss' cable pull ratio, stout lever construction and communicative shifting while you bounce across the course. This SRAM Apex build kit gives you the flexibility of low range off road gearing with the high end gearing of a road bike.

2011 Zurigo availability is mid-August.

2011 Bianchi Line Up- abrev.

I've been getting micro streams of the 2011 range and at this point, things are looking nothing less than STUNNING!

I'll give a quick 411 on the mid to high end carbon bikes.

-Infinito: A new groupo allowing this 2011 marvel to come in at a lower price than what was first introduced for 2010. Some hot paint jobs and well honestly, why mess with a good thing, right?!

-Oltre: This is the bike that ALL dentists out there will be trading in their spleen shattering Di2 404 Dogmas on. A race bike needs to be just flat out fast and this is where we've brought our 'A' game for 2011. X-tex technology, heaven's best carbon modulus blended properly with all the tech like BB30, tapered head tube, internal cabling. Enough bullet points on this new model to hush up those shops that have turned up their noses at Bianchi for 'not being innovative enough...' I guess some fan boys can only sell their bikes based on marketing hype; we sell ours on heritage and test rides!

That's all for now, I don't want to let too much out of the bag. In the meantime, here is a joint that should sum up 2011 for me and the dealers.

2011 Bianchi HoC Oltre

Nothing short of magic!