Specialissima

The Bianchi Specialissima is a top-tier all-round race bike that balances climbing pedigree with modern aerodynamic integration. Positioned alongside the dedicated aero Oltre, this generation of the Specialissima shifts away from being a pure featherweight climber to become a more versatile racing platform. Bianchi reshaped the frame with a prominent head tube profile, dropped seatstays, and a D-shaped seatpost to reduce drag on flat and rolling terrain. Despite the aero additions, it remains exceptionally light, targeting riders who want a single high-performance bike for steep gradients and fast group rides. The platform is strictly electronic and fully internally routed, reflecting its premium racing focus. It suits aggressive riders and racers who prioritize stiffness, immediate power transfer, and a traditional Italian aesthetic updated for modern speeds.

Build

Size

Stack	486mm
Reach	379mm
Top tube	514mm
Headtube length	100mm
Seat tube length	420mm

Fit and geometry

The Specialissima utilizes a classic long and low racing geometry that demands an aggressive, aerodynamic rider posture. A size 55 frame pairs a 391mm reach with a low 536mm stack, putting the rider well over the front wheel for direct, weighted steering. This setup favors flexible riders accustomed to a flat back and a significant saddle-to-bar drop.

Handling is quick but balanced by a slightly elongated wheelbase compared to some of its direct racing peers. At 988mm for a size 55, the wheelbase provides a stable platform that tracks predictably through high-speed sweepers and technical descents. The RC and Pro models feature Bianchi’s Reparto Corse integrated carbon cockpit, which has an 80mm reach and a 125mm drop. This one-piece bar and stem combination offers a clean aerodynamic profile and a comfortable drop shape for sprinting, though it complicates fit adjustments. The frame clears tires up to 32mm, giving riders ample room to tune the bike's footprint and compliance for rougher roads.

Builds

The Specialissima lineup splits into three distinct tiers: RC, Pro, and Comp. The flagship RC (Reparto Corse) models use the lightest high-modulus carbon layup and minimal paint to achieve the lowest possible weight. These premium builds feature the integrated Reparto Corse cockpit, deep carbon wheels with ceramic bearings, and top-tier electronic groupsets from Shimano, SRAM, and Campagnolo, often including power meters.

The mid-range Pro tier is widely considered the sweet spot for value and ride quality. While the frame adds a marginal amount of weight over the RC, it integrates Bianchi’s Countervail vibration-damping technology and features more elaborate paint schemes. Pro builds retain the integrated carbon cockpit and roll on 33mm Velomann Palladium carbon wheels, paired with Ultegra or Force groupsets.

The entry-level Comp tier uses a standard carbon layup without Countervail and switches to a two-piece Velomann alloy bar and stem, though the frame remains compatible with the integrated cockpit. Comp models are equipped with 105, Rival, or Ultegra electronic groupsets and share the same 33mm Velomann carbon wheels as the Pro, offering the core Specialissima handling at a more accessible price point.

Comp Shimano Ultegra Di2 12sp

Price TBD

YTB46

Comp SRAM Rival AXS E1 12sp

Price TBD

YVB48

Pro Shimano Ultegra Di2 12sp

Price TBD

YUB45

Pro SRAM Force AXS E1 12sp

Price TBD

YVB43

RC Arkea B&B Hotels Replica

Price TBD

YTB04

RC Dura-Ace Di2 12sp w/ Powermeter

Price TBD

YUB42

RC Founder Edition

Price TBD

YVBFS

RC Pantani Super Record WRL 13sp

Price TBD

YVBPN

RC SRAM Red eTap AXS 12sp w/ Powermeter

Price TBD

YUB40

Reviews

Reviewers consistently praise the Specialissima for its immediate acceleration and climbing prowess. The frame’s high torsional stiffness translates power efficiently, making it "bonkers light, crazy fast, and just silly fast on basically any road" (Cycling News). On descents, the bike maintains composure rather than feeling nervous, with one tester noting it "feels calm with purposeful, not jittery steering" (YouTube).

While the chassis itself is highly regarded, the stock tire specification on the top-tier RC models drew widespread criticism. The factory-fitted 26mm Pirelli TT tires prioritize straight-line speed over grip and puncture protection, leading multiple reviewers to note they "struggle in the corners" (Cycling News) on wet or broken pavement. Swapping to wider, tubeless-ready rubber is universally recommended to improve both traction and ride quality.

Ride comfort varies significantly by frame tier. The Pro model, which features Bianchi’s Countervail technology, is lauded for its ability to mute road chatter. Reviewers found that this viscoelastic material effectively "turns vibrations into thuds" (Velo), allowing the bike to remain stiff under power without punishing the rider over long distances. The RC model, lacking this damping layer, delivers a firmer, more uncompromising race feel.