Bianchi's 2021 Specialissima has gotten lighter but also more aero and integrated and is disc brakes only. But have they ruined it? www.bianchi.com/ Follow me: Instagram: / davidjarthur Twitter: / davearthur
@@trroland1248 I actually don't want fully hidden cables, just the way they are at the front right now is much easier for maintenance. What sucks for the new TCR I think is proprietary seatpost, kinda proprietary stems and hookless only rims (which are not compatible with gp5k clinchers).
I think you’re right about the new shape, David. When there’s nothing between bikes these days things like appearance means a lot and would sway a lot of buyers. Also 30mm clearance is preferred as it allows for a 28 on a wide wheel.
With brands like Rose and Canyon, even Giant, I find it hard to justify a 5k price tag for ultegra mechanical. I'd love a Bianchi or Specialized, but I wonder if their ride quality justify the price opposed to e.g. Rose
I have to be honest, Canyon is leaving that market. New Aeroad with Ultegra is €3800 without even integrated cables as all competitors do these days. 105 for 3400 is also not in the "affordable" category anymore. You do get disc brakes, but no pedals included. Perhaps some personal modifications and you're easily over 3.5k while still riding 105. Of course, it's the aero model but hiding behind "direct to consumer" doesn't go anymore. Look at Merida and Orbea, just 2 examples that offer integrated cables at the lower pricepoint, while mechanical Ultegra does not have to be expensive. That's some nice money left to spend on wheels (while also being able to bring it to you local reseller if there are any issues whatsoever). Even the 6 years warranty on a Canyon is not really special anymore. Have to say this hurts since it's a bloody nice bike and probably still worth the money compared to the bike in this video. Little side-note as edit: I do not believe the integrated cables for the Canyon are worth the price jump. Very aesthetic, but functionally not that advantageous for the person working on the bike.
@daAnder71 let's be honest, that heritage and history is not worth that much of the price. Also, that heritage does shouldn't cost the firm that much money. Furthermore, canyon sure is paving a way as a brand that won't be forgotten so soon ;). I would understand the premium difference between Bianchi and Rose, but Canyon? No, Bianchi is getting a bit crazy in the head.
They totally ruined it. The old one was my dream bike for a while, but now looking for a disc brake bike, this just doesn't do it for me. The head tube and the horrible seat post / top tube junction just ruin it Not very elegant looking. IMO, they should have focussed more on a classic bike with integration (because it just looks better) that rides amazingly well, without any care for aero.
I know man. The least they could've done is to let us choose between discs and rims. But I suppose it is what it is. Anyway. One less bike to take into consideration when I'd be out looking for a new one. I am literally praying colnago doesn't go in the same direction either their C series bikes or even their V series for that matter
Bike is gorgeous David! My new Emonda SLR takes 28mm - even 30mm at push which I think is enough for a high performance bike. 32mm tyres on wide rims would look too big wouldn’t it?
i actually think it looks really nice, the tubes have a slight resemblance to the previous model and i think it still looks pretty classy, it is a shame though that if you want a "normal" bike these days you have to buy a specialized aethos lol
I agree with you, David. Bianchi ruined the Specialissima. It *was* the bike that honored the styling of their prized racing machines of the past with its elegant beauty, but with this new version you are right -- it's just another aero wannabe among an already crowded field of such road bikes. I own a 2016 celeste Specialissima with a matte finish and Campagnolo Super Record gruppo. I didn't want electronic shifting, was glad that it only came with rim brakes, and that it resembled the classic lines of Bianchi's earlier race machines. I wouldn't buy the new Specialissima. It's lost its classic beauty.
In my price range integrated cables are irrelevant, because fully internally routed mechanical gears are not great, and electronic is way above my price range.
I own the "old" model and I ride a 28mm in the back, so the clearance was already there! Anyway this disc trend is pissing me off quite a bit, I'd like to have the possibility to choose...
@@graysonwolf1216 I'm using the Veloflex Corsa 28mm (yes Veloflex, not Vittoria) mounted on the original wheels the bike came with (Fulcrum Racing Zero) and I have no rub. I can't tell about cables since i'm using Di2 shifters, but the bike was designed to clear 28mm tires both front and rear, so maybe your cable routing on yours isn't optimal.
Yep, agreed, forcing us to have a more flaffy braking system that doesn't even stop quicker. It is all about moving more product. As you have to change everything.
I actually think they did a nice job with this, however as with many other brands these days I think their paint and graphics/designs have lacked greatly over the years. Add that on top of the fact nearly every bike looks or uses the same cookie cutter frame design adds up to some boring products with a super high price tag. I think the brands that let you customize the paint are at least a step ahead of the rest.
Hidden cables is nice, aero shaped tubes, stiffness and power transfer is all your missing... I think it reminds me of Willier. If it's competitively priced Id get it over a TCR
This lightweight-disc-only trend bugs me. Otherwise I actually like the look of the new version, and also like those slightly aero twisted all-rounders (Addict, Tarmac). ...but for me as a hobby rider a good blend of ride quality, weight and simplicity (within a given budget) is key! ...time to grab one of the last remaining kinda budget friendly rimbrake lightweight bike options✌️
I have the older (2020) model and I'm so glad I got that model rather than this one. It's lost what made it different, it's now just one of a whole set of bikes that are cloning the same design brief. They all are going lightweight, aero, disk and integrated. The old shape was aesthetics / form over function, a modern classic but the new Specialissima just doesn't do it for me.
@@darrenbarlow5759 not sure this is the right place to make my review, but fyi… I bought the Caledonia (non 5) to replace my 2010 Cervélo RS. The RS is still a very good bike but it won’t accept larger than 23c tires (51 cm frame), and the white paint is turning to yellow in some areas. Still very comfortable and responsive… on nice roads. I rode on 18c when I was a teen… OMG. I wanted (to able) to put at least 32c tires on a somewhat non-racing / performance bike. For more than a year, the BMC Roadmachine 02 Three was my first choice, but none available of my size in lbs, unless special order and not sold by my favorite bike shop. Second option was the Argon18 Krypton GF. This is a great bike but didn’t buy it because my favorite bs don’t sell Argon18 and I didn’t like so much the kinked fork. Probably as good or better than the Caledonia though. There was also the Cannondale Synapse Carbon Disc but got turned off by the BB30a bottom bracket and non-Shimano crankset. This bike is getting old and I assume it will be updated soon. I was also interested in the beautiful Bianchi Infinito XE but none was available in my size and I wasn’t sure about the geometry. I didn’t want mechanical devices such as future shock or isospeed so no Specialized or Trek. (Plea$e keep bike$ $imple with le$$ part$ likely break or impo$$ible to repair in a few year$...) But I like the duotap and the small box in the downtube of the Domane. So, when I lift it, the Caledonia feels heavier (disc brakes, wider aluminum rims instead of RS80, and tires) than my RS. Maybe I am just not used to it yet, but it doesn’t feel as quick to enter a sharp turn than the RS. But it surely wants to go fast. Put some pressure on the pedals and hop you go! It feels very stiff laterally but very comfortable on bad roads. I can’t say if it’s the frame, the tires or a combination of both. I don’t slow don’t when the road gets bad and I like that! I didn’t really notice the weight difference while climbing (I am not a racer). I like the accessory computer mount and the use of standard stem and seatpost. I also like the “see-through clear”, “non-painted” look of the black frame. I don’t care about the visible cables at the front. I am actually getting tired of the “full integration” trend, just like the “full aero” trend of a few years ago… I chose the mechanical Ultegra because the price difference with DI2 is not going to make me any faster and I am almost certain it will be wireless in a year or two. Wires are so outdated ;-) Anyway, I think all cyclists expecting a certain performance level out of their bike should consider the Caledonia. Is it better than the others? Can’t say. They are all about the same. You will have to choose the geometry first, then the brand after, I think.
@@sebastiengagnon7510 thank you! Yes the Caledonia is very appealing due to the size tires it will take and also that it's sort of a combo race bike/endurance bike. I had a bike fitting recently so i have all my measurements for whatever bike I get next. Thanks again!
I do like the looks of it should have dropped the seat stays and let it take up to a 30mm tire minimum. Do like the fact that they have the externa cables in the downtube which is nice.
Have they ruined it?... I think they already did, with the last model "rattle can" Black stripe. Now this new bike needs to be able to take bigger tyres, but they should also have made a new rim version, rather than refreshing the graphics of the 2020 model. I am not a fan of the new oversize, outline graphics either.
You said it man! These sort of frames have little to do with racing (although they can). In 2015, Bianchi is leading this concept well before giants of the industry even thought of it. A bike meant for the avid, non racing cyclist. Much like the GT sports car. Fast but not bone shaking. The 2015 frame design embodies a traditional looking frame but built with present day tech. A beautiful frame. Looks like the new frame has lost its soul.
The good news is that the rim brake version is still available for 2021, personally I think the rim version is a better looking bike than this new disc version, I’m not against discs, I have them on my winter bike, but I prefer the rim version of the Specialissima, so much so, I already have one Specialissima which is the Pantani Oropa Anniversary which I love, not just because I was a Pantani fan, but how the bike rides and handles, I like it so much I have just bought a second one so that I don’t trash the Pantani one, I had the option of ordering the new disc frame, or the rim version in the new 2021 colour way, my LBS spoke to Bianchi who confirmed they would continue to manufacture the rim brake bike, a wise decision in my mind as they had achieved the perfect balance of comfort, light weight, responsiveness and handling. I’m not sold on Aero frames, as a light rider I am faster on climbs on the Specialissima than I am on my more aerodynamic Oltre, most of my riding is in the hills so the Specialissima for me anyway is by far my favourite bike, as for countervail I find my Specialissima more comfortable on 25 tyres than my Trek Domane winter bike with Isospeed and 30mm tyres!
With disk and some aero and super light weight it's essentially the same as Specialized 7. Yet as always it's not quite as nice as Specialized. This has less to do with engineering and more to do with incumbent backroom businesses making it more expensive for some and less for others.
@@hannawald2 that frame is mislabeled, they call it a 57 but the top tube is actually 56. 556 is huge for a 56, you'd need a massively dropped stem. That doesn't even start on the short reach, even the largest bike (58.5cm) has only 398mm reach, with a gigantic 595mm stack. Short and tall, pure endurance bike
@@galenkehler I know it is 56, but Cannondale Supersix at this size (56) is stack 574 for example, Colnago V3RS is even taller. Giant TCR is 562mm, so Bianchi in my size is among those with very aggresive geometry. Maybe it is different for larger sizes..
@@hannawald2 definitely more so in the larger sizes, the largest size actually only grows taller without changing reach! At the end of the day if you can find something that fits its all good
@@galenkehler not really:) that’s a frequent mistake, but reach is measured at stack height. And due to fork degree angle it decreases by about 3mm per one cm of stack. So if you take 59 and 61 size with both having 398 reach in geometry chart, but 61 is 2cm higher in stack, it means that 61 is actually about 6mm longer. In other words if you take 59 and put there 2 cm of spacers to achieve the same height as 61 frame, 59 will be about 6mm shorter at that height..so 59 has 398 reach at 575 stack and 61 has 398 at 595 stack. 59 size frame at 595 stack height will have reach like 392.
It looks better now. We need to learn to just accept that exposed cables and round tubings are just relics of a past era which is doing nothing it hold the sport back. Full integration, disc and tubeless are here to stay. If you don’t like it, then you are free to quit the sport. Given how the market is choosing to spend, I’m sure that your presence wont be missed
Much prefer its predecessor. This looks like "any other bike". A bike with the name "special" in its name should be.....wait for it......wait for it..... SPECIAL. Unfortunately, to me, this is not.
As Jumbo Visma were using the Oltra XR-4 even in the mountains, it's clear they didn't think the old Specialissima was suitable for the pro peleton so it's no surprise that Bianchi are launching an upgrade that meets modern racing standards. Such a shame that they can't offer something more classic looking for us regular punters, however. Particularly as Specialized have evidently realized there is a market for exactly that. Also, I like the new colour but it's not Bianchi celeste
I think in my opinion Bianchi made a stupid mistake. They should go both ways one selling rim brakes and also disc brakes that way people out there will have the option to choose.. it will be double the profit for their company Bianchi.. I have a Bianch 2005 boron steel Celeste white I wanted to buy a Bianchi simplisima 2021 but they came out disc brakes only decided to keep my bike and upgrade to campagnolo 12 speed record on my old Bianchi instead..
Who chose the font for the 'Specialissima' logo on this bike? It's terrible! I don't think this bike is as nice as the old one - definitely lost a bit of it's cool. And some of the custom colour options are truly awful. Come on Bianchi!
Climbing bike with disc brakes = that is ridicilous. Races are won on climbs 99.9% in pro peleton not on downhills. Climbing bike needs to be as light as possible. And every bike with discs weights 550-600 grams more than its rim brake counterpart. Generally you pay here premium price to get bike with weights like aluminum low price bike with rim brakes. That sucks.
I saw a specialissima frameset a few weeks ago. It was gorgeous and stand out the most with the iconic paint. This is ellegant but... i don't know, I prefer the old one. For a race bike I can't say very much about the brake. A disk is good for descending. But yet again, they should have rim option. It's kind of a bummer that there's not much aero features on it.
Why why why does the industry have to force disc brake on us? I can see where entry level riders might benefit but no one buying a $5,000 frame is a beginner and we don’t need a nanny forcing us to buy disc brake when we are skilled and experienced enough to know how to ride and want that sublime ride quality rim brake bikes offer. I ride an Oltre XR4 rim bike and will never buy a disc brake bike.
"want that sublime ride quality rim brake bikes offer" You need to check your rims bro, if you ride on your brakes. You should never neglect your rims that much.
@@channul4887 huh? Are intimating that because I ride rim brake I will wear my rims down and that’s why I should ride disc brake? I’ve never had to replace my wheels because I wore down the brake track. I ride 10,000 miles a year and climb AND descend 1,000,000 feet a year lots of it on 10-20% grades never had a problem with not having enough brakes or wearing out wheels.
Actually they are not, and physics says so not me. It was only introduced to remedy carbon clincher failures due to overheating. They don't stop a cm quicker in the dry, bexause more powerful brakes DOESN'T make you stop quicker.
@@waynosfotos every modern vehicle that needs to stop effectively has disc breaks. Not sure where you are getting your scientific information from. Anyway good luck finding a bike with rim breaks. There are very few on the market now, in 5 years time they won’t exist.
@@jeffcoulter7181 ha ha it is funny what people believe. Disc brakes or bigger disc brakes DO NOT make a car stop quicker, it is about fade around a track. Why do you think modern cars have ABS? Because powerful brakes lock up and you just slide loosing control of the vehicle, so the brakes are modulated on and off to reduce the braking force. It is a same with a bike. You brake to hard you go over the handlebars, same with rim or disc. That my friend is the braking limit. Please people don't believe myths, in fact, have you ever heard a bike manufacturer claim they stop quicker? I haven't, because they can't.
@@waynosfotos off subject a little Waynos. Do you drive a car with drum breaks, guessing no because like rim breaks on bikes are not as good. Disc breaks on bikes have better modulation, so more control and do stop better in all situations and in the wet about 100% better. They also don’t destroy your very expensive carbon rim.That is a proven scientific fact. But let me guess you don’t believe the science. You stick to your wagon wheel technology. 😉
@@jeffcoulter7181 Jeff Jeff Jeff, you saying it is a proven fact, is mute, because you haven’t researched it have you? Or know anything about drum brakes, I have driven many drum brakes because I have been around a bit longer than you. They stop fine and they are still used today on commercial vehicles and have design advantages. Cars are not really like bikes anyway and all technologies have pros and cons. But one thing is for sure! With all vehicles more powerful brakes don’t stop quicker! If you are really interested, I am making a vid about it on my channel. There is even VIDS about car brakes being bigger and how they don’t stop quicker. It is actually a proven fact! Disc brakes and bigger brakes stopping quicker is a complete myth, on all vehicles. Instead of assuming a disc on a bike “works better” because it is new and flashy, maybe go do some research before trashing, “Na sayers” on RU-vid which know a little more than you about this technology.
Specialissima!! Not specialissimO!! I have the original one and it’s a m a z i n g definitely do NOT like this one - poor from Bianchi following the herd and losing their roots
