With the comeback of sponsorship this season, namely Marco Pantani's team Mercantone Uno, we are more than likely to see an increase in the purchase of the famous blue (green?) bicycles.
The bicycle on test is my own personal steed, a Bianchi Neuron frame and fork, fitted with a full DA 9s Gruppo, except for the b/b which is Ultegra 9s. The more I think about it, the more sense it makes to install Ultegra B/B instead of DA, it is a better simpler design, easier to install, but a little heavier.
The finish on the frame is very good, but not perfect. There are a few places where there are tiny dimples on the finish, but in all honesty, you probably need a magnifying glass to see them. It seems durable, with a good thick clearcoat over the Bianchi transfers/paint-ons. The rear chain stays are chromed and it looks nice.
The colour is one you either love or hate, and I love it. The lugwork is exceptional, although I havent checked the frame for alignment, everything rides straight on the road. Weight on the frame and forks is light. The whole bike comes up at approx 9.5kg, which I think is light for any steel frame. It is a little heavier in the rear end than I would have expected for such a bike. Actually, when I swap the wheels for my mavic GL330 race wheels, this bike becomes seriously light.
Steering is twitchy yet stable. The combination of an ovalised downtube, flared seatstays and oversize other tubes creates a stiff but smooth ride. The forks are great too, light and aero, made out of Neuron tubing as well.
I fitted the bike out totally with DA9s, ITM Eclypse bars, ITM handlebars, CXP 30's 32 hole, laced 3x with straight guage sapim spokes, American classic seatpost (27.2) and an avocet 02 ti saddle.
This bike is awesome!
When I first rode this bike for a short distance, it was a little long for me. Seat tube is 55cm c-t, coupled with a 55cm top tube. The combination of the seat all the way back and 140mm Eclyplse stem, put me a little stretched out. Moving the seat forward 1cm made it a lot more comfortable and improved control as well.
One great thing about this bike, is that you're not just riding a "bike", you're riding a piece of cycling history. Bianchi is a company steeped in tradition and it shows in this bike.
This bike is great on the road. Currently this is the best bike I have ever ridden, its smooth, stiff (probably got to do with the short 39.5cm chainstays), compliant and has "that" feel about it. There was no noticible flex in the b/b area at all. It makes you wanna ride for hours on end. Steering is twitchy yet stable. The combination of an ovalised downtube, flared seatstays and oversize other tubes creates a stiff but smooth ride. The forks are great too, light and aero, made out of Neuron tubing as well. Point the bike in a direction and it goes there in straight line. Need to suddenly change direction, no worries, its as quick as a track bike (almost!). I really like riding this bike, it has that classic feel of an italian roadie, but it doesnt feel out of place in the local crits. The relaxed angles are great for me, I can get back right behind the b/b and just grind away.
Like I said before, this is currently the best bike Ive ridden. Id love to get a set of c/f forks and give that a go and see what difference it would make.
5 words to sum this bike up - light, stiff, comfortable, lively, smooth, "the best" (Its more than five, but this bike deserves it).