The Bianchi Specialissima 2027 is completely renewed to be faster on flat terrain and just as light in the mountains

For years, the Bianchi Specialissima has been synonymous with climbing bikes. Lightweight, responsive, and designed for the big climbs, it has always held a very defined place in the catalog of the Italian brand compared to more aerodynamic models. But times have changed. Professional cycling no longer distinguishes so clearly between mountain bikes and aero bikes, and brands are now looking for machines capable of performing at their best in any scenario. The new Specialissima is born precisely with that aerolight philosophy.

Bianchi completely renews the Specialissima: lighter, faster, and now also more aero

Bianchi has just presented the new generation of its most emblematic bike, and it does so with a profound revision that affects practically all its elements. The result is a bike that maintains its lightweight DNA but incorporates a significant aerodynamic load to become a true all-rounder. According to the brand itself, the new Specialissima is capable of saving 16 watts at 50 km/h compared to the previous generation.

This figure is not coincidental. While just a few years ago the main goal of a bike in this segment was to reduce grams, now the battle is also fought in the wind tunnel. Bianchi wanted to maintain the essence of the Specialissima but adapting it to the demands of modern cycling.

The lightest frame Bianchi has ever made

RECOMENDADO

Specialized Epic 9: Models, weight and prices for the entire new range

Pogacar will compete in the Tour de Suisse with a luxury team

Van Aert skips the altitude training camp, and Visma admits concerns ahead of the Tour

Lexus also releases its own bike, this is the Race Bike 2026

Decathlon updates the status of Seixas after his abandonment and sends a reassuring message ahead of the Tour

New generation Shimano DEORE: premium group technology comes to the mid-range

One of the most notable aspects of the launch is the weight of the new Specialissima RC frame. The most advanced version of the range weighs only 750 grams in size 55, which represents a reduction of 40 grams compared to the previous model while maintaining the same levels of structural stiffness.

Beyond the absolute figure, the merit lies in achieving that reduction while the bike incorporates much more advanced aerodynamic solutions than in the previous generation. The complete integration of the wiring, the new frame profiles, and the redesign of several components usually translate into weight increases, but Bianchi has managed to offset them through specific work on lamination and carbon construction.

The Pro version uses a slightly different structure and raises the frame weight to 850 grams, while both maintain Countervail technology as a differentiating element.

A more aero bike from the fork to the handlebars

The main evolution of the new Specialissima is not in the scale but in the aerodynamics. Bianchi has approached the project from a global perspective in which each component had to provide a measurable improvement.

The new fork represents one of the most important changes. According to data provided by the brand, it improves its aerodynamic efficiency by 17% compared to the previous design. This is complemented by a new carbon seat post with a D-shaped profile, a solution already common in the latest generation competition bikes due to its ability to reduce turbulence at the rear of the frame.

The most visible work appears at the cockpit. The new Specialissima features an integrated handlebar developed specifically for this model that, according to Bianchi, is 25% more aerodynamically efficient than the one used previously. Additionally, it adopts a slightly converging arrangement of the levers to favor a more natural hand position and improve both ergonomics and aerodynamic penetration.

This entire set allows for the overall improvement of 16 watts that Bianchi announces for this new generation, a figure that highlights how much aerodynamics has become a priority even for bikes traditionally focused on climbing.

The experience of Bahrain Victorious has been key

Although the frame is completely new, the geometry has hardly changed. This decision does not stem from a lack of ambition but from the conclusions drawn during development with the Bahrain Victorious riders.

The project leaders explain that the professionals were satisfied with the behavior of the previous generation and that the adjustments have mainly focused on optimizing the cockpit and the riding position. The goal was to improve aerodynamic efficiency without altering the riding sensations that characterize the Specialissima.

This approach reflects an increasingly widespread trend in the professional peloton, where manufacturers seek to gain speed through integration and aerodynamics without sacrificing handling or the rider's confidence in descents and technical areas.

Countervail remains one of its great hallmarks

In an era when many competition bikes dangerously approach the limits of comfort, Bianchi continues to bet on Countervail technology.

The new Specialissima incorporates an evolution of this vibration absorption system developed specifically for the Italian brand. According to Bianchi, the new formulation offers superior capability to filter vibrations from the asphalt without compromising the stiffness necessary for competitive performance.

The brand believes that this feature is especially important in fast descents or long competition days, where reducing fatigue can become a decisive factor. It is not just a matter of comfort but also of control and precision of handling when speed increases.

New RC 49R wheels for a more versatile bike

Another important novelty appears in the wheels developed by Reparto Corse.

The new RC 49R mounted on the RC and Pro versions use carbon rims with a 49-millimeter profile and an internal width of 25 millimeters. This combination perfectly reflects where the high-performance road market is currently evolving.

Just a few years ago, a bike aimed at climbing would have used much lower profiles. However, the improvement in aerodynamic efficiency and compatibility with wider tires has led manufacturers to seek more balanced solutions. Bianchi claims that these wheels improve comfort, reduce rolling resistance, and maintain excellent aerodynamic performance on all types of routes.

The wheels also meet the ASTM 2 standard, expanding the possibilities of use beyond the perfect asphalt traditionally associated with the most exclusive competition bikes.

Bianchi Specialissima 2027: models and prices

The new Specialissima will be available in three equipment levels.

At the top is the Specialissima RC, equipped with the new integrated RC cockpit, the RC 49R wheels, and SRAM Red AXS or Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 transmissions. Its price starts at 11,550 euros.

One step below is the Specialissima Pro, which retains much of the technology from the RC version, including the use of Countervail and the RC 49R wheels, with mounting options for SRAM Force AXS or Shimano Ultegra Di2. Its price is 7,700 euros.

The range is completed with the Specialissima, available with SRAM Rival AXS, Shimano Ultegra Di2, or Shimano 105 Di2 transmissions and a starting price of 5,200 euros.

All versions will be available in sizes 47, 50, 53, 55, 57, and 59.

Beyond the weight figures or the new components, the new Specialissima joins the aerolight trends that we are seeing more and more in competition.