Bike Setup: Bianchi Freccia Celeste frame and fork (in liquigas paint scheme). ITM K-Sword handlebars. ITM carbo stem. ITM Millenium carbon seatpost. Fizik Arione saddle. Campy Chorus gruppo. TIME RXS Carbo pedals.
Summary: This bike is great. While it's not the lightest frame out there (about 3.2 pounds frame and fork). However, the bike rides incredibly "light". It's a very direct bike in that the second you put a tiny bit of force behind the pedals you're launched forward. It climbs better than any bike I've ever ridden. I like the ride a bit more than I like the ride of my dad's Orbea Orca (Which climbs like a beast in its own right).
Strengths: Stiffness. Power transfer. Climbing.
Weaknesses: The stiffness and rigidity of the frame may not be what some people are looking for.
Similar Products Used: Bianchi Veloce, Orbea Orca, Scott CR1, Specialiez Tarmac
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Bike Setup: Full Carbon Record 10 Group, FSA K-Force Cranks, ITM K-Sword Wing Bars with matching Stem, Campy Eurus Wheelset, Vittoria open pro's. Fizik saddle.
Summary: I had the opportunity to pick up this bike at a price that still has me checking over my shoulder.
This is by far one of the most incredible bikes I have thrown a leg over. I used to despise Aluminum bikes after selling my last Cannondale. And I must say that this bike embodies all that is good about Aluminum, with none of the annoying buzzing,rattling drawbacks. I can ride it all day long, It is the fastest bike I own, (I have 7 other road bikes). And it carries speed like no other.
This bike is ABSOLUTLEY beautiful ( I have the Extreme Celeste version)It gets compliments anywhere we go.
Strengths: Buy one if you can still find one. You will have no regrets.
Super Fast, Stiff where it needs to be, and Comfortable for the long haul.
Pretty enough even your wife will notice it...
Weaknesses: Bianchi stopped making it, Too Pretty to ride in the rain.
Pretty enough your wife will notice it...
Similar Products Used: I currently have in my Quiver... Bianchi Ti-Mega tube, Bianchi EV Boron, Bianchi 928 Carbon, Lemond Victorie Ti/Carbon Spine bike, Lemond Malloit Juane Steel/Carbon spine, Lemond Zurich 853 Steel, and a Lemond Tete de Course Full Ti.
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Bike Setup: 2006 Record Group
Campy Proton wheel set...(bulletproof)
Ritchey WCS stem
Deda 215 shallow-drop bars
Fizik Aliante Saddle
Thomson Elite Non-setback Post
Continental Attack/Force Tires (No flats in over 5,000 miles!)
Elite Patao Carbon Cages
Look Keo Carbon Pedals (Fantastic quality w/o the squeaks)
Summary: Purchased as frameset and built up with 2006 Campagnolo Record Group. The Celeste Extreme paint with inlaid down tube "Bianchi" logo is one of the most beautiful paint finishes you will ever see. Even the full carbon Deda fork has Celeste flake in it. The carbon rear triangle smooths things out just a tad over my XL EV2. This bike roars up hills and is stiff as hell, a characteristic that I love. The finish has held up fantasticaly....a miracle given the 3-roads that have been tared and chipped here in Western PA that I frequently ride.
Strengths: Fit and finish....simply gorgeous.
Quality of materials is 2nd to none.
Rides like you are glued on rails...stable as can be.
Weaknesses: None as of yet
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Bike Setup: 2005 Freccia Celeste HC - 54 cm
Fulcrum R1 Silver Wheelset
Full 10 sp Dura Ace
ITM Sword Handlebars/Stem
Fizik Arione Saddle
Summary: Not the lightest, but arguably the best overall frameset available from Bianchi in 2005. I ride with a dozen or so racers regularly, most of which have ridden multiple frames from Bianchi to include ML3, SL3, EV3 (very similar), EV4, Titanium, and FG Lite.
Strengths: Stiff, light, very responsive. Ordered frameset in Celeste, this comes with a pearl finish that is just stunning in daylight.
Weaknesses: You may need to ease up a bit for your riding buddies laboring on those full carbon rigs during your training rides, seriously ;)
Similar Products Used: 2004 Bianchi ML3.
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