Bicycles

Focus on: Bianchi Methanol SL

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Parent Category: Bicycles

Category: Bianchi

Published on Thursday, 03 June 2010 12:23

Written by Luca Salvatelli

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Bianchi has completely revolutionized in 2010 for its flagship XC going to make one of the best new frame for the season: the Methanol SL. The result of a new project if the new frame in a series of technical innovations that have enabled the Methanol to reduce weight and improve rigidity than the previous model. The new frame, always monocoque is made from high modulus carbon, using three different types of carbon fiber Toray T700 and 40T-30T. The special tube is to be made with a new technology called “Triple Wall Tube” which is to build a wall inside the tube, which creates a double room, improving the rigidity. This implementation process is applied to the tube is horizontal bars. The rigidity of the frame is further increased, then making a series of stiffening ribs around the key points of the frame as the bottom bracket and head tube. Another peculiarity is the highest of the rear tubes, shaped them, which improves the shock absorption without affecting the lateral and torsional stiffness. The frame is available in three sizes, has a very short head tube, with conventional bearings 1 inch and 1/8, but with a generous section of the tube, which, then, is well connected to the tube and oblique, both good section, but not excessive. Obviously the double chamber inside the tube can have high levels of rigidity without resorting to over-size section. Good size the bottom bracket that houses the standard BB30. The tube, embraces the pipe, and joins with the high pipes of the rear, heavier, like the horizontal ones. Well protected is the passage of the chain, so as to avoid collisions and broken frame. The vertical tube houses the integrated seat post, but there is a kit to transform the traditional bike seat post. The frame has a declared weight of 1170 grams, an excellent value, and is available in two colours: on a white or black. The bike is then proposed, as well as in the kit frame, three different assemblages: Methanol SL 9900, SL 9700 Methanol, Methanol SL 9500. The top range version, the Methanol SL 9900, assembled the group Sram XX. Equipped with headset FSA ORBIT ZS + Carbon top cup, fork Magura Durin Race MD100R RCL (100 mm travel) with Remote Control Lever. The group has adopted the new 10-speed SRAM XX, with controls, front and rear derailleur, crankset 42/28T BB30, chain and sprocket set 11/36. The brakes and levers are Magura Marta SL. The wheel base is the excellent Mavic Crossmax SLR Disc, but can be requested at extra cost, even the Fulcrum Racing Zero red/black 2Way-Fit, the DT Swiss XCR 1250 Disc, or the XLR Fulcrum Racing Light Carbon clincher. The Hutchinson Cobra tires are 26x2.10 Tubeless Ready. Stem is excellent FSA OS-99 CSI, aluminum coated with carbon, while the handlebar is always Fsa, Model K-Force Flat Carbon 3k. The seatpost is Ritchey WCS Stubby, the saddle is Selle San Marco Aspide Carbon FX Arrowhead. The pedals are the excellent Time ATAC XS Carbon. Finally bottle cage Elite Custom Race is a carbon. A bike, and then assembled with components and excellent race ready. Excellent choice of being able to complete with different wheels. The bike has repeatedly demonstrated its competitiveness at the highest levels, is, at least for 2010, one of the best XC bikes on the market. The price of the kit frame is about 1,500 euros, while the bike so he assembled a cost of 6,190 Euros. The frame kit is competitively priced, is reduced if the cost of the complete bike is still proportional to the value of the components used. Interesting, but the prices of Methanol SL 9700, assembled with the group Sram X0, Euro 4190 and Methanol SL 9500, assembled with Shimano XT, 3350 Euro. These two proposals are best suited to those who do not use the bike purely competitive, or better not racing to high levels. In any case a very competitive bike.