Bicycles

On test: Bianchi Methanol SL Team Edition 2011

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Parent Category: Bicycles

Category: Bianchi

Published on Monday, 05 July 2010 08:22

Written by Luca Salvatelli

Is Team Bianchi TX Active's bike, light and stiff, is one of the best XC bike

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For 2011 Bianchi has rightly decided to confirm the model Methanol SL, which receives no changes to the technical level, but an upgrade of graphics and other assemblies, which follow, also, the evolution of the various components. During the Test Press Bianchi 2011, we had the chance to try the new model Methanol SL Team Edition 2011, perfect replica of the bike came with Team Bianchi TX Active. A long test, but obviously not so conclusive and complete as we usually do, but sufficient to give a first global assessment on the bike. We reserve, therefore, the ability to change any opinion in any future tests that might put even more to "whip" a bike at this level. Methanol SL frame is designed with the intent to create a cross-country bike that would fully satisfy the needs of enthusiasts and athletes demanding a competitive bike on any road with the "Queens" (or ex- Queens) market. That was the goal right now to make a frame at the top for stiffness and lightness. To achieve this goal Methanol SL frame is made of carbon monocoque, unidirectional surface finish. The carbon used is a mix of three different types of carbon fiber Toray T700 and 40T-30T. The 40T is a very high modulus carbon, the 30T is a carbon fiber intermediate form, but with a high tensile strength and good elastic capacity (both these values are higher than 40T), the T700 is always a carbon intermediate, but offers greater capacity than the elastic 40T and 30T. Using this mix of carbon fiber, arranged in different ways according to different areas of the frame, has developed a new technology for the realization of the frame tubes, particularly the oblique and horizontal pipe, called "Triple Wall Tube". This process is to place the skins of composite material to form three walls thin after baking process are a seamless tube monocoque, but with a dual chamber, which improves the rigidity of the tube and reduces the weight. That the two tubes, although good section are not particularly large, the inner core can have a high value of stiffness with a reduced cross section, compared with a classic tube. The rigidity of the frame is further enhanced by a series of stiffening ribs around the bottom bracket and head tube. These ribs are made with a technique called "Embedded Reinforcement Construction" which are integrated and molded strengthening ribs obtained with different skins around the nodal points of the composite frame structure. The head tube is short and with headset FSA 1 inch and 1/8, well proportioned and connected to the tube and oblique. The central movement is with oversized bearings and accommodates standard BB30. The rear has been made with a design called "Shock Assorbing Stays", a form "S" of vertical pipes, construction of a composite laminate with carbon fibers and glass that increases the capacity to absorb vibration and impacts from rear dropouts without weakening the lateral and torsional stiffness of the frame. The tubes of the lower rear are generously sized, and those tall, who just a characteristic shape. The dropouts are forged aluminum. Dictated a solution for greater rigidity. This, plus a dedicated beat chain, not present in the sample photos in a plate alloy that protects the frame in case of contact with the chain. 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. Team Edition model is assembled with the group Sram XX 2x10v; are part of the grop the front and rear derailleur, the chain, the sprocket 11-36 and controls. The crankset is, instead, FSA, model K-Force 386 Light BB30 with 39/27 crowns, while the brakes and their controls with carbon levers are Magura, Marta SL model. The Magura fork is a Durin MD100R RMLO; wheels are excellent Mavic Crossmax SLR Disc supplemented with Hutchinson tires Cobra. The stem is always FSA OS-99 CSI model, aluminum coated with carbon, and the handlebar is always FSA K-Force Flat model, carbon 3k. The Ritchey WCS seatpost is, the saddle is Selle San Marco custom. Bottle cage Elite is, while sonoTime ATAC XS Carbon pedals. Three sizes available.

The road test

The Methanol SL is without doubt a great frame, with a great achievement, a perfect surface finish of carbon and very fine graphics. Belle and features the reinforcement ribs on the head tube and bottom bracket. High quality assembly and also refined the Blue background graphics. Beautiful saddle dedicated knobs. Difficult to find a flaw in this assembly, the most fastidious could say the lack of canteen door carbon fiber, an aesthetic more than technical. Riding position is geared to maximum control of the bicycle with a location that is too upright, but not too long. Better than the FSA flat bar and the grip offered by the knobs; always useful appendices. The controls are easily accessible. Here we go! And right now shows the excellent frame rigidity, with particular reference to the bottom bracket and crankset (which we already tested). Also the smoothness of the wheels (including those already tested) and the same crank is excellent and this leads to perfect performance, flat-bottom paths and compact, as well as transfers on asphalt. There are good tires, a compromise between smoothness and grip. The steps are quick and accurate report, the trip lever included, but not very fluid, when compared with a Shimano XTR. The range of relationships always leads to having the right metric development, thanks to the overall lightness of the bike. The noise level in steps of relationship is not high. The brakes are excellent, you can brake hard with one finger, always a correct sensitivity control lever that leads to high scalability, are also very resistant fadding and not lose effectiveness even if repeatedly called into action. The varied range, although there is no chance to test different settings. Uphill, very steep, we appreciate the excellent traction of the rear, and good directionality of the front wheel. Unlike other competitors, no need to move the weight forward to get a good support of the front wheel to the ground, while other geometries where entering a crisis, always with the front wheel off the ground here, you always have good control, perhaps minimum, but above the competition and just slightly forward with your torso to get all the control you need. The comfort on bumpy remains good, despite the hard seat and seat integrated penalizes this. Apparently the S conformation of the tubes of the rear runs high. In the most driven and close has good handling, less than other competitors, but not much. The advantage of this bike is its overall balance; very handy is not, as some of its direct rivals, but more precise control, more stability and with greater safety at high speeds. It can, therefore, to better control the bike, it fits into the curve more accurately and you can put the wheels where ever you want, with an example. So what could be lost in the entry speed in curves and during fast changes of direction, it is earned, and even more in other places, where you can always take the best spot to spend. Better then the trim at speed where the steering remains firmly and securely in his hands. It is strong, but without having the impression of an excessive risk, as happens on many competitors. The rigidity of the frame, then a beneficial impact on overall performance, so it is clear the excellent power transmission to the rear wheel, as, aided by light weight, easy to keep a rapport longer than you would usually. This allows you to easily overcome gradients also very high. The optimal share of cycling, facilitates performance in single track where you always guess the "groove" just as in the forest below, where the front wheel, and even leaves the ground move, always remains under control, while the back is always able to transfer the power of pedalling. Therefore essentially a perfect bike, but not very handy, with an enviable balance that makes it a winner in a race where there are tight corners only to be faced, excellent frame rigidity and the quality of the components taken, stable and easy to ride in all conditions, safe even at high speeds, a model that is at the top for the competitive Cross Country. A perfect bike for the agonist, but also caters to the enthusiast. On the other hand the validity of Methanol SL has been repeatedly demonstrated by the athletes of Team TX Active. The quick test revealed the undeniable positive aspects and the absence of real defects. For a more detailed opinion we should try other calibrations of the fork and tire pressures. Just as there is no chance to try the bike with mud or in other situations, such as bottom with stones, etc..

Positive aspects

Constructing quality frame

Assembly quality

Low weight

Rigid frame

Stability and driving safety

Precision driving

Rear wheel traction

Braking

Balance between handling and stability

Negative aspects

None (We reserve the right to change impression in a subsequent test)

Price

Has not yet been officially informed

To learn more:

Bianchi

Website: www.bianchi.com