Bicycles

On test: Bianchi Infinito Athena

Details

Parent Category: Bicycles

Category: Bianchi

Published on Monday, 14 December 2009 06:22

Written by Luca Salvatelli

The new Bianchi does not betray the expectations with high comfort and excellent performance

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 The new Bianchi ultimately leading to a debut novel frame, carbon fiber monocoque with carbon fiber and high modulus IM600 Toho UM40. On this frame was then applied nanotechnology, the carbon fiber surface receives a status of "nano tubes" infinite carbon particles, compacting the best possible surface covering every little crack (we're talking values infinitesimal) will enhance the rigidity and strength. The surface finish is carbon 3K. The geometry of this frame, like the entire range C2C, has been optimized for maximum comfort over long distances. C2C range, in fact, aims to bring great comfort to cyclists models over long distances without prejudice clearly the absolute performance, this concept is fundamental to the design of each model C2C and obviously characterizes the technical choices. With a longer wagon, a wheelbase (distance between the two wheels) longer, a longer head tube and a tube longer, we obtained a stable frame, from the comfort and with a good attitude in the saddle more comfortable. For example, a head tube is 125 millimeters long in the smaller size and well in the larger 225 millimeters, compared to 115 and 200 millimeters, the sportiest 928SL ISP. This, in particular, also help reduce the number of shims between attack and number of steering, increasing the rigidity of the steering itself. The top tube is curved to better absorb vibrations and shocks, while the down tube has a classic straight shape, but is differentiated according to the various proposed cuts. The seatpost tube adopted by 31.6 millimeters, as is the classic central movement, without visible areas struts. The series is traditional steering bearing 1 inch and 1/8, while the same head tube has an arcuate profile. The rear, as mentioned, is longer than the usual, to achieve stability and comfort. The tubes wagon technology BAT and K-VID - Kevlar Vibration Isolating Device, a solution of white through the use of inserts in Kevlar and a particular section, is able to obtain excellent lateral stiffness and with high power transmission, and a good vertical flexibility to achieve an excellent comfort on bumpy. Even the vertical pipes of the car have Kevlar inserts near the dropouts. The frame has a declared weight of 1080 grams. The fork is also new and designed for this model. Is a full carbon fork with blades semi rights with use of K-VID technology and declared weight of 365 grams. The bike is brought in 7 different sizes (47, 50, 53, 55, 57, 59, 61) and in four different colours: Blue White, Blue, Red, Orange, assembled groups Campagnolo (Chorus, Athena and Veloce) and Shimano (Ultegra and 105). The bike we tested the model is assembled with Campagnolo Athena and Fulcrum Racing 7 wheels, as an option you can take the Fulcrum Racing 5. The bike takes the group Athena in full, then brakes, controls, gearbox, derailleur, chain, sprocket and 12/25 compact crank aluminum. The stem FSA OS-190LX, handlebar FSA Wing Compact, the FSA SL-K seatpost and saddle Fi'zi: k Aliante Delta. The Elite Custom Race bottle cage is, but in our model is the classic Dr. Dobermann of Bianchi. The tires are Vittoria Rubino Pro and series steering is FSA. The pedals are not included. So assembled, in size 53, the bike has a weight detected with our instrumentation of 7.8 Kg

Road test

The new Bianchi Infinito appears well made and cured, the paint is shiny and covered with a thick layer of transparent, beautiful and edited the internal cable, well cared for points where the cables may come in contact with carbon. The only flaw a lack of protection that prevents any contact between the chain and rear lower sheath. Always nice bottle cage on Dr. Dobermann and refined collar Miche X-Carbon. For the wheels could be adopted as standard the Fulcrum Racing 5 (optional), as well as attack and turn the series could be slightly FSA SL-K. The components adopted, however, are excellent in quality and the overall weight of the bike is very competitive and easily improved by adopting a pair of wheels of the highest level. In the saddle takes the position that is natural, with the trunk that holds the excellent moderately inclined folds FSA Compact; quite good even the saddle, not light, but from the comfortable seat even over long distances, allowing for easy transportation and does not create obvious discomfort to the perineum. The ergonomics of the new commands Campagnolo no longer a novelty, allowing easy handling with a determined effort to change the content of reports and contained an excursion of the levers, even landslides controlled easily. The fold has a compact ergonomic grip that makes it easy to lower with a lower height difference with the high and the correct radius of the curve that does not tire your hands. Moving now, we can appreciate the high comfort of the bike. After much talk, at length of the wagon, wheel base etc.., we note that the representations made by engineers Bianchi was not just advertising. The driving comfort is excellent on layers, we can say with certainty after a long test that has also addressed several roads. Moreover, the stability of the bike is excellent, always seems to drive on a track, with reduced sensitivity to strong wind and a directionality always excellent, even at high speeds on bumpy. And 'a pleasure to draw the curves with surgical precision and minimal effort. This also allows a smaller commitment of leadership and a greater feeling of safety in all conditions. Conversely the entry of the corners are just slower, a little sacrifice, well balanced by stability, precision and driving safety always exemplary in every situation. The lightness of the bike pressed significant benefits in every situation, even if the feelings are the exact opposite. The geometries chosen to wear a bike very gradually in the reaction, so it seems that we raise in low speeds, the bike always seems to respond poorly to the demands of the pedals. In fact the opposite is true, with very good performance for the price range that owns the bike and also in absolute terms. Dear and the whole are getting along excel stability to nervous reactions and challenging to control, but is getting a long way and always in complete safety. Hill the stiffness of the bike and its low weight allow the provision of relief, but there is no real ground on which this model is in difficulty, perhaps only on very narrow paths, where stability, as mentioned, you pay a bit with insertions in the slower corners, but these situations much the limit. But the stability comes back in favor after the curve going down, where you can get up on the pedals to boost the action quite naturally and with easy control of the bike. The comfort of the highest level and the reduced effort required to control it, especially in critical situations such as on rough or wet conditions, leading to tire less and stay longer "fresh and shiny" longest outing to the benefit of personal performance . Wheels indicated their reliability and good smoothness, even if the frame would deserve well of other products, excellent as always, Vittoria Rubino Pro tires, sliding and more secure grip. Campagnolo Athena group, we have already spoken in the past and we refer to the detailed test, we reiterate here that the precision in steps of relationship and effective braking are its strengths, in addition to the excellent choice of relationships. In conclusion it seems that Bianchi has created a bike that perhaps goes beyond the expectations it had set. The comfort and safety while driving its elements are prominent, but the performance, as discussed in the test, are the real surprise, very good. A bike to modern amateur cyclists, but that performance can satisfy even the players. That is another flaw may be that not been made in versions Super Record and Dura Ace wheels and components that adjustments would very competitive in this bike race.

Performance measured using the Polar CS-600 Power

Explanation of why the test:

We decided to use the instrumentation Polar CS 600 Power to analyze the performance of the bike. Other tools we can see the values of stiffness of a frame, important information, of course, but they say little about the overall goodness of the bike that the passionate will to buy and its real value for money. It’s clear, in fact, that is not just a bike frame, but also components that are assembled and which determines the overall performance. With the Polar CS 600 Power we know how many watts the athlete must develop to go to a speed X. The more rigid frame is the best crankset, wheels are excellent, very good the rest of the components, the lower will be the demand for power to reach that speed X, the better the goodness of the bike as a whole. Conversely, a good frame, but with components on top, may have worse results of a mid-range, but the assembled frame with good components. We evaluate then the bike as a whole, as well as the retail purchase and not a single element of it, albeit important. Polar CS 600 Power is also the only instrument that detects the power developed without replacing crank or rear wheel. 

The completion of the test:

installed and calibrated properly, the CS 600 Power, the athlete has come a perfectly flat stretch of road and in excellent condition, wind and other interference. The athlete has run several sections first 30 km / h constant, then at 40 km / h constant, and finally at 50 km / h constant, always with the relationship longer available. These are the powers needed to maintain the speed

30 Km/h 170 Watts

40 Km/h 260 Watts

50 Km/h 410 Watts

The commentary to the instrumental test

The test showed the excellent performance of white infinity, which lie at the absolute. At all speeds the reduced demand for watts, due to the very rigid frame, the excellent fluidity of crankset and tires, wheels heavy but smooth, white infinity approaching the best bike on the market, the cost, however, well top. The performance could have been even better if they had taken the wheel for a price range comparable to the group adopted. Overall, we reiterate, the benefits observed have been a real surprise, because its good in absolute terms, and exceptional for the price range of the bike. (That's why we have repeatedly tested and checked for proper operation of equipment ...)

Price

The model being tested is priced at Euro 2990, the option of the Fulcrum Racing 5 would cost 60 Euro. The rest of the range has prices starting from 2290 Euro to 3890 Euro of the fast version of Version Chorus, passing the 2990 Euro version Ultegra. The frame kit is priced at around 1800 Euro. In all cases, if you look at the price and the individual components taken note as compared to other manufacturers by the "brand" with less "appeal" the price is at least 200/300 euros, while remaining competitive with manufacturers from the "fame "comparable to Whites. In the first case we have to point out how good assessment of the use of Bianchi bikes in fact undo the initial savings. If we look at the price performance emerged, however, is excellent. The cost of the kit frame is proportionate to the quality.

Positive aspects

Build quality

Comfort

Safety and driving precision

Performance

Braking

Negative aspects

Lack of protection on the tank side chain

To learn more:

Bianchi

Website: www.bianchi.com

 Tests carried out in collaboration with: