Celeste, a distinctive blue-green shade, has been Bianchi ’s signature colour for over a century. According to legend, Edoardo Bianchi chose this shade, inspired by the colour of Queen Margherita of Italy’s eyes, to whom he delivered a bicycle in 1895. Today, ‘celeste’ is a registered trademark of Bianchi and a globally recognised symbol in the world of cycling. Every Bianchi bicycle is hand-painted in the Italian workshops.
Yes, Bianchi was founded in 1885 in Milan by Edoardo Bianchi, making it one of the oldest bicycle brands still in business in the world. The original workshop was located at Via Nirone 7 in Milan, the address that gave its name to the Via Nirone model. Over the course of its 140-year history, Bianchi has supported some of the greatest champions: Fausto Coppi (winner of the Tour de France and the Giro), Marco Pantani, and more recently the riders of EF Pro Cycling. The brand is now owned by the Swedish group Grimaldi Industri AB.
The Oltre is designed for aerodynamics and speed on the flat, whilst the Specialissima is Bianchi ’s ultra-lightweight climber. The Oltre RC is the aero hyperbike Bianchi with an integrated cockpit, air deflectors and fully concealed cabling. The Specialissima (frame 780 g in size 55, complete bike 6.6 kg) is the climber’s weapon, offering exceptional responsiveness and lightness. The new Specialissima (2023) also incorporates aerodynamic innovations derived from the Oltre to make it competitive on the flat.
Yes, Countervail is a technology developed by Bianchi in collaboration with Materials Sciences Corporation (MSC), incorporating a viscoelastic resin into the frame’s carbon layers. According to Bianchi, this system cancels out up to 80 per cent of transmitted vibrations compared to a standard carbon frame, whilst increasing stiffness. It is featured on the Specialissima models and certain Oltre models, which can be recognised by the ‘CV’ marking on the frame. In practice, long-term tests confirm superior comfort on rough tarmac, which is particularly beneficial on classic cobbled roads.
Yes, the Bianchi Via Nirone and Sprint ranges offer road bikes starting from 2,000–3,000 euros. The Sprint is the versatile entry-level model, available in aluminium or carbon. The Via Nirone takes its name from the founder Edoardo’s historic address— Bianchi —and is aimed at cyclists looking for a Bianchi bike at a more affordable price. These models are available in sky blue and other colours.
The high-end carbon frames (Oltre RC, Specialissima RC) are manufactured in Italy. The mid-range and entry-level models are produced in Asia under Bianchi ’s supervision. The hand-applied sky-blue paintwork and finishes are carried out in Italy for all models. The R&D department (Reparto Corse) remains based in Italy, close to the professional partner teams.
Yes, Bianchi has a long history in the WorldTour. The Jumbo-Visma team raced on Oltre RC bikes with Primož Roglič and Wout van Aert. Currently, several teams use Bianchi bikes under existing partnership agreements. The Reparto Corse department works closely with professional teams to develop and test new models.
Bianchi Offers an online size guide based on height and leg length, available at bianchi.com.. Sizes vary depending on the model: the Specialissima is available from 44 to 61 cm (7 sizes). Bianchi ’s geometry is often described as ‘Italian’: slightly more aggressive than average for competitive riding. A posture assessment is recommended for frames costing over 4,000 euros.
Yes, Bianchi ’s ‘Signature Collection’ range allows you to choose from five additional colours for the Specialissima models. This customisation option is less extensive than Project One Trek but meets the needs of cyclists looking for a unique bike. Special editions created in collaboration with teams or events (such as the 140th anniversary in 2025) are also available.
Yes, the Impulso and Arcadex ranges cover gravel bikes at Bianchi. The Arcadex is the top-of-the-range carbon gravel bike, available with GRX groupsets and compatible with tyres up to 45 mm. The Impulso is the more affordable gravel option, with a comfortable geometry designed for long distances. Both models are available in sky blue and feature the Italian brand’s distinctive design.
