Bianchi has a new climbing bike called the Specialissima that uses the viscoelastic Countervail technology the Italian brand first introduced in its Infinito CV endurance bike.
Bianchi partnered with US composites group MSC on the patented Countervail material used in their frame and forks. Initially the Viscoelastic material was sandwiched between hi-mod carbon layers in a unique lay-up that Bianchi claimed reduced the length of vibrations from the road by up to 80 percent. Bianchi also uses Countervail on its TT machine the Aquila CV, where Bianchi says the decrease in vibration allows a rider to hold their best aero position for longer.
The Specialissima uses a new formulation of Countervail that retains the damping qualities of the Infinitoâs composition but increases stiffness, Bianchi says, to create a bike thatâs all about handling prowess downhill, and reactive acceleration going up.
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The key goals in the Specialissim's design were lightweight and rigidity. Bianchi tested a number of lightweight framesets and found that trading stability in favour of lightness can create a bike with nervous handling traits when descending.
By using the Countervail material Bianchi still gets the weight down to a very respectable 780g (in a 55cm frame), with a matching Countervail-infused fork adding 340g. Bianchi claims the Countervail makes the Specialissima ascend with urgency but descend better than any comparable lightweight race machine.
You can read more at BikeRadar.com