Bianchi just dropped its latest TT speed machine, the Aquila RC. They didn’t just tweak a few tubes and call it a day. This bike results from 20 months of relentless R&D, with one goal: make the fastest TT bike possible. Meet the all-new Bianchi New Aquila RC.
The Aquila RC makes its racing debut this Sunday at the Étoile des Bessèges. A race where every watt saved can mean the difference between a podium and a near-miss.
Fast Isn’t an Afterthought—It’s the Philosophy
Bianchi’s Reparto Corse division took the same holistic design approach used to develop the Oltre RC Hyperbike. Treating the rider and bike as a single aerodynamic system. That means every tube, every component, and every millimeter of rider position has been optimized, tested, and refined. Over and over again.
The name Aquila has long been part of Bianchi’s identity—it means “eagle,” symbolizing power, speed, and precision. The new Aquila RC embodies that more than ever, bringing next-level aerodynamics, aggressive positioning, and real-world speed gains.
TT Optimization—Down to the Watt
Bianchi worked with WorldTour TT specialists and Arkéa-B&B Hotels’ Kévin Vauquelin (Tour de France stage winner and Paris 2024 Olympian) to fine-tune every detail. The result? A bike that’s not just fast in the tunnel—it’s fast where it matters.
Some key design choices:
- 77.5° Seat Tube Angle – Dialed to match the preferences of WorldTour TT pros, allowing for a more aggressive, aerodynamic position.
- Refined Tube Shapes – Engineered to leverage the “sailing effect”, turning side winds into forward thrust.
- Cockpit Collaboration with Vision FSA – Fully integrated, adjustable, and built for pure aero efficiency.
Speed Gains You Can Measure
Here’s where it gets real. The new Aquila RC saves 16.1 watts at 50 km/h (31 mph) compared to its predecessor, over a 40.7 km time trial, translating to a 37-second advantage—a difference that can decide the podium.
How did they get there? Bianchi’s Reparto Corse didn’t just rely on CFD and wind tunnel testing. They went all-in with real-world rider testing and some mannequin testing. Even developing an innovative artificial leg movement tool to measure how human motion interacts with aerodynamics.
The bike was tested in multiple configurations: static, with moving legs, and with different fork designs. Ensuring it’s optimized for the real demands of racing.
Frame, Fit & Availability
- Frameset Weight: 1.3 kg (Size M), Fork: 400 g
- Sizes: S, M, L
- Max Tire Clearance: 28 mm
- Colorway: Glossy Black & Metallic Celeste with Celeste CK16 accents
- Retail Price: €5,449 (Frameset Only)
Race Debut
The Aquila RC hits the pro circuit this Sunday, with Arkéa-B&B Hotels racing it at the final stage of Étoile des Bessèges.
