Interbike 2009 – New Bianchi Infinito, Updated 928 SL Road Bikes

INTERBIKE 2009 – Bianchi introduced their new Infinito road bike, a higher end model within their long-distance C2C (Coast to Coast) series of bikes.

Taking the comfort cues from the C2C geometry and frame designs, they made it stiffer, stronger and more race-oriented.  The result is a bike they claim is a race-worthy performer that you can still ride comfortably all day.  In development for two years, it was raced by the Barloworld professional cycling team at this year’s Giro d’Italia.

They were also showing off their updated 928 SL Nove Due Otto race bike, now available with an Integrated Seat Post.  Hit ‘more’ to see all the photos and details…

The 2010 Bianchi Infinito is a monocoque carbon frame laid up with HM Toho UM40 – IM600 fibers for optimal rigidity.  Bucking the current trend, Bianchi used a 3K carbon weave rather than the UD fibers, but they included their NanoTech to improve crack resistance.  Internal cable routing gives the swoopy frame nice uninterupted lines.

The taller headtube gives riders a more upright (comfortable) position without having to use additional spacers, which helps keep the front end stiff while reducing neck and shoulder stress.  A small riser in the center top of the toptube and a bulged bottom section of the downtube makes the headtube juncture very stout, but they stick with a straight 1-1/8″ steerer tube.

The seat tube junction is equally stout and svelte.

Dubbed BAT: Bianchi Active Technology, a carbon and kevlar mix in the chain- and seatstays, along with the heavy shaping, provides a little vertical flex to soak up road chatter.

Slightly longer chainstays keep the ride stable and comfortable without any of the twitchiness associated with racier geometry.

Besides Bianchi’s trademark Celeste, the Infinito is also available in Red, Blue and Orange (not shown).  Frame weight is 1,080g for a 55cm, and the fork is their new 365g semi-straight blade, full carbon fork with kevlar inserts to dampen vibration.  The Bianchi Infinito will be available with three Campagnolo builds (Chorus, Athena and Veloce) with prices ranging from $3,499 to $2,999.  Two Shimano builds will also be available (Ultegra and 105) with pricing TBD.  Framesets will also be available.  Sizes include 47-50-53-55-57-59-61.

2010 BIANCHI 928 SL NOVE DUE OTTO IASP

For 2010, the 928 SL adds an acronym (IASP) and a corresponding integrated seatpost and gets built with Bianchi’s WMP (Wrinkles Molding Process) to optimize the molding and reduce unnecessary material to reduce weight.  (BTW, “nove due otto” means “nine two eight” in Italian, just in case you can read Italian but are innumerate)

The frame is full monocoque construction made of HM, Uni-Directional carbon fiber with Nano technology to improve crack resistance.

The headtube has some nicely molded shaping.  Note the little bulge that follows the red pinstripe.

Frame weight is 1080g with the full integrated seat mast (55cm frame size), and it uses Bianchi’s full carbon fork with internal structural reinforcement TSR technology.  Fork weight is 315g.  At first glance, that frame weight doesn’t seem stellar, but considering you’re saving about 150g of comparable seatpost, it would put a “normal” frame under 1,000g.

The bike is pretty narrow when viewed from behind.  The contrast of the white seatstays against their silver baseboard isn’t great, but you can see the curve in of the chainstays.  The seatmast comes in pretty tall before it’s cut.

The downtube comes in pretty wide at the bottom bracket, creating a stiff, race-level lower section for putting the hammer down.  As shown with Campagnolo Super Record and Fulcrum Racing Speed XLR carbon wheels, the 928 SL IASP is a whopping $12,000!

For those on a “budget” there will be a Campy Chorus option and three Shimano builds (Dura-Ace, Di2 and Ultegra), and a frameset will also be available.  Besides the Celeste/Black and Red/White shown, you can get Orange, Blue and Green, too.

This model, built with FSA carbon stem, bar and cranks and Shimano Dura-Ace weighed in at a respectable 14lbs 7oz.

Both the Infinito and 928 SL are available with multiple wheel options, letting you choose the right Fulcrum Racing hoops to suit your budget and riding style.

The 928 SL is avaiable in six frame sizes: 50-53-55-57-59-61.