Steel is real, at Bianchi!

Tipo Corsa ~

New - Bianchi Tipo Corsa ~

Arriving in June 2011, the Tipo Corsa combines contemporary double butted and heat treated cromoly tubing with the classic geometry that has made Bianchi one of the most revered builders in the world. Includes chromed lugs and bottom bracket plus metal head badge. Color is traditional celeste green, of course!

First batch sold out quickly in all sizes. We will update this page as another batch arrives.

Frame, fork, and headset .... $1299.99    Add to CART   

Pinella ~      Currently available: 53cm

There is a lot more behind this very special frameset than first seems. Yes, steel is real. And in this case, it's much stiffer than other steel frames on the market. The thinly drawn tube set is over sized at the BB and chainstays to reduce twisting under hard loads such as climbing and sprinting. Frame weight is just 3.9 lbs (55cm). Includes matching straight bladed full carbon threadless fork in celeste green.

Boron Steel is heavily used in the automotive industry for its reduced weight and extra strength . In areas of the chassis, such as the front/bumper, side door impact beams, B-Pillars and roof lines, companies like Mercedes Benz, Volvo, Porsche, and Volkswagen rely on this material in order to achieve industry-high crash test ratings on their vehicles. It only stands to reason that in bike frame form, Boron Steel has a special place on the road.

Boron is added to steel during the manufacturing process to create a harder than normal steel. Harder in the sense of stronger/higher level of durability-strength. If too much Boron is added the steel becomes brittle. If it's bent by a violent impact, Boron Steel is only straightened by heating with a torch. Even then, the material has become greatly weakened during this post manufacturing heating resulting in a significant decrease in strength. Thankfully, it's nearly as hard to bend as titanium!

Boron tubes are rough cut to length with a plasma-arc torch and cut-off disc. Titanium drill bits will penetrate the material when drilled at a slow speed but in return, last only a few holes. Don't even think of using a carbide drill bit. The carbide insert on the bit will crack after a couple of attempts.

Due to Boron Steel's low alloy and impurity content, MIG welding is used to join the tubes together, whereas TIG is used on the familiar air-hardened Reynolds 853 and other popular steels. With temperatures sky rocketing above that of normal steel manufacturing, galvanization is impossible to perform on the material. Instead, after welding, a rust inhibiting epoxy primer is added to the surface of the material to prevent oxidization .... $1849.99    Add to CART
 

Vigorelli, 2012 ~

Long a top seller for Bianchi, the Vigorelli revels in the all-day comfort of steel! The frameset is made of TIG-welded Reynolds 631 butted cromoly mated to a 1 1/8" carbon fork. This is an especially fine bike for long, steady distance riding as well as shorter rides to "smell the flowers". Color is celeste green with dark blue panels. Includes brazed mounts to easily add a rear rack. 

Parts: 10 speed Sram Apex kit with compact crankset (50x34), 11-32 cassette, Reparto Corse 5.1 Lite wheelset, Hutchinson Equinox tires (700c), alloy handlebar and stem, San Marco Ponza saddle, no pedals .... $1999.99    Add to CART

Imola, 2012 ~

Same plush and comfortable Reynolds 631 cromoly frame and 1 1/8" carbon fork as the Vigorelli but in a 27 speed triple version for even greater ease up the biggest climbs. Color is medium blue with white panels.

Parts: 20 speed Sram Apex kit with 50x34 compact crankset, Reparto Corse 5.1 Lite wheelset with machined sidewalls and sealed bearing hubs, Hutchinson Equinox 3 tires (700c), alloy handlebar and stem, San Marco Ponza saddle, no pedals .... $1399.99    Add to CART

Brava, 2012 ~

One of our best selling bikes of all-time, the Brava combines a TIG-welded cromoly frame to a 1 1/8" carbon fork and 27 speed rider-friendly Shimano STI 2300 parts kit, FSA Vero alloy triple crankset (52x42x30). Bianchi's DRX4000 wheelset with machined sidewalls and sealed bearing hubs, Vittoria Zaffiro tires (700c x 23), alloy handlebar and stem, San Marco saddle, no pedals. Color is white with red panels .... $999.99    Add to CART