Looks, as always, are subjective. SL8 is the king of hype, nothing else. It’s the most boring ugly looking frame in the peloton IMO. Specialissima was beautiful in the last gen but the current design is unique at least, wouldn’t go as far as to say ugly. Furthermore it’s a Bianchi, already massively more desirable than a Spesh.
Ok, the look of a bike is a big factor to me either, but I actually find this model appealing. Have no problems in this department. I can't afford it anyway, though.
Ugly? The bike is absolutely stunning!!! 😍 There are only two things I don't love. The overhanging head tube (aero purposes, I guess) and the glossy wheels. Other than that and this bike is absolutely perfect!
Not ugly, I like the new modern angled shapes versus the stodgy old Specailissima tubes. To each their own, but I think it's a beautiful bike, especially with the gradient RC colorway.
I picked up my 2024 Specialissima Pro a couple of weeks ago and it looks awesome, different, unique......and the iridescent mystic grey, featuring purple shades is a colour way no photo can do justice.
The tube shapes are more palatable than Pinarello's ungodly F series. Those Pinaforks were and are objectionable. Bianchi dropped the ball on the paint, however. I am forever puzzled at brands' unwillingness to utilize the real estate gained by modern/larger carbon forms to splash more colour. Dull gray, dull black, dull white. So appealing. Trek at the upper end at least has no compunction about glitter and hotter tones.
Even Trek's lower-end bikes are colorful. It's Specialized where you have to buy an S-Works frame just to get something that isn't black or some dull muted colorway.
I am a bit perplexed with the hate on this bike..... I think its beautiful.... maybe not the same as the original, which the usual folks complained about being old fashioned etc, so they have developed something genuinely different, and guess what...... lol. The inability for the usual channels to talk about the likes of bianchi over the brands paying the money, and so they don't want to annoy the hand that feeds them..... sad
A beautiful bike. Glad to see lots of Bianchi Celeste Green. OK, so the head tube overhang looks a bit post modern and the wheels look like Chinese knock offs. I really like the top tube - very go faster, mashed up and gratuitous. Overall, i think it looks mad and why not - it’s fun. C’mon live a little. I sold my much loved Bianchi Oltre race bike last year - age, arthritis, beer belly, and a great deal on a (yawn) Trek Domane. But this thing looks fab. Great review, wish I was 21 again, (with my 62 year old finances!)
I recently bought the PRO in celeste/black. The colour is really eye catching, much better than in the pictures I've seen online....and think it looks better than the RC (although understand that RC paint is 40g lighter!). It rides amazingly well and it much faster than my existing gravel bike....and I was surprised that I can really feel the CV tech (only on the PRO version) which I was not expecting. Try one....I'm sure you'll like it!
A few years back, I had Mercian Cycles redo my 1977 Professional. The frame cracked after 186 thousand miles and I took the Campagnolo Record 11 group off and put it on a 2019 61 cm Specilissima. 7kg with pedals and bottle cages. My brother, who provided the frame (not free) asked me for the color, Celeste. Wonderful ride. As good as my 853 steel.
I dont think its ugly. I like it. Ive seen these bikes build up well under 6.8. I dont understand the head tube lip. Reminds me of the F10. Wich i would call a hold over from rim brakes. Dont know about it these days?
"Chi stai chiamando brutto? Soprattutto con quella maglietta!" says the Bianchi (if Google Translate heard him properly... "Who are you calling ugly? Especially in that shirt!").
I do not do road cycling, but regarding bike design I totally agree, much of a bike’s appeal is how it looks. These days is there any bike from a renowned brand that is really bad? No! As you say in your bike of the year conclusion for every category - it is more and more difficult each year to determine the winner. For most riders it is completely ok to choose a bike according to which one looks the best.
I for one like it a little weird. That Colnago you showed is brilliant, but I *like* this. Take that with a grain of salt, though. I ride a red steel Masi gravel bike with a black State front fork and non-matching wheels, and while it rides wonderfully and easily handles anything I throw at it, visually it's a disgusting kludged-together mess, and I like it that way.
I could get used to that top tube but prefer more classic design. That paint scheme needs to go. Bring back traditional colors. Like all celeste with white lettering or even blue. Sure I could get it repainted but the main reason II'll never buy another Bianchi is the Pressfit bottom bracket. That just ruins it for me. Some say they never had a problem, some say they always have problems. Im not willing to flip that coin with a bike that cost that much.
Bike aesthetics is one of the major factors for me to own the bike (assuming it's within my budget). I actually find the sharp and angled lines appealing on the frame, it displays character versus the bland SL8. The colourway I'm ok on, not in love with it but I don't hate it either. I do wish specialissima was outfitted with deeper section wheels.
I agree with you looks does matter at the end it’s the driving force towards the bike not underestimating it’s true, mechanical value, but my personal opinion it Hass to be love at first sight
Seriously, previous generations of Bianchi are far better in terms of design, and I believe the main appeal of Bianchi is the design (with celeste color). I’d rather ride old ones than this.
No matter the way you put it, there's just not enough engineering or materials to justify the cost, this type of bikes are just like luxury watches, it's fine by me, but it needs to be said more frequently.
I have the ‘original’ Specialissima that you mention at the beginning (which is far from being the first Specialissima from Bianchi if you go back a few years) Mine is a custom build with Campag SR EPS and Mavic carbon wheels which are horrible depending in the wet. it’s a climbing setup and absolutely fabulous on the hills… and looks just fantastic…. This model, as much as I am a Bianchi fan having 4 of them, I would not buy
I think the question is, can one find an equally (or at least similarly) performing, less expensive AND more visually appealing bike elsewhere? I believe the answer is "yes".
How come you dog the Specialissima every time you get the chance, but practically never say the same thing about Tarmac SL8 and its ButtSniffer™, which is infinitely worse looking?
I completely agree with you. In my opinion, this new model looks ugly. Too many edges. For me, a huge part of Bianchi's appeal, aside from its history, is its looks (celeste color and all). Maybe their marketing should focus on this more; Capitalize on its heritage and classic looks much like the Colnago C68 did. Because anyway, most of the people who will pay to own this bike aren't pro cyclists. Most just want a nice looking bike, with weight and performance coming in a close second or third. If they want to focus on performance, they should leave it to the Oltre (which by the way is way more hideous. haha) P.S. I may be biased, I have the 2021 model. lo
Looks are most important but I find the prices of bikes now most ugly. My '97 Bianchi steel with Columbus genius tubing in the proper colour Celeste with blue pearl is much nicer (even at 9.5 kg) could be 8kg with lighter wheels and components. I am sure the Specialissima rides very nice but will it last 27 years and counting?
Awful looking and the paintjob is trying way too hard. Pricing this like a SWorks isn't helping. Lastly, that geometry is ridiculously aggressive with a very low stack and very long reach for the size. That could work for some people but I wonder how many ride a Tarmac and think the fit is "too tame".
Is the Bianchi Specialissima ugly? Should we even care about its looks if it rides well? Let us know what you think, in the comments below!
I have to agree with you on the looks departament,even if it rides amazing i wouldnt buy it
Looks, as always, are subjective. SL8 is the king of hype, nothing else. It’s the most boring ugly looking frame in the peloton IMO.
Specialissima was beautiful in the last gen but the current design is unique at least, wouldn’t go as far as to say ugly. Furthermore it’s a Bianchi, already massively more desirable than a Spesh.
Looks nicer than the SWorks to me.......I like the aero shaped tubing.
It's ugly. Looks like an aluminum bike with a dented top tube.
I think it’s unique and stands out. The Pro with the Celeste looks ❤. The specialized, canyons, just look boring
It looks much nicer than the SL8, I'd take it in a heartbeat.
Ok, the look of a bike is a big factor to me either, but I actually find this model appealing. Have no problems in this department. I can't afford it anyway, though.
Ugly? The bike is absolutely stunning!!! 😍
There are only two things I don't love. The overhanging head tube (aero purposes, I guess) and the glossy wheels. Other than that and this bike is absolutely perfect!
Not ugly, I like the new modern angled shapes versus the stodgy old Specailissima tubes. To each their own, but I think it's a beautiful bike, especially with the gradient RC colorway.
I picked up my 2024 Specialissima Pro a couple of weeks ago and it looks awesome, different, unique......and the iridescent mystic grey, featuring purple shades is a colour way no photo can do justice.
If It’s so ugly, send me the bike and I will put it in my garage so you are no longer offended by it…you’re welcome.👍
😂😂
Cheapskate asking for free stuff
Ugly?
Depends on your level of taste
@@andriivaskovets5438 your level of taste depends on how much salt you use
He is talking about Bianchi like a SPECIALIZED C.E.O.
Remember man:
ITALIANS DO IT BETTER !!!!!
It looks gorgeous - love the lines!
I saw it in person a week ago, and it’s absolutely gorgeous. Looks sleek, modern, and sexy.
The tube shapes are more palatable than Pinarello's ungodly F series. Those Pinaforks were and are objectionable. Bianchi dropped the ball on the paint, however. I am forever puzzled at brands' unwillingness to utilize the real estate gained by modern/larger carbon forms to splash more colour. Dull gray, dull black, dull white. So appealing. Trek at the upper end at least has no compunction about glitter and hotter tones.
Aria's paint scheme, and the Oltre XR3 have pretty neat paint schemes, specially in their inverted forms
Even Trek's lower-end bikes are colorful. It's Specialized where you have to buy an S-Works frame just to get something that isn't black or some dull muted colorway.
they have to be conservative.. lbs dont want inventory of flashy coloured $14k bikes that wont sell
First, taste is personal judgment. Second, this one if the most beautiful bike I saw, especially the bar. It looks like an F-35...
I am a bit perplexed with the hate on this bike..... I think its beautiful.... maybe not the same as the original, which the usual folks complained about being old fashioned etc, so they have developed something genuinely different, and guess what...... lol. The inability for the usual channels to talk about the likes of bianchi over the brands paying the money, and so they don't want to annoy the hand that feeds them..... sad
A beautiful bike. Glad to see lots of Bianchi Celeste Green. OK, so the head tube overhang looks a bit post modern and the wheels look like Chinese knock offs. I really like the top tube - very go faster, mashed up and gratuitous. Overall, i think it looks mad and why not - it’s fun. C’mon live a little.
I sold my much loved Bianchi Oltre race bike last year - age, arthritis, beer belly, and a great deal on a (yawn) Trek Domane. But this thing looks fab. Great review, wish I was 21 again, (with my 62 year old finances!)
This is a thing of beauty, love it ❤
I recently bought the PRO in celeste/black. The colour is really eye catching, much better than in the pictures I've seen online....and think it looks better than the RC (although understand that RC paint is 40g lighter!). It rides amazingly well and it much faster than my existing gravel bike....and I was surprised that I can really feel the CV tech (only on the PRO version) which I was not expecting. Try one....I'm sure you'll like it!
Not ugly at all. I think Oltre RC with that strange stem is ugly, but not the Specialissima. The ugliest bike imo is the Cervelo S5
Things of a beauty 🥰😍
i find the bike looks really good. and if i had not bought the sl8 this would have been in my inner circle.
This with some deep section wheels and its the perfect batbike.
A few years back, I had Mercian Cycles redo my 1977 Professional. The frame cracked after 186 thousand miles and I took the Campagnolo Record 11 group off and put it on a 2019 61 cm Specilissima. 7kg with pedals and bottle cages. My brother, who provided the frame (not free) asked me for the color, Celeste. Wonderful ride. As good as my 853 steel.
Why did you leave out the best-looking bike on the list, the Look 795 blade?
I dont think its ugly. I like it. Ive seen these bikes build up well under 6.8. I dont understand the head tube lip. Reminds me of the F10. Wich i would call a hold over from rim brakes. Dont know about it these days?
"Chi stai chiamando brutto? Soprattutto con quella maglietta!" says the Bianchi (if Google Translate heard him properly... "Who are you calling ugly? Especially in that shirt!").
I think it looks elegant
Looks 👍 👌
I think it looks great. Great video. 😊
Odd to kill it off right from the title as "ugly".
I do not do road cycling, but regarding bike design I totally agree, much of a bike’s appeal is how it looks. These days is there any bike from a renowned brand that is really bad? No! As you say in your bike of the year conclusion for every category - it is more and more difficult each year to determine the winner. For most riders it is completely ok to choose a bike according to which one looks the best.
I actually don't hate the way it looks. I'd ride it.
It’s Italian. Where is the panache(fr)?! For $14k let’s have some fun with the paint or design.
How is it ugly?
I for one like it a little weird. That Colnago you showed is brilliant, but I *like* this.
Take that with a grain of salt, though. I ride a red steel Masi gravel bike with a black State front fork and non-matching wheels, and while it rides wonderfully and easily handles anything I throw at it, visually it's a disgusting kludged-together mess, and I like it that way.
personally i I love it... apart from the price, but for the price i would prefer this year's look bike
Great review lovely bike !
Very nice looking bike. Love it
What’s the problem with the look ?! Beautiful design for me.
I also appreciate the honest review!
I could get used to that top tube but prefer more classic design. That paint scheme needs to go. Bring back traditional colors. Like all celeste with white lettering or even blue. Sure I could get it repainted but the main reason II'll never buy another Bianchi is the Pressfit bottom bracket. That just ruins it for me. Some say they never had a problem, some say they always have problems. Im not willing to flip that coin with a bike that cost that much.
Ugly is really subjective
Nice looking bike to me ❤
Best looking bike 2024 (and 2025)....
Bike aesthetics is one of the major factors for me to own the bike (assuming it's within my budget). I actually find the sharp and angled lines appealing on the frame, it displays character versus the bland SL8. The colourway I'm ok on, not in love with it but I don't hate it either. I do wish specialissima was outfitted with deeper section wheels.
$14,000 which I’m assuming is USD$ is offensive and proof cycling is a rich man’s sport.
I like it a lot
I agree with you looks does matter at the end it’s the driving force towards the bike not underestimating it’s true, mechanical value, but my personal opinion it Hass to be love at first sight
Where are these frames made? If Time can make too quality beautiful frames in the EU why can’t Bianchi?
This is not ugly at all
I like it!
Seriously, previous generations of Bianchi are far better in terms of design, and I believe the main appeal of Bianchi is the design (with celeste color). I’d rather ride old ones than this.
Obviously got no taste 😂 That bike is stunning.
Calling the Bianchi Specialissima RC ugly is an insult to the word ugly itself!
It looks better now. Contemporary
People who buy a race bike for purely its looks have something wrong with their heads. It looks good, BTW. 😊
Ugly? Far from it, it's a thing of beauty imo!
Ugly? I was thinking the same until I saw it "live" its great looking bike a piece of italian art
When Van Rysel and Joe's Giant TCR has more drip than the Specialissima, you know Bianchi has lost its way.
I think it looks awesome 😎
No matter the way you put it, there's just not enough engineering or materials to justify the cost, this type of bikes are just like luxury watches, it's fine by me, but it needs to be said more frequently.
I have the ‘original’ Specialissima that you mention at the beginning (which is far from being the first Specialissima from Bianchi if you go back a few years) Mine is a custom build with Campag SR EPS and Mavic carbon wheels which are horrible depending in the wet. it’s a climbing setup and absolutely fabulous on the hills… and looks just fantastic…. This model, as much as I am a Bianchi fan having 4 of them, I would not buy
I ride a 2022 Specialized Allez Comp with the exposed welds. Love the bike so "ugly" is not an issue.
I'm thinking of buying one, I love the look and colour scheme, I want to know about the wheels are they good bad or what ,any help be great
i like the more modern looking stuff, really want a giant areoroad or a dogma f cause they look really good
At least it doesn’t look like every other drop stay bike!
I mean the top tube isn't the best but it's a pretty good looking bike part from that , a dogma is the ugliest road bike i think iv ever seen 🤣
looks better in Celeste. Save yourself 5k and buy the comp.
I need it please, I like it, I need it. So beautiful
I think the question is, can one find an equally (or at least similarly) performing, less expensive AND more visually appealing bike elsewhere? I believe the answer is "yes".
SL8 is the bike i would buy. I'm not sure the S-works, but the next level down.
How come you dog the Specialissima every time you get the chance, but practically never say the same thing about Tarmac SL8 and its ButtSniffer™, which is infinitely worse looking?
I completely agree with you. In my opinion, this new model looks ugly. Too many edges. For me, a huge part of Bianchi's appeal, aside from its history, is its looks (celeste color and all). Maybe their marketing should focus on this more; Capitalize on its heritage and classic looks much like the Colnago C68 did. Because anyway, most of the people who will pay to own this bike aren't pro cyclists. Most just want a nice looking bike, with weight and performance coming in a close second or third. If they want to focus on performance, they should leave it to the Oltre (which by the way is way more hideous. haha)
P.S. I may be biased, I have the 2021 model. lo
Not ugly.
Is it ugly?
No
Does it matter
No
Is it a bit overpriced
Yes
I wonder how many of the people commenting could a actually afford this bike. For me bike prices are just stupid.
I love the look of this bike but my back will be a hard no for this geometry.
bike looks are very important. if your going to put ghat much $$ into it you want something you find beautiful you want to ride.
Compared to the sl8 this looks great! The bulky sniffer and the pencil thin seat stays do not inspire me
@0:42 Liam: 'Be a lamb'?? I'm already one of those subscription 'sheeple'. But I won't bleat on about it or you might lambast me😊
A bike that costs $14k is insane. I don’t care how fast this bike can go. I can buy a used car for that price😂
That ill-fitting overshirt-jacket-thing he is wearing is incontrovertibly ugly
Looks so much cooler than a SL8 👎. Looks like a 2024 light areo bike should.
Do Bianchi make any bikes in Italy anymore or are they like the rest made in China with 500% markup?
A $14,000 bike with absolutely zero "Wow!" factor.
Looks are most important but I find the prices of bikes now most ugly.
My '97 Bianchi steel with Columbus genius tubing in the proper colour Celeste with blue pearl is much nicer (even at 9.5 kg) could be 8kg with lighter wheels and components.
I am sure the Specialissima rides very nice but will it last 27 years and counting?
Imagine how people who spend 10k on that bike feel when it was called a Ugly
agree¡¡¡ good report ¡¡ dont look like an spelicalissima
I am still waiting the review of the Cipollini Dolomia...
For that price I’d buy a motorcycle, lol
So sick of these overpriced bikes !!.......Joe Average can not afford them......more videos about reasonably priced entry level bikes please !
why dont you test it with a deeper wheel ... ... i suspect ? You had the bike !
Says the man with white shoe covers😂
Bianchi has lost it’s way
It definitely looks a little peculiar
I haven't even read the title and already wanted to comment "ugly af"
This is the Hyundai Elantra of road bikes.
Bianchi with shimano however .... is wrong on EVERY LEVEL..... should be campagnolo alllllllll day of the week. #nocampagnoparty
Nah, Shimano is fine, Crapagnolo is dog turd
I’ve an aethos and it’s rubbish outside of climbing sadly
Sl8 is way uglier than Bianchi Specialissima. It is not ugly at all, you have poor aesthetic taste...
Sell it and buy the Colnago
Even Stevie Wonder cares about looks. Seriously.
FACT: Stevie Wonder is NOT blind
Nicely shaped frame but in true bianchi style it looks like they’ve smeared a few different tunes of tooth paste all over it..
Awful looking and the paintjob is trying way too hard. Pricing this like a SWorks isn't helping. Lastly, that geometry is ridiculously aggressive with a very low stack and very long reach for the size. That could work for some people but I wonder how many ride a Tarmac and think the fit is "too tame".