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BIANCHI 928L CARBON Sitting at the top of carbon range the 928L may have slightly less fashionable construction using lugs to join the tubes instead of bonding a la Trek or Cannondale, but the big advantage of course is the wide range of fitting sizes this form of construction allows. Bianchi can cope with 1mm increments to order which should mean the perfect fit for everyone.
Frame angles on the 57cm c/t frame I specified gave me a 73deg head angle and a slightly reduced sloping top tube of 5deg. When combined with a 55.5cm horizontal top tube dimension, the ride position could be stretched as far as I required without extreme adjustment of the saddle on its rails for and aft. Stand over height was more than ample due to the slightly sloping top tube. The Bianchi all carbon fork has a slight curve and tracks the corners without wavering yet soaks up even the most uneven of road surfaces. The detail is excellent as are the finishes and graphics. Lacquered over they should remain in place for many years unlike some brands using die cut graphics. The beauty of purchasing a frame set is that the bike can be specified to suit personal tastes. In my case this meant I could fit a Bontrager carbon compact chainset, an ally it to a Shimano Ultegra 10sp groupset, shifters and brakes and Gipemme wheels running on Vittoria Rubino tyres. Steering was handled by Racelight bars and an in house Bianchi stem.
My previous bike had been a Bianchi SL3 Alu-Carbon, a bike now replaced by the 1885 Alu Hydro carbon. I had always been impressed by this bikes ride comfort over full aluminium bikes I had ridden due, I felt to the carbon rear seatstays. So now I had made the switch to full carbon I wondered if I would actually notice a similar level of difference. First impressions were that it might have been slightly lighter overall than my old SL3, but not significantly so. Once standing over the bike I was immediately aware of the wider Racelight bars and although dimensionally the same I felt more stretched out on this bike than on my old one. Up and rolling the immediate impression was very favourable. The steering was lightening quick inspite of the wider bars and very responsive. Pot holes could be dodged at the last second without drama and that inspired confidence especially when desecending. The ride was a bit harsher than I had become used to, but the 928L soaked up the road imperfections without fuss whilst transmitting every ounce of effort. Indeed the whole ride made my old SL3 feel sluggish by comparison. As the first ride progressed I became more and more impressed by the whole package. Comparisons are always very subjective but I took to the bike straight away and could not help but make the comparison with a Pinerello Prince I had ridden a year or so back. That bike had screamed its credentials from the first pedal stroke and so had this bike. Climbing seemed effortless, descending a dream and with that superb manouverability, any last minute changes of direction was always negotiated safely.
The Shimano groupset changed without fault and with a reassuringly soft but positive clunk that I just loved. Up shifts were equally smooth even under pressure but the brakes, oh the brakes. They were absolutely superb. In fact they could almost be too good if you are not ready for the power they deliver. It seemed that no more than a slight reflex of the finger on the brake lever was all that was required to effect immediate arrest!
Minus marks. well none really. I did notice that in the windy conditions on the day of the ride the bike needed a bit more concentration than my old SL3 in the cross winds, so maybe it is a tad lighter. The wheels are a bit prone to flexing when climbing out of the saddle (but thats not Bianchi’s fault). This is shown up by the click of the computer sensor on the magnet! The weakest element was the rider!! Basically though the 928L is a brilliant platform for any combination of equippment and one I’m looking forward to having many hours riding. Bianchi claim the name means passion. I believe them! Thanks to Beeline Bikes, Cowley Rd, Oxford for supplying a superb bike and providing their usual excellent service. |
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