Bianchi

Infinito Road Bike Frame

We don't know if it's inherent in the culture, or if it's something intrinsic to the language, but Italian speech is rife with hyperbole and colorful idioms. Regardless, we love it. Whether it's the effortless invocation of the Madonna for every possible instance of superlative, or the boundless possibilities of using 'cazzo' as an insult, as praise, or as an ordinary turn of phrase, we're enthralled with the exaggerated, Italian form of rich vulgarity. So, it comes as no surprise that the Bianchi Infinito hails from such a great tradition of linguistic freedom. Translating as 'forever,' the Infinito has been designed to be a more forgiving breed of race bike -- one that outlives your days of carb-counting and five hour roller sessions.

We'll admit that getting our meager minds around the concept of infinity has mystified us since we learned about Zeno in Philosophy 101, but in that hyperbolic Italian way, Bianchi feels no compunctions about summoning eternity to make a point about this frame. As the top model in Bianchi's C2C (Coast 2 Coast) lineup, the Infinito was designed to cover long distances with maximum speed and minimum fatigue. In fact, the entire C2C range represents Bianchi's foray into a category of recent frame design which arguably started with the Cervelo RS and now includes the likes of the Roubaix and GF01. These top-tier framesets rethink traditional assumptions about what it means to be a ' racing' bike by focusing on a less stressed rider position and a more relaxed geometry. For the Infinito, this was done by extending the frame's head tube height by around 1.5cm and then lengthening the wheelbase. Meanwhile, Bianchi maintained the traditional head tube angles and fork rake. Bianchi's goal of creating a comfort-oriented, race machine was clearly achieved as evidenced by the Infinito's use throughout the 2009 Giro d'Italia by Robbie Hunter, who spent the month testing and proving its race-worthiness in every road stage and every conceivable condition.

The comfort factor of the Infinito is astonishing when one realizes that it still fits squarely within Bianchi's competition range of framesets. Certainly, its ride properties benefit from the strategic use of vibration damping Kevlar and an extended wheelbase that smoothes out rough road surfaces. Bianchi also incorporated trickle down technology from its Mother of All Race Bikes, the Oltre XR. Yes, we're talking about its Carbon Nano Technology. This process involves adding nano-scaled particles to the resin. By doing so, the particles reduce the microcopic gaps between the resin and the fibers of the carbon. Ultimately, this increases the strength and fracture-resistance by 49% compared to using standard epoxy resin systems. In whole, Bianchi refers to this process as BAT (Bianchi Active Technology), which means that the combination of materials and shapes maintain the frame's phenomenal torsional stiffness for a full-blown power transfer and Grand Tour style handling characteristics. But, at the same time, it provides enough vertical compliance for you to fully enjoy this bike on a century, gran fondo, or your winter training rides.

If you're wondering why you should consider the Infinito over the Oltre or Sempre, keep in mind that the Infinito is designed to satisfy three key objectives: To reduce rider fatigue, provide greater comfort, and accommodate long distance riding. So, if you only have one bike in your quiver, and your idea of riding is oriented more towards spirited group or individual rides, the Infinito may well be your bike. Moreover, if your core lacks the strength of Cancellara, or your flexibility requires that you add an aesthetically displeasing number of spacers below your stem, the additional head tube height will better accommodate your physiological needs. Believe us, none of the ride enhancing features of the Infinito will prevent your competition from saying 'Che cazzo!' or 'Madonnnnn!'

The Bianchi Infinito Road Bike Frame is available in the color Celeste/white and in six odd sizes from 50 to 61cm. Each frame includes a full carbon, Kevlar-inserted Bianchi HoC1 tapered fork and a FSA Orbit headset. Altogether, the frame weight of a 55cm tips the scales at around 1080 grams.  The frame utilizes an English threaded bottom bracket, 31.6mm seatpost and 34.9mm seat clamp.