Bianchi

Methanol 29 SL Carbon

Never one to sit back and marvel at its lengthy list of achievements and race-winning innovations, Bianchi took on its latest off-road, big-wheeled project with the same high energy and enthusiasm that's kept it at the manufacturing forefront for more than 125 years. The new Methanol 29 SL Carbon is a direct result of these years refining its framebuilding craft, as the design relies on a blend of advanced carbon materials and innovative manufacturing techniques to maximize ride quality and overall efficiency.

The Methanol 29 SL was made using a strategic blend of 40T, 30T, and 700T Toray carbon fibers. On their own, these materials from this trusted carbon supplier are responsible for creating some of the finest frames in the industry, but it's Bianchi's innovative tube shapes and layup schedules that set the Methanol apart from your standard hardtail 29er. For example, starting with the top tube and down tube, Bianchi employed its Triple Wall Tube (TWT) technology. Essentially, this divides each tube in half, with an additional carbon wall running down the center of each tube. The technique involves laying up these composite material plies to form three thin walls, which are then molded together to form a bondless monocoque laminate tube. The results are increased strength-to-weight and stiffness-to-weight ratio, which improve ride control and the frame's responsiveness compared to a standard tube's construction.

Additionally, Bianchi used its Embedded Reinforcement Construction (ERC) to the Methanol's front end. These are reinforced carbon ribs that wrap around the head tube and are molded to the left and right sides of the down tube and top tube. As the name suggests, these carbon ribs complement the TWT-constructed tubes (and tapered 1-1/8 to 1-1/2in head tube) in order to reinforce the front end and boost the frame's lateral stiffness.

Moving down from the front end, Bianchi wove in its proprietary Titanium Net Technology (Ti-NET) into the underside of the down tube. This is essentially a down tube protection layer that's woven into the tube, rather than a layer added with adhesive, which improves impact-resistance. At the back of the frame, Bianchi implemented its Asymmetrical Rear Stays (ARS), which shorten the rear triangle and allow greater chainring clearance. Complementing its asymmetric chainstays is what Bianchi calls Shock Absorbing Stays (SAS) up top. These seatstays were molded into "S" shapes using a carbon and glass fiber blend, which enhances absorption of vertical shock without weakening the lateral and torsional stiffness of the frame.

The Methanol was built with an integrated seatmast (topped with a Ritchey WCS Stubby Mast Topper), but its round profile and 31.6mm internal diameter lets the user adapt the frame for a standard post if desired. Finishing off the frame are full-carbon dropouts, post mounts, and cable hangers. The Methanol accepts a PF30 bottom bracket.

The Bianchi Methanol 29 SL Carbon is available in sizes 43, 48, and 53cm, and it comes in the colors Grey/carbon, Red/carbon, and Team Tx-Active/Celeste. Please note that this frame has a tapered 1-1/8 x 1-1/2in head tube, though, it comes equipped with a FSA Orbit 1.5 ZS headset. This frame also requires a PF30 bottom bracket and a 135mm QR rear axle.