BIANCHI SEMPRE/SRAM FORCE COMPLETE BIKE

There may be no bicycle quite as recognizable as a celeste-colored Bianchi. Although Bianchi has been painting their bikes this way since the 1940s, its signature color is about the only thing that has remained the same. The Bianchi Sempre/SRAM Force complete bike is brimming with technology that makes it an all-day, multi-purpose machine.

The Sempre frame possesses nearly identical geometry to the Oltre, Bianchi's cost-is-no-object frame ridden by Vacansoleil-DCM Pro Cycling Team, in the toughest races of the 2012 Pro Tour. The only exception is the addition of a few millimeters to the chainstays to smooth out rough tarmac.

The massive junctions behind the headtube maximize the Sempre's rigidity. The result is a stiff and stable front end, and the snappy straight-blade fork legs give the bike a responsive feel. Running down from the head tube, the down tube morphs from a diamond shape to an oval by the bottom bracket in order to provide lateral stiffness without an accompanying harsh ride. Similarly, the chainstays are oversized for stability and power transmission while the seatstays are slender to further absorb road shock. Bianchi employs Carbon NanoTube technology on the Sempre, which increases the strength and fracture-resistance of the frame by 49% compared to standard epoxy resins, and does so without adding appreciable weight.

The BB30 SRAM Force crankset is both stiffer and lighter than a traditional crankset. Building the bearings into the bottom bracket shell removes the need for cups, which means the assembly is lighter still, while adding significant stiffness to drivetrain as a whole.

This Sempre is outfitted with a full SRAM Force group. The spec list includes SRAM's Force shifters, derailleurs, and brakes. We went with Force because of its high level of performance combined with practical affordability. We find ourselves marveling at how difficult it is to distinguish it from their top level Red group. Shifting is quick and precise with the DoubleTap system, and the comfortable, ergonomically-shaped hoods provide a confident grip when sitting up. The SRAM parts are complemented by an Easton EA70 post, stem, and bars. The build also gets a sleek, Selle Italia SL Kit Carbonio saddle, and the bars are wrapped with Arundel cork tape.

The rolling stock consists of a Reynolds Shadow Wheelset. The Shadows use a 31mm-deep aluminum rim, DT Swiss Competition spokes, and Reynolds' own hubs. The front wheel has 20 radially laced spokes, and the rear gets 24. Schwalbe Lugano 23mm tires feature a puncture-resistant belt and a classic diamond profile tread for grip on wet or dry pavement.

Sempre/SRAM Force Complete Bike Price:  $2899.00