OK, here are some pictures of my new 2012 Bianchi Infinito, I will also include some of my "first driving" experiences with the Infinito:
The obligatory garage-door shot...
Here is a catalog picture of teh 2011 model, notice the subtle color scheme variation...
Cockpit shot (the steerer tube will be cut off after I have dialed in the right riding position)...
Bianchi-issued white handlebar tape and celeste brake hoods...
FSA Compact handlebars (and FSA stem)...
I replaced the standard Fizik saddle with a white Selle Italia SLR saddle (same as I use on my other bikes)...
Fork...
The Infinito name...
The head badge...
Riding impressions:
I have already put 80 miles on the bike since I picked it up from my LBS. I can say that the ride quality is very, very good. This is my first CF bike and I can honestly say that the ride is better than what I had expected.
The Infinito accelerates as quickly as the Columbus SLX Bottecchia and over the long haul it is as comfortable as the titanium LItespeed. At 17.12 pounds (with Look pedals) the Infinito is a little lighter than the Litespeed and a LOT lighter than the Bottecchia. Climbing, teh extra light and extra stiff CF frame was a real big help. In descents the Infinito is very confidence-inspiring; it is more stable than the very stable Litespeed.
The Ultegra derailleurs shift almost as smooth as the Dura Ace 7700 derailleurs in the Litespeed; shifts, however, are faster with the Ultegra. I love the Campy gruppo in the Bottecchia, but new technology has many advantages. For example, the brakes in the Infinito (and the Litespeed) are far better than the brakes in the Bottecchia-I can bring the Infinito and the Litespeed to a complete, controlled stop in a far shorter distance than the Bottecchia.
One note about SRAM components (I don't wish to start a flame war with SRAM devotees, I am just reporting my own impressions). Both the DuraAce and the Ultegra front derailleur have a feature that allows the rider to "trim" the adjustment for the derailleur travel. In other words, like with old friction shifters (in the pre-SIS era) I can move the derailleur a bit side to side to eliminate chain rub when cross-shifting. My friend recently bought a SRAM Force equipped Pinarello FP Quattro. There is no trim adjustment for the FD in a SRAM system, so my friend is usually left hunting for just the right gear. I don't have that problem with either the Litespeed or the Infinito (or the Bottecchia). My friend's bike has been back to the shop several times already for adjustment to the rear derailleur - seems like they just can't get it to shift right. I have spoken to one other SRAM owner and he reports the same problems keeping the derailleurs shifting properly. Again, please no flaming from SRAM owners, I am just reporting on my experiences and the experiences of friends.
Overall this is a great bike. I am having a blast riding it. the bike gets appreciative looks and comments from other riders and...above all...it is Celeste green. :thumbsup:
Thanks for reading!