Originally Posted by B17
I actually gave that some thought awhile back, and I'd agree with you if they offered a higher-end steel frame, but they don't- the Concept is AL. So the Pista is the best and only steel track frame they offer. And there's nothing wrong with it as a frame- it is race worthy once the components are upgraded. Considering those facts, not only do I think it should come in celeste, I see no good reason for them not to offer it frame only.
There was a framebuilders guide that came with the latest procycling magazine that interviewed the top people over at bianchi and talked to them about the company's direction.
Lucca Minesso, engineering and production manager: "We strongly believe in other materials as well as carbon, to forget about titanium and aluminium would be foolish."
This quote leads me to believe that Bianchi is moving away from steel bikes, at least in a competition sense. I could understand why they would not want to assosiate celeste with a steel bike if this is the case.
Lars Svalin, product manager: "Yes, the Bianchi celeste color is a real tool as a selling point."
IMO they are showing a type of hierarchy of technology, reserving celeste as a badge of top performance. I don't want to start a steel vs aluminum argument, but it is understood that steel is an older technology. Bianchi's image is one that is steeped in heritage and tradition, and making a move away from steel, while adorning newer types of frames with celeste, is a way to honor that heritage while keeping up with the times.
(also, don't forget that the people on this forum who spend hours contemplating color choices are not considered to be the target market for these bikes, while we will doubtlessly be customers, our needs are too fine tuned to be met profitably by a company such as Bianchi.)