The color is called celeste and is Bianchi's signature color.
Gearing is pathetic, at best. It's only 8 speeds and when I'm in 1st, I find myself cursing all that is good and pure in this life. While my friends spin away from me on uphill sections...I'm struggling to keep up.
Keep in mind that I'm using an aluminum, rigid frame communter bike for something it wasn't designed to do...but it puts a smile on my face...and that's what it's all about!