Bianchi preview first Campagnolo EPS model

Bianchi have used the existing platform of their top Oltre frameset to build a special Black Edition using the recently launched Campagnolo Super Record EPS components featuring electronic shifting across two chainrings at the front and eleven sprockets at the rear.

With the London Bike Show coming on January 12th-15th, manufacturers will have been been working over the holidays to prepare show specials designed to grab attention but, as road.cc's Mat Brett has just posted electronic shifting at least on top-end racing bikes is now de rigueur and not just an interesting discussion point over a post-ride mug of tea. They'll be especially careful to ensure they have all the electronic options on display.

And talking of interesting discussion points, one of the reasons Bianchi will have been keen to rush out a new Campagnolo-equipped flagship is that they are one of the few manufacturers to have remained loyal to their countryfolk after a relatively fallow period for the Italian component maker, using their parts on some Bianchi models across the range when most companies under pressure for an 'easy sale' from dealers opted for Shimano and/or SRAM exclusively. OK, it was a limited and selective ranging but at least representative and they won't want the thunder stolen by the Johnny-come-latelies who will be piling inevitably onto the EPS bandwagon.

However, we cannot see the big Americans in Trek and Specialized fitting Campagnolo to their team or production bikes any time soon, so it's likely Bianchi see a real opportunity to offer a genuinely European edge to their offer in the coming years.

Albeit a premium priced edge, it has to be said. There are still no formal prices announced either for this Black Edition bike, nor the components separately but we know Campagnolo were aiming for a healthy premium over Shimano Dura-Ace Di2. The Biancho Oltre with DA Di2 is already £8,175 so let's speculate on £9,000 shall we?

Having ridden the 950 gram Oltre frame recently as well as the new Campagnolo EPS components but on separate bikes, our road testers are now surely rubbing their hands in anticipation.