1976 - Bianchi Specialissima

Celeste, the unique color of Bianchi, has continued to evolve from the first inspiration of the pale sky blue of the Campionissimo Coppi era, to the recent adaptations of turquoise and fluor greens. In a sea of primary colors in the Pro Peloton or on a city street, it only takes a glance of the celeste color to know you’re looking at a Bianchi – even from distance the Celeste speaks, telling about the story of success, victories and famous racers and those eroici that will be all well remembered.

What started in 1885 in a tiny workshop in Milan went to become todays oldest bicycle manufacturer still in production, sums up to four world champion titles achieved on Bianchi Tour de France, Campione del Mondo or Specialissima bikes by racers like Fausto Coppi in 1953, Felice Gimondi in 1973, Moreno Argentin in 1986 and Gianni Bugno in 1992, the double of winning the Giro as well as the Tour at same year in 1949 and 1952 by famous Fausto Coppi and 1998 by Marco Pantani.

Those with a romantic streak believe that Edoardo Bianchi, who supplied a bicycle and riding lessons to Regina Margherita of the Savoia Royal House totally mesmerized by the striking color of her majesty’s blue eyes chose exactly her eyes color for the paint of her new Bianchi bicycle. Some say that she awarded him the right to use the royal coat of arms as the Bianchi Logo, where it has since appeared on the headtube of every Bianchi bicycle.

Those with a penchant for pragmatism believe that in  a market where color choice was largely limited to black (back than in 1895), Edoardo Bianchi delivered an unusual, iconic and enduring eye-catching color by having access to a ready supply of surplus military paint, in shades of light blue and pale grey, and from that blended paint the iconic Celeste Bianchi color origin was born.

But it could also be as simple as that Celeste is a vision of a stunning, clear Milano sky, high above the Bianchi factory.

Bottom Braket: Campagnolo Super Record
Headset: Campagnolo Nuovo Record
Crankset: Campagnolo Super Record Bianchi pantographed
Front Derailleur: Campagnolo Super Record
Rear Derailleur: Campagnolo Super Record
Shift levers: Campagnolo Super Record, milled
Brake Lever: Campagnolo Super Record
Brakes: Campagnolo Super Record
Wheelset: Campagnolo Super Record with MAVIC rims
Saddle: 3ttt
Seatpost: Campagnolo Super Record
Stem: 3ttt Bianchi pantographed
Handlebar: 3ttt
Pedals: Campagnolo Super Record

Frame tubing: Columbus SL
Fork tubing: Columbus SL