I've owned 2 bianchis: the original infinito and now the oltre xr4.

Like most italian firms Bianchi isn't very much italian anymore- they sold the business to a swedish conglomerate a few years ago- but that does not mean they don't continue to make good bikes. Bianchi make excellent bikes- the oltre xr4 I am riding now is one of the best I have ever ridden and is staying with me for a long time.

Ride wise I've ridden a wise range of bikes so have a good basis of comparison. Their handling is not as sharp as say, a crit bike or american style geometry that is in felt,cannondale et al (these have generally shorter wheelbases) but it is generally much more polite and to me at least, are more agreeable when out for long days in the saddle.

You're right, they definitely look the bizness and my bike does get looks and comments- I sometimes just stop to admire it when cleaning it. Riding a bike that you really like, if it fits you- doesnt hurt. You'll want to rider it more.

Check out the infinito if you want to go for long days. The position is a little less aggressive but it's no slouch if you want to race and can certainly be a capable do it all machine. An infinito was my main race bike for 5 years.

I've been riding various Bianchi models since the late 90's, starting with the MegaPro XL, which I still have. Current ride is a Sempre with Campy Chorus, which is comfortable and performance oriented. I've had other road bikes in the stable, but Bianchi is definitely my favorite.

Pretty much what Davidalone says.

I've got an Oltre XR2, and it wasn't even on the radar until I actually rode one on a demo day. I actually turned down the 1st invite as I wasn't interested, but second time around I thought I had a few hours to kill, so why not go out and try some nice shiny bikes?
I was that impressed, I ordered and paid that day! I didn't want a celeste one though, but that's what I ended up with (another story)..

Italian bikes tend to have fairly conservative geometry; don't do anything outstanding, but neither will it bite you on the ass when you're knackered.
Having had a C40, Pinarello Paris (1st carbon pina), a Canyon Ultimate F10, Scott CR1, Madone, I can safely say, the Bianchi is the best of them.
I would have bought an Aquila, as well, but my lbs is a big Trek store and steered me that way ;)

There was a nice bike right here on ST Classifieds. What a beauty..sold tho!

I was watching the youtube channel that cuts up frames. He wasn't too stoked on the Bianchi.

However, every review of riding them is super positive on the bikes. More so than Pinarello, for example.

I'm a TDF newbie (never followed cycling or raced)& didn't realize it initially, but I guess there is the historic battle of Trek & Lance vs the Bianchi & the Pirate as well.

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Bianchi is the Fiat of bicycles.

My suggestion, get something custom, that’s actually Italian, painted your favorite hue of Celeste / fluro Celeste. And they can tune it to ride however you want. It will be one of a kind to you.

For example, this: https://www.pushcartel.co.uk/.../1/22/stelbel-rodano

I have a Stelbel Rodano Disc in the works, as a new winter bike getting deliver to me in Sept. I considered Celeste, but it seemed like a summer color so am going Campari Red instead.