Quality control is to Bianchi's usual high standards
The 1885 features some attractively profiled 7000 series tubing that is hydroformed to achieve the desired shape. The profiled tubing is no stiffer than a round tube but it's one of the best looking frames with the carbon back end designed to introduce some extra vertical compliance. Bianchi has the lowest, most race-oriented riding position of this group, which is curious for a sportive-orientated bike where comfort in the saddle over long rides should be a major consideration.The efficiently stiff yet vertically compliant frame has a carbon-like smoothness over rough surfaces in much the same way that a Specialized Roubaix or Cannondale CAAD 8 or 9 does. The Bianchi also has a profiled carbon back end that wins points for style but probably serves more to aid large production runs than comfort, because the carbon seatpost alone soaks up the vibrations. The steering has pin-point accuracy and this helps to boost rider confidence when descending at speed. When climbing, the transition from seated to riding out of the saddle feels seamless.The level of equipment here is broadly in line with what you would expect at the price too. The ITM Wing Shape handlebars provide a greater surface area for the palms to rest when riding on the tops and they are better at soaking up vibrations than the ITM 330 bars. However, they leave nowhere to place a light or cycling computer, save for those such as Campag's Ergobrain that have an especially slim mounting bracket.
The Bianchi's oversized stem has no brand identity but is very similar to the ITM Forged Lite Finally, the Selle San Marco Blaze saddle is a hit in terms of comfort and has tubular carbon seat post pave seat
Wheels
The Bianchi's fulcrum wheels annd look pedals and their deep-section rim design requires the use of a long valve inner tube or screw-on extension. Deepsection rims such as these provide a small aerodynamic benefit, but strong cross winds can give the rider a hard time as the testers found out. The G3 spoke pattern looks good and is two-cross on the drive side rear and radial on the non-drive side. In the six months of testing our samples have remained perfectly true, though it is too early to be sure of their longterm reliability; suffice to say that this type of wheel rarely goes more than slightly out of true even when a spoke breaks.