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review

Bianchi Infinito CV Disc road bike

8
£5,600.00

VERDICT:

8
10
Same smooth ride quality and racey performance with the benefits of disc brakes, but it's not exactly cheap and the fork isn't stiff enough
Weight: 
8,200g
Contact: 

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Bianchi have embraced the future by giving their highly regarded Infinito CV a disc brake makeover. The result is an impressively capable bike providing all the benefits of disc brakes with the same silky smoothness and ride performance of last year's road.cc Bike of the Year winner. It's not cheap though and neither is it very light.

Performance

With a longer wheelbase and taller head tube than an out-and-out race bikes, the Infinito CV Disc is a bike for going the distance, for long days in the saddle when comfort is a priority over speed.

Bianchi's Coast 2 Coast (C2C) geometry means the Infinito CV Disc has a 2cm taller head tube than their Oltre XR2 race bike - it's 17cm on this 55cm frame. The wheelbase is longer at 100.2cm. It's a geometry that toes the line between race bikes and more relaxed sportive bikes, providing a position that will appeal to those that still want to get reasonably low and stretched.

Handling balance is spot-on, with good reactions through the corners and solid stability at higher speeds. Direction changes don't come with the same immediacy as you'd expect from a race bike, but it is far more forgiving when the pace heats up, especially through fast corners. And when the road gets rough the Infinito CV Disc remains stable and composed.

Despite the changes to account for the disc brakes, the Infinito CV Disc offers the same exquisite balance of smoothness and stiffness as the regular Infinito CV. The Vision wheels provide a touch more stiffness than the Fulcrum tubular wheels on the regular Infinito CV I tested last year, but the difference is very slight. The main thing to take away here is that the Infinito CV Disc offers a very smooth ride when the road surface gets rough and broken.

On the scales the Bianchi weighs 8.2kg. That's not exactly heavy; it's in the ballpark for a carbon fibre bike with an Ultegra Di2 disc build, and much of the weight difference compared to the Infinito I tested last year will be down to the difference in the groupsets and wheels. Compared to similar specced bikes the weight is on the money. However compared to non-disc bikes at this price the Infinito CV Disc does look heavy, and for anyone placing a lot of importance on weight, this might be a concern. I didn't find the weight a huge issue when riding the Infinito CV Disc, even on some of the longer climbs around Riccione in Italy and up some of the Cotswolds steepest ascents. If you want a lighter option, then at present a hydraulic disc bike probably isn't for you.

Shimano R785 hydraulic disc brakes

Disc brakes on road bikes are a controversial technology at present. Bianchi offers the Infinito with a choice of brakes so you can take your pick, depending on your preference. You'll know if you want disc brakes or not, and if you do the Infinito CV Disc integrates Shimano's R785 disc brakes very well, with internal hose routing and the use of Shimano's recommended 140mm rotors (160mm rotors can be used with adaptors) used on Shimano hubs laced to Vision Metron 40 carbon fibre clincher rims.

Shimano's R785 hydraulic disc brakes (/content/review/114970-shimano-br-r785-road-hydraulic-discs) are the current benchmark. We've yet to thoroughly test SRAM's revamped hydraulic discs to see how they compare. Much has been written about Shimano's brakes previously. Suffice to say, performance is highly impressive. Lever action is firm with good feel in all situations. Decent modulation makes it really easy to feed in just the right amount of braking power for any given situation, from high speed braking to slow speed adjustments.

The Shimano discs are most impressive when descending mountain roads with tight hairpins requiring heavy braking to scrub off a lot of speed in a short space of time. Compared to riding the same descents on carbon fibre clinchers with regular rim brakes, there really is no comparison, the disc brakes are far better. They simply provide more confidence in being able to slow down when approaching a corner that requires you halving your speed before you turn in.

I had no issues with overheating during some of the longer and faster descents on the Italian roads used to test the Bianchi, nor any concerns with an excess of braking power forcing lockups. There was also no brake rub during general use.

However, there was a small amount of brake rub from the front brake during out of saddle climbing. It's not enough to measurably slow your progress, but the sound is annoying. Clearly the fork isn't stiff enough, despite Bianchi having developed a new one for this bike. Would a thru-axle boost stiffness enough to resist the small amount of twist that is exhibited in this fork? Probably, but without trying such a fork in this frame it's difficult to say for certain.

Frame and fork

The Infinito CV Disc frame carries all the same styling cues as the non-disc Infinito but there are a few changes. More carbon fibre has been added in key places, in the stays, to handle the forces generated by the disc brakes, and in the new fork too.

While the new fork looks the same, is has the hydraulic hose routed inside the left leg - the frame also features internal brake hose routing. It's all very nearly done, and the frame is compatible with mechanical groupsets as well - Bianchi will offer an Ultegra mechanical build of this bike. Post mounts are used at the fork and in the rear triangle for mounting the Shimano disc calipers and regular quick release axles are used, with rear wheel spacing the now standard 135mm.

Under the paint the new disc frame utilises the same CounterVail Vibration Cancelling Composite Technology. This is a viscoelastic material within the carbon fibre that aims to dampen vibrations caused from riding over rough roads. As I found with the regular Infinito CV, it's a technology that works well and in the the disc version has lost none of the smoothness. Rough roads, from rippled tarmac to cracked roads highlight the Infinito's ability to filter out the harsh vibrations and provide an impressively smooth ride.

Build

Shimano Ultegra Di2 really needs no explanation, in fact you could just read my review of it here. An 11-speed groupset, with the compact 50/34 chainset providing a good spread of low gears in combination with an 11-28t cassette. The frame has internal wire routing and the battery is concealed inside the seatpost.

The bike gets an FSA and Vision build. Vision supply the Metron 40 Disc carbon fibre clincher rims laced to Shimano CX75 disc hubs. The Vision rims, as their name suggests, are 40mm deep and have a fashionably wide profile. They're fast wheels and cope well in blustery wind conditions with very good stability.

The wide rims provide a good base for the 25mm Hutchinson Fusion 3 tyres that come fitted, with a smooth transition from rim to tyre. The tyres provide good grip and at 100psi good bump absorption over a variety of road surfaces, with good rolling resistance too.

FSA's Wing Compact handlebar is made from aluminium and the short reach and drop is comfortable and makes it easy to ride in the drops for extended periods. An FSA Team Issue carbon stem and SL-K carbon seatpost complete the build. The Fizik Aliante Gamma saddle is as comfortable as we've come to expect from the Italian company. Considering the price of the bike we might reasonably expect some slightly higher grade components, particularly a carbon fibre handlebar.

Conclusion

The Infinito offers a good balance between high speed performance and long distance ride comfort, with engaging handling for the more enthusiastic cyclists. It might not be as light as some other bikes at this price, but it's not exactly heavy and for many the benefits of the disc brakes will outweigh the small weight penalty. Apart from a small amount of brake rub when out of the saddle, the disc brakes provide compelling performance in all situations that really makes it hard to ga back to a regular non-disc bike.

That just leaves the price. £5,600 is a lot of money, and is brought sharply into focus when compared to the similarly specced Orbea Avant I tested earlier this year: it costs £1,150 less. There's a big difference in wheels though, the Avant's Shimano RX31 wheels compared to the Bianchi's Vision Metron 40 wheels which have a list price of about £1,500. It's a serious upgrade and the wheels do have a positive impact, and the Bianchi edges the Orbea on performance and ride smoothness too.

Verdict

Smooth ride and racey performance with the benefits of disc brakes, but it's not exactly cheap and the fork isn't stiff enough

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road.cc test report

Make and model: Bianchi Infinito CV Disc

Size tested: 56

About the bike

State the frame and fork material and method of construction. List the components used to build up the bike.

New for this season and designed to cover long distances with maximum performance/minimum stress. All thanks to Bianchi's special frame design/geometry and different material combination. This carbon frame is constructed using Countervail ; a cutting edge composite material used in the aerospace industry. Used exclusively in the world of cycling by Bianchi. Suitable for those demanding a high performance bike and tested under racing conditions in a UCI World Tour Classic. Equipped with Shimano Ultegra Di2 groupset and new hydraulic disc brakes with Vision Metron 40 full carbon clincher wheels.

Tell us what the bike is for, and who it's aimed at. What do the manufacturers say about it? How does that compare to your own feelings about the bike?

Bianchi collaborated with Materials Sciences Corp. to develop their innovative and exclusive application of the patented Countervail® integrated vibration canceling system for cycling. The result is the new Bianchi Infinito CV. Scientific studies prove that long term exposure to vibration, typically absorbed by the rider, causes muscle fatigue and discomfort, resulting in reduced performance.

Traditional passive damping of the frame using superficial rubber inserts and isolators are only marginally effective compared to the integrated carbon Countervail® system developed by Bianchi and proven in the extreme conditions of NASA aerospace operations. With its patented carbon fibre architecture and viscoelastic material, Countervail® carbon material is actually embedded within the unique Infinito CV carbon layup, immediately cancelling vibration while increasing the stiffness and strength of the entire frame.

ADVANTAGES:

Maximized ride control and handling under normal to extreme vibration loads

Reduced muscle fatigue and increased energy savings in distance rides

Increased rigidity and peak power output over long distances

Tech specs of Infinito CV:

Carbon Monocoque frame with tapered head tube 1 1/8" - 1 1/2" & PressFit 30 BB

Double compatibility mechanic and electronic groupset

Down tube dimension optimized on the different sizes

(New) Full carbon aero fork shape with straight blades

Higher head tube and longer chain stay

Internal cable routing

28mm tubular/clincher compatible

Frame and fork

Overall rating for frame and fork
 
8/10

Tell us about the geometry of the frame and fork?

Racier geometry than many sportive and endurance bikes will suit racers and those wanting a reasonably stretched and low position.

How was the bike in terms of height and reach? How did it compare to other bikes of the same stated size?

Swapped the stem for a 12cm and the reach was spot-on.

Riding the bike

Was the bike comfortable to ride? Tell us how you felt about the ride quality.

Offers the same smoothness as the standard Infinito CV despite the changes made to account for the disc brakes.

Did the bike feel stiff in the right places? Did any part of the bike feel too stiff or too flexible?

Yes plenty of stiffness when pedalling hard but the fork is lacking stiffness to prevent twist when out of the saddle.

Rate the bike for efficiency of power transfer:
 
8/10
Rate the bike for acceleration:
 
8/10
Rate the bike for sprinting:
 
8/10
Rate the bike for high speed stability:
 
9/10
Rate the bike for cruising speed stability:
 
9/10
Rate the bike for low speed stability:
 
8/10
Rate the bike for flat cornering:
 
8/10
Rate the bike for cornering on descents:
 
9/10
Rate the bike for climbing:
 
7/10

The drivetrain

Rate the drivetrain for performance:
 
9/10
Rate the drivetrain for durability:
 
9/10
Rate the drivetrain for weight:
 
8/10
Rate the drivetrain for value:
 
8/10

Wheels and tyres

Rate the wheels and tyres for performance:
 
9/10
Rate the wheels and tyres for durability:
 
8/10
Rate the wheels and tyres for weight:
 
8/10
Rate the wheels and tyres for comfort:
 
9/10
Rate the wheels and tyres for value:
 
8/10

Controls

Rate the controls for performance:
 
8/10
Rate the controls for weight:
 
7/10
Rate the controls for comfort:
 
8/10
Rate the controls for value:
 
8/10

Your summary

Did you enjoy riding the bike? Yes.

Would you consider buying the bike? Not until Bianchi address the fork stiffness.

Would you recommend the bike to a friend? Maybe.

Rate the bike overall for performance:
 
8/10
Rate the bike overall for value:
 
7/10

Anything further to say about the bike in conclusion?

The Infinito CV Disc so nearly ticks all the boxes but it's expensive and the fork is lacking stiffness when climbing out of the saddle. It's still a very impressive package though with great ride smoothness and long distance comfort, and corners confidently

Overall rating: 8/10

About the tester

Age: 31  Height: 180  Weight: 67

I usually ride:   My best bike is:

I've been riding for: 10-20 years  I ride: Every day  I would class myself as: Expert

I regularly do the following types of riding: road racing, time trialling, cyclo cross, commuting, touring, mtb,

 

David worked on the road.cc tech team from 2012-2020. Previously he was editor of Bikemagic.com and before that staff writer at RCUK. He's a seasoned cyclist of all disciplines, from road to mountain biking, touring to cyclo-cross, he only wishes he had time to ride them all. He's mildly competitive, though he'll never admit it, and is a frequent road racer but is too lazy to do really well. He currently resides in the Cotswolds, and you can now find him over on his own YouTube channel David Arthur - Just Ride Bikes

Add new comment

16 comments

Avatar
Meanredspider | 9 years ago
0 likes

Why wait for thru-axles? Worried you won't be able to find QRs? Glad I didn't wait else I'd have been without my disc roadie for 3 years now? Disc rub? Nope... Thinking "I wish I had thru-axles"? Nope...

Avatar
CXR94Di2 | 9 years ago
0 likes

I have bolt through on my mtb bike and quick release on my Boardman. I am probably devoid of all sensation but the Boardman doesn't seem to exhibit any flex I can discern.

Re price that is alot of money when my bike has the same shimano kit, carbon frame and is just short of half the cost. Guess my bike is an absolute bargain  1

Avatar
CXR94Di2 | 9 years ago
0 likes

I have bolt through on my mtb bike and quick release on my Boardman. I am probably devoid of all sensation but the Boardman doesn't seem to exhibit any flex I can discern.

Re price that is alot of money when my bike has the same shimano kit, carbon frame and is just short of half the cost. Guess my bike is an absolute bargain  1

Avatar
CXR94Di2 | 9 years ago
0 likes

I have bolt through on my mtb bike and quick release on my Boardman. I am probably devoid of all sensation but the Boardman doesn't seem to exhibit any flex I can discern.

Re price that is alot of money when my bike has the same shimano kit, carbon frame and is just short of half the cost. Guess my bike is an absolute bargain  1

Avatar
truffy | 9 years ago
0 likes

I agree. I'm waiting for the through-axle revolution to really herald the disc brake revolution.

Avatar
russwparkin | 9 years ago
0 likes

i wont be touching a disc specced bike anytime soon.

nothing to do with dont like change or anything like that but i firmly believe that bolt through will arrive very soon and that should complete the evolution and remove the final issue of brake rub.

i think if you buy this 6k bike now in 1-2 years its going to not be obsolete but its going to be old tech for sure

Avatar
giobox replied to russwparkin | 9 years ago
0 likes
russwparkin wrote:

i wont be touching a disc specced bike anytime soon.

nothing to do with dont like change or anything like that but i firmly believe that bolt through will arrive very soon and that should complete the evolution and remove the final issue of brake rub.

i think if you buy this 6k bike now in 1-2 years its going to not be obsolete but its going to be old tech for sure

+1

I also think it would be sillyto buy a disc equipped road bike that doesn't have thru-axles. Only need to watch what happened in the mountain bike industry.

Avatar
antigee | 9 years ago
0 likes

"Apart from a small amount of brake rub when out of the saddle"

Note to self when buying a new disk bike:

I guess I'll remember to ask in the shop "is the frame flexible enough to give brake rub?"  17

Avatar
Lumen | 9 years ago
0 likes

Whisky do a tapered through-axle road fork which combined with an Enve SES 3.4 disc wheel might fix the brake rub issue.

Really burns having to fix a £6k bike with aftermarket parts though.

The Colnago V1-r Disc looks like a better engineered option but is ruined by the Ferrari badges and is even more stupid money.

Think I'll wait for the Focus Cayo Disc. Shame it's so ugly.

Avatar
DrJDog | 9 years ago
0 likes

As above, £5.6k for 8.2kg is stunning. Disc brakes add 1.2kg?

Avatar
fukawitribe replied to DrJDog | 9 years ago
0 likes
DrJDog wrote:

As above, £5.6k for 8.2kg is stunning. Disc brakes add 1.2kg?

As mentioned in the comments in the 'First Look' review on this bike

The difference over the non-disc version is about 1200g. On this one, the frame is about 100g heavier and the wheelset is about 250 or 450g heavier (Speed Race XLR tubs vs Metron 40 Disc tubs/clincher) - so you're maybe 30% or 45% of the way there just with those two.

Avatar
Shamblesuk | 9 years ago
0 likes

Nearly 6 grand for an admittedly pretty frame with fairly average components(eg alu bar and SL-K seat post) and weighs a ton. There are much better bargains out there from some of the more bespoke manufacturers.

I've had a Bianchi in the past and have always been disappointed with the kit they come supplied with.

Avatar
caaad10 replied to Shamblesuk | 9 years ago
0 likes
Shamblesuk wrote:

Nearly 6 grand for an admittedly pretty frame with fairly average components(eg alu bar and SL-K seat post) and weighs a ton. There are much better bargains out there from some of the more bespoke manufacturers.

Not everyone's looking for a bargain, if I had that much to blow on a bike I'd certainly have one of these on my shortlist, I'd be happy with the groupset & the weight wouldn't bother me too much either... But it would be a tough call, especially as I do like to grab a bargain!

Avatar
glynr36 replied to Shamblesuk | 9 years ago
1 like
Shamblesuk wrote:

Nearly 6 grand for an admittedly pretty frame with fairly average components(eg alu bar and SL-K seat post) and weighs a ton. There are much better bargains out there from some of the more bespoke manufacturers.

I've had a Bianchi in the past and have always been disappointed with the kit they come supplied with.

Ultegra 6870 Di2 with discs = £1700 or there about.
Wheelset, as the article says = £1500
Frame off the shelf = £2800.

Sounds quite a bargain to me.
Nothing wrong with an Alu bar either.

Avatar
giobox replied to glynr36 | 9 years ago
0 likes
glynr36 wrote:

Ultegra 6870 Di2 with discs = £1700 or there about.
Wheelset, as the article says = £1500
Frame off the shelf = £2800.

Sounds quite a bargain to me.
Nothing wrong with an Alu bar either.

If you are paying 1700 quid for 6870 you're doing it wrong. That said, given how rare (relatively) frames that can take a hydraulic groupset are, it is probably quite hard to track down the hydraulic brifters at 'normal' prices.

Almost nowhere sensible charges Shimano's RRP for their groupsets. Actual sales pricing usually hovers close to 50% of Shimano RRPs. Bianchi as a manufacturer presumably get substantial bulk discounts too. You certainly wouldn't buy this because you thought the specsheet alone represented good value. You would normally expect the price of a complete anything to cost less than buying separately at retail prices.

Avatar
fukawitribe | 9 years ago
0 likes

Just a quick question if you would - did you try playing around with the tyre pressures and, if so, what difference it makes to the ride, grip, perceived rolling resistance etc ?

100 psi seemed quite high for a 25mm Fusion 3 on a 25.5mm rim but if the comfort was good in the UK with that then why not I guess - just curious really.

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