Just in: Bottecchia Reparto Corse Duello

Bottecchia is an Italian bicycle manufacturer steeped in history. The brand was formed in 1926 and was soon named after Ottavio Bottecchia, the first Italian winner of the Tour de France. The new Reparto Corse Duello that we’ve just been sent to review is a special edition model specifically for the UK.

It costs £999, a really popular price point with many new cyclists and those looking to upgrade from a cheaper first road bike. For that considerable chunk of cash, the Reparto Corse Duello features an aluminium frame and carbon fibre fork with a predominantly Shimano 105 drivetrain.

The frame is made from 6069 triple butted aluminium tubes. This helps save some weight. A classic 68mm external threaded bottom bracket is used, along with a tapered head tube where the carbon fibre fork slots into the frame. Cables are internally routed, an increasingly common feature on bikes at this price.  The Italian company claims a frame weight of 1,320g for a size medium, a respectable weight considering the price tag of the bike.

There’s a choice of six sizes. The bike pictured is a 51 and the geometry chart shows a 545mm effective top tube, 405mm chainstays, 140mm head tube, 540mm stack and 385mm reach. The head angle comes in at a standard 73-degrees while the seat tube is half a degree steeper.

Bottecchia has built the frame up with a mainly Shimano 105 drivetrain but added an FSA Omega Megaexo aluminium chainset. It’s a 52/36 chainset which points to the speedy credentials of the bike. Am 11-28 cassette should ensure you’re not too overgeared for the climbs.

Also departing from the Shimano theme are the Tektro brake calipers. Rake is the company’s own brand and is used for the aluminium stem and 31.6mm seatpost. A Deda RHM handlebar is used with a Bottecchia Eagle Flow saddle and 25mm Vittoria tyres round out the details. The complete bike weighs 9.47kg (20.88lb).

As you know £999 is a very competitive price point, and there’s no shortage of choice. If you’re in the market for a bike costing this much, be sure to check out our buyer’s guide to bikes costing under a grand.

We’ve previously tested the £600 Bottecchia Unica Reparto Corse, and this bike is currently being ridden, so watch out for the full review soon.

More at www.bottecchia.co.uk