Bianchi Specialissima Parigi-Roubaix, 1949, racing bicycle

Bianchi Specialissima Parigi Roubaix, racing bicycle, 1949, Italy 

This Bianchi “Specialissima Parigi-Roubaix” was the official bicycle for the antique (1896) and tough Parigi Roubaix race.

The route included some cobbles stretches, often muddy and the rules forced the cyclist to use the fixed pinion: bluffing was impossible!

The 1949 edition saw the unlucky Coppi sharing the victory “ex aequo” with the French Mahè.

Technical notes:
Double pinion: free wheel + fixed
“Parigi-Roubaix” CAMPAGNOLO gearbox
BIANCHI-CAMPAGNOLO hubs
UNIVERSAL type 49 brakes
AMBROSIO taylor-made handlebar
BROOKS saddle
NISI light alloy rims
BIANCHI aluminum canteen
BIANCHI gonfleur (loaded with compressed air for a quick inflation in case of punctures)