The idea behind the Cipollini bike brand was to create a machine that Mario Cipollini wished he could have when he was a racer and sprinter. While this might be simply abbreviated as marketing hype – and it certainly is – it is true.
Released in 2010, the RB1000 was custom-made for Mario Cipollini. It offers exceptional sturdiness and super-aggressive riding position for tremendous power and the capability of wiggling through the tightest corners, making the most out of silly opportunities, and being ready for sprints.
Almost all the parts of Cipollini bikes are made in Italy, with no cost in materials or manufacturing. This seems to resonate with Super Mario’s immoderate personality to teenagers. Now, eleven years later, the bike is being updated, becoming the Cipollini RB1K. And, of course, Cipollini also provides the cycling market, typically the road and gravel segment, with many great models. Let’s explore!
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Overview Of Cipollini Bike Company
History Of Cipollini Bike Company
Arguably the most famous professional rider of all time, Mario Cipollini has won nearly 200 professional championships. So, you might wonder what the question that created the Cipollini brand was. What would Mario Cipollini ride in his professional career if he picked the bikes on his own? The Cipollini series made in Italy is, therefore, an absolutely rugged, responsive, and high-performance road bike.
The Cipollini product line is perfectly designed, beautifully constructed, and aesthetically pleasing. They are flawless characteristic lines of Italian design. In fact, Cipollini bikes have been on the cycling market since their first release in 2010, and like many other high-end bike brands, they are relatively hard to find.
Such characteristics as high performance, responsive handling, and stiffness make the frame perfect for racers capable of sprinting. While the blended qualities are the epitome of advances in bicycle riding technology, Cipollini has currently gone a step further with the 2021 launch of a mountain bike – the Dolomia.
In essence, Mario Cipollini’s famous riding style, bravery, and pomp reflect qualities very similar to those of the road bikes he has designed.
You can learn about the history of Cipollini Bike Company by comparing it to other bike brands and their histories. For example, Factor Bikes have a history of using innovative materials in cycling, while Cipollini’s ex-racing background gave him a unique perspective on how to make fast bikes.
Where Are Cipollini Bikes Made?
All of the Cipollini frames are built and painted by hand at its manufacturing factory in Italy. In addition, many utilize a full monocoque construction, where the frame is molded into one piece instead of the rear triangle being connected to the front of the bicycle after molding, which is usually the case.
The Technologies of Cipollini Bikes
Unique And True Monocoque
Cipollini is considered the leader of powerful and refined technology, including processing the carbon frame into a single piece without any insertion of the rear stay, unlike almost all frames you find on the cycling market.
The TCM is the initial monocoque frame created from a single die. Thanks to the long and complicated procedure, the company can treat the construction as if it were a single tube. In addition, the hides are embedded as needed. Besides, there is no need to watch over the bonding layers since they will be subjected to different forces.
Stronger, More Resistant, Lighter
As you might know, the common monocoque frames out there are usually constructed by fastening the rear stay with glue to the frame’s front area. The processing makes the frame construction/structure more vulnerable to long-term damage, resulting in reduced performance.
However, cipollini’s true TCM monocoque frame is able to remove these weaknesses caused by discrete parts. I0p3n in this way, the pressure the frame is subjected to over many years will be absorbed more evenly and less impact. As a result, the rider will feel more comfortable and smooth during the ride.
Perfect Fibers
The perfect combination of fibers used in the lamination procedure, the construction technology in the autoclave, and the certificate of a similar process creates the special mechanical properties of Cipollini frames.
Besides, the fabrics utilized in the structure process must be pre-impregnated with epoxy resins and tested sequentially to verify that the resin content is persistent across all parts.
Performance Of Cipollini Road Bikes
Inspired by Mario Cipollini’s vision, the bike brand has developed great road bikes with a clear goal in mind: to provide lightness, rigidity, and maneuverability to build a flawless frame.
Along with lots of pro athletes, including the professional Ljubljana team, the company tested over 20 different frames with various carbon fiber configurations. What’s more, Cipollini consulted with aerospace corporations to maximize the carbon fiber layer and build a frame with a flawless structure.
And finally, Cipollini found a conclusive answer: the Dolomia road bike offering fluid downhill and nimble uphill.
The Dolomia is the flagship lightweight, aero road bike of the company. It is specially designed to deliver a light, fast, and rigid performance.
According to Mario Cipollini, the Dolomia is a bicycle created for comfort and low weight instead of meeting his most important needs as he was a sprinter: reactivity and rigidity. In reality, it is the bicycle used by the Bardiani CSF Faizanè ProContinental men’s team.
Generally speaking, the Dolomia in particular and Cipollini’s road bikes are very comfortable and responsive at the front while reactive and stiff at the rear. Its frame is exceptionally versatile for aspiring cyclists.
Cipollini Bike Categories
Named after the mythical Italian sprinter Mario Cipollini, who won an incredible 57 Grand Tour stages as a pro rider, the Cipollini bike brand aspires to offer an exclusive, premium bicycle range. In particular, its bike range should be something a little different and injects Cipo racing flair into bicycles that perform well for weekend cyclists.
Accordingly, Cipollini offers a wide range of bike models to cater to gravel and road cyclists. These models are a great blend of racy properties and a comfortable road geometry. In particular, they include the Bond 2, the MCM All-Road for road riding and off-road flexibility, the super-lightweight Dolomia, the speed-focused RB1K, and the NK1K perfect for races.
In brief, there are good bike options for all types of riders. Let’s have a look at the Cipollini bike range:
- Road Bikes
- Gravel Bikes
- Triathlon/Time Trial Bikes
- Track Bikes
Most Popular Cipollini Bikes
It seems that MCipollini is best well-known for its road bikes. Nevertheless, the company also provides the cycling market with different types of bikes, including track bikes, gravel bikes, and triathlon/time trial bikes. Each range has one to more models, and each one can be customized so that you can easily get the model you have been dreaming of. But here are some of the most popular Cipollini bikes available right now:
- Road Bikes/Frameset: Cipollini Dolomia
- Gravel Bikes/Frameset: Cipollini MCM All-Road
- Triathlon/Time Trial Bikes/Frameset: Cipollini NKTT
- Track Bikes/Frameset: Cipollini Speed
If you are looking for a high-quality and stylish bike, you should check out the Canyon Bikes. Their innovative designs and commitment to performance make them a favorite among cyclists. Whether you are a professional rider or just looking for a bike for casual rides, Canyon Bikes has something for you.
Cipollini Bike Price Range
As I mentioned above, all of Cipollini’s frames are manufactured and painted by hand in the company’s factory in Italy. Among them, lots of models use a full monocoque construction. Therefore, it will take more time and cost to finish a bike.
However, this process allows the company to create frames that are more durable, stronger, and sturdier. What’s more, the brand uses a tube-to-tube internal mounting structure for some of its frames. This, as a result, lets the company offer custom frame sizes. But in the end, you will get an excellent model that is really worth it.
- Road Bikes/Frameset: $3,389 – $12,399.99
- Gravel Bikes/Frameset: $3,890
- Triathlon/Time Trial Bikes/Frameset: $5,390 – $7,690
- Track Bikes/Frameset: $7,995 – $8,990
Are Cipollini Bikes Any Good?
Cipollini makes very high-performance, solid, and comfortable bikes of different disciplines, mostly road, gravel, time trial and triathlon, and track bicycles. All of their frames are hand-crafted in Italy with meticulous attention to detail. Its bike models are very light, stiff, more aerodynamic, and fast. In addition, you will find a high level of rigidity and an aggressive geometry in every single model.
Cipollini Vs. Pinarello
Cipollini Bike Review
Cipollini provides the cycling market with a relatively wide range of models from different categories, including road, gravel, triathlon and time trial, and track bikes.
The brand’s road bike range is typically developed with the inspiration of Mario Cipollini’s vision. Accordingly, all of its road bicycles offer great maneuverability, sturdiness, and lightness. As a result, a perfect bike frame will be created.
In order to offer such excellent frames, the company has closely cooperated with different pro athletes and tested over 20 frames with various configurations of carbon fiber. What’s more, Cipollini even consulted aerospace enterprises to provide the marking with an optimized carbon fiber frame with an ideal construction.
In general, Cipollini’s road bike range is perfect for both downhill and uphill with high performance.
Gravel bikes, on the other hand, are considered the leader on any type of terrain. They are constructed out of a strong MCM frame that performs perfectly on most gravel surfaces. In addition, the frame is typically made to keep the speed on dirt trails while delivering maximum versatility.
If you are looking for a bike that helps maximize your speed on the track, then Cipollini tack bicycles will be an ideal choice. They are naturally fast with a durable stainless steel frame for greater reliability. In addition, these bikes offer improved responsiveness and higher performance.
On the contrary, if you are a triathlon/time trial specialist, you will not want to miss out on Cipollini’s triathlon bike range. These models are equipped with a full-carbon handler stem and specially developed in the wind tunnel for the best possible performance. What’s more, the enhanced aerodynamics make them ideal for high-speed races.
Pros
- Offer some of the lightest road bikes in the industry
- Frames are incredibly strong, advanced, and stiff
- Fitted with groundbreaking technologies for better performance
- Allow the riders to customize their own frames
- Meticulous attention to details with great components
- Typically designed for speed without compromising weight
Cons
- Some features narrow rear tire clearance
Pinarello Bike Review
Pinarello is a well-known bike brand in Italy that has a longer history compared to Cipollini, which was established in 1952 by Giovanni Pinarello. The brand has been concentrating on manufacturing high-end road bicycles since its foundation. Nevertheless, Pinarello also offers great models from other disciplines, including track, mountain, city, and cyclocross bikes.
If the Dolomia road bike is considered the “flagship” model of Cipollini with the super lightness, then the Dogma is the most high-end race bike of Pinarello. For those who don’t know, Pinarello Dogma was used in the Grand Tour and won the title. Typically made of great asymmetrical geometry, the Dogma delivers exceptional rigidity. At the same time, the flat tube design provides the rider with greater aerodynamic traits.
You can also find other premium bicycles at this professional level, such as Gan and Bolide. In addition to these upmarket models, cyclists can also have different choices if they are looking for casual bikes. For example, you can consider the Noer or Razha since both models are typically made with comfort and performance in mind, allowing the rider to go further without any fatigue.
In terms of mountain bike range, the greatest option might be the Dogma XM. However, if you are looking for a perfect cross-country race bike, don’t forget to try the Dogma XC. These models are both fitted with similar geometry to the company’s high-end road bikes. Having said that, there are some small adjustments to make sure they are suitable for specific cycling needs or purposes.
When it comes to bike ranges, Pinarello provides the cyclist with more options and models than Cipollini. For example, you can have more choices for various riding styles, such as Grevil for aerodynamics, Mercurio for hybrid, and Crossista+ for cyclocross riding.
Pros
- Enduring, strong, and lugged frames
- Come in a large range of bike types and models
- Deliver outstanding power transmission
- Fitted with a powerful braking system
- Tire clearance seems to be wider than Cipollini
- Provide some of the best road bicycles on the market
Cons
- The shock absorption ability sometimes is not really good
Cipollini Road Bikes
Dolima
In fact, Cipollini’s road bikes are inspired by Mario Cipollini’s vision. As a result, the company created an excellent road bike range with perfect frames, lightness, maneuverability, and sturdiness.
Cipollini tested more than 20 bike frames with different carbon fiber configurations in partnership with many pro athletes. What’s more, the company consulted with aerospace enterprises to improve the carbon fiber layering and designed a frame with an absolute structure.
Eventually, Cipollino has found its ultimate answer, which is the Dolomia road bike with excellent fluid downhill and agile uphill capability.
In fact, this is the company’s flagship model. It is exceptionally lightweight, stiff, fast, and more aerodynamic.
At 780 grams for a medium size, the Cipollini Dolomia is the most lightweight model in the brand’s range. Besides, its frame is combined with a 380 grams suspension fork for an overall weight of just above 1 kg.
This model’s frame is only available with disc brakes, working on thru-axles with a large tire clearance of up to 29mm wide. In addition, the frame is specially designed to integrate the front panel, with scope to accommodate the one-piece stem/bar with the inner cable routing into the headset.
You will also find other modern features in the Dolomia, including an aero-profiled carbon seatpost with a 100mm setback and a press-fit bottom bracket shell.
According to Mario Cipollini, the Dolomia is a special bicycle built for low weight and optimal comfort rather than meeting his main requirements when he was a professional sprinter, which is reactivity and rigidity. Besides, the Dolomia is the great bike used by the Bardiani CSF Faizanè ProContinental men’s team.
The One
Generally speaking, The One is considered an “overall bike”, the end result of many years of experience and history in the cycling industry. Therefore, it is completely different from any other bike.
Its frame is constructed out of high modulus T1000, 1k finish, creating a durable construction. And, of course, it still delivers stiffness and great aerodynamics. The head tube is typically made stiffer for better reactive steering.
The One’s geometry is typically built for racing with the highest possible performance. Moreover, the company has decreased the raised profiles, enhancing the steering cover. Another great thing about The One model is the oversized chainstay section. This design provides the rider with better sturdiness for more efficient power transfer.
Cipollini MCM
This Cipollini MCM model delivers exceptionally versatile dimensions and angles. This is all because of the innovative T2T technology integrated. Constructed out of the 800 lugged frame, 1k finish, the MCM’s frame is extremely strong and durable.
As mentioned above, the advanced T2T system will deliver maximum versatility of the frame directions and sizes. With the two options of braking systems, including the rim brake direct mount and disc brake flat mount, you can pick any one that fits your needs and road conditions.
Besides, the built-in fork and down tube is typically optimized for greater performance. The Cipollini MCM also offers exceptional control of the tolerances, thanks to the great integrated CNC components.
Last but not least, Cipollini allows the rider to customize their own MCM model since it offers tailor-made frames. As a result, you can customize your own frame geometry to better fit your height.
Cipollini NK1K
With the durable Cipollini NK1K frame, you will find that a racing spirit meets the ultimate comfort. Constructed out of exceptionally strong, high modulus T1000, with a 1k finish, this bike delivers great stiffness.
Besides, the headtube is particularly built with sturdiness in mind, offering more reactive steering. With specific stack and reach, and endurance geometry, you will feel a more relaxed riding position. As a result, riding further will become easier.
Another great feature of the Cipollini NK1K is the incredible steering cover, thanks to the reduction in the raised profiles. You will also feel far more comfortable while on the saddle because the slimmer seat stay delivers improved comfort.
Cipollini Bond 2
Tough and responsive at the rear, reactive and comfy at the front are the two key features of the Cipollini Bond 2. This frame is extremely versatile, ideal for the enthusiastic cyclist.
Equipped with groundbreaking TCM technology and built with a high modulus T800, 3k finish, the Bond 2’s frame is exceptionally strong and durable. What’s more, its endurance geometry provides a certain stack and reach for a more relaxed riding position.
In order to increase the comfort level of the frame, the brand offers unique dropouts and top tube designs. As a result, you will feel the upper frame much more comfortable. The lower frame, on the other hand, is more reactive and stiffer. This is because the lower parts are particularly sized for maximum responsiveness. In addition, there are two saddle position options, making it perfect for optimal pedaling.
Cipollini Gravel Bikes
Cipollini MCM All-Road
Leads the way on any type of terrain with the Cipollini MCM All-Road bike. Its frame, constructed out of the lugged T800, is typically built to excel all grave surfaces, even the toughest ones.
Integrated with an advanced T2T system, this model delivers maximum versatility in all angles and dimensions. Besides, it comes in an all-road race geometry, perfect for maintaining speed, even on dirt trails.
In addition, the brand designed this bike with improved reactiveness in mind. In particular, its rear triangle is built to fit up to 40mm tires. And finally, all parts are assembled by the best cooperators, making it an excellent bicycle in the gravel bike segment.
Cipollini TT/Tri Bikes
Cipollini NKTT
If you are a time trial or triathlon expert, this Cipollini NKTT is a perfect option for you. It is typically built in the wind tunnel with a high-quality, full-carbon handlebar stem. The combination of great aerodynamics, high performance, and blend design makes it ideal for high-speed races.
Developed in the wind tunnel, the bike frame will provide the cyclist with an exceptionally aerodynamic feeling in every race. In addition, its frame offers incredible controllability for triathlons, time trials, and riding in windy conditions, thanks to the great maneuverability.
In addition, the fork and head tube are designed with aerodynamics in mind. As a result, they come in a sleek look while delivering the most aerodynamic efficiency. With the improved sections of the bottom bracket, seat tube, and down tube, the frame becomes much more sturdy and strong.
Last but not least, all of the bike components were tested in the wind tunnel, ensuring the best possible aerodynamics and performance in time trials and triathlons.
Cipollini Track Bikes
Cipollini NKTR
As you might or might not know, the Cipollini NKTR is considered the queen of pursuit, delivering natural fast on most tracks.
It is built with a T100 high modulus, monocoque frame and equipped with great mechanical components, including seatpost clamps, expander bolts, and derailleur hangers. All of them are produced in Italy.
For better reactivity and higher performance on every track you ride, the model is fitted with an aerodynamic fork. In addition, the vigor handlebar stem is typically built for inner cable routing.
Thanks to the incredible aerodynamic design, the Cipollini NKTR offers more efficiency with less resistance. Moreover, the CNC components are made of good-quality stainless steel, improving the reliability and structural strength.
If you’re looking for a high-performance bike brand, Cipollini NKTR should be on your radar. This Italian brand boasts some of the best bikes on the market, known for their quality craftsmanship and advanced technology. Check out our list of the best bike brands of 2022 for more options.
Cipollini SPEED
Let’s maximize your speed on the track with the Cipollini SPEED. It is built with a high-quality and durable T1000 high modulus, monocoque frame. Like the previous model, all of its mechanical components are manufactured in Italy, including expander bolts, derailleur hangers, and seatpost clamps.
You will also experience improved responsiveness and higher performance, thanks to the tapered headset and aero fork. The overall reliability and structural resistance are also better because of the stainless steel CNC components used. And finally, just enjoy every track you ride with more pedaling performance and less resistance, thanks to the extraordinary aerodynamics.
Conclusion
Handcrafted in Italy, Cipollini bikes are beautifully made, exceptionally aerodynamic, lightweight, fast, and stiff. Besides, the company even offers custom frames, allowing the cyclist to get his own perfect fit model. In sum, Cipollini bikes are a great option for road and gravel riders.
