The Fastest Climbing Bike Ever? 👀

We managed to get our hands on a 1998 Bianchi Mega Pro XL, belonging to Marco Pantani’s loyal domestique Riccardo Forconi to give it a test against a modern climbing weapon! Which will come out on top?

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📸 Photos - © Velo Collection (TDW) / Getty Images & © Sprint Cycling Agency

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[Adam-oxzy]

Those were the days… when they died in their sleep because their HCT was so damned high and when combined with resting heart rates so low, their blood got clogged.

[jaybobd]

Absolutely beautiful bike. I have to laugh though when anyone acts like doping is a thing of the past.

[theroosters]

“Those were the days” as if the riders in 2023 who are stronger, faster, and recover better aren’t juiced. Cmon GCN 😭

[robertgreenwood]

I remember a local bike shop, Eric Burgess cycles I believe, sold a lot of bianchi bikes and they were given one of pantanis bikes to borrow briefly. The shop had what I can only assume was a promo meeting at a hotel that's built on a steep hill. I was in my early teens at the time pre growth spurt and was allowed to ride his bike. It felt so great compared to heavy road bike I had at the time. I even borrowed a bianchi cap, that's a fond childhood memory for me. For years we had a life sized cardboard cut out of Pantani in the loft

[christopheralix]

WHY is everyone pretending doping stopped at Lance? So wild.

[danielhertercasagrande]

I am 67 - even though I have a 2018 Giant in my collection I am fan of these Alubikes they are almost as light as the bikes from now

[Maximusadfectare]

Loved this episode ❤ I own the 2018 Pantani anniversary edition Bianchi Specialissima and it is one of the all-time best bikes I have ever ridden…and let me tell you…I’ve ridden some beauties…

[hepcat]

And cycling has been clean ever since...

[markreardon]

Damn l remember those rims. They were the business.

[KidFury]

I had Brikos. Thanks for bringing them back!!

[bibifromsenegal]

What’s EPO and where can it be found. So I can stay away from those place’s obviously.

[jurimarchesan]

Marco Pantani was and always will be the best climber ever ...
Ciao Marco❤

[tnstef]

Everyone was juiced, and the times were faster...

[theonlyJOEYGARTMAN]

LITERALLY MY FAVORITE BIANCHI OF ALL TIMES

[itisjustacomment]

I was lucky enough own a GT team bike and time trail bike from the 90's .
It woujd still stand up today and will be still working.
Wish i never sold them, but needs must

[scipiones]

Yes they were! Cycling was much more fun to watch as a fan!

[Nangoncrazy]

Ma guy violated everybody below 1.73m.

[sixone]

I like you wearing Cipo- Style sunglasses while talking about Pantani 😂😂😂

[bicyclist]

This is my favorite era of cycling. Back in 95-98 I had a lugged steel Bianchi Alloro with Campy Mirage. I bought it new in northern Michigan. It was the second bike I ever had. I loved it. Unfortunately it was stolen. Forgot to mention that Pantani was nicknamed the "Pirate". I know that most people at the time, knew that many were doping, and some of the people I talked to, could care less. And doping didn't stop with Lance. Thanks.

[miyui]

those were the days and still the days eh?