Diamant S.R.L. introduces Itaca: The first endurance geometry MCipollini

“In line with every MCipollini frame, Itaca epitomizes exceptional speed and superior agility. ” reads the press release. So far, so familiar. Another fast road bike from Diamant S.R.L. and MCipollini.

What’s different about the all-new Itaca is the genuine “endurance geometry” claim, sporting numbers comparable with a sector-defining bike from a well-known American brand.

Pre hype reality

When talking about product ‘Made in Italy’ it is entirely too easy to get all misty-eyed and detached from reality. The good news here is the numbers appear to stack up.

The Itaca frame is within a 3 mm headset spacer of being stack and reach comparable with the Cannondale Synapse (size 54 Vs size M).

This, assuming the geometry data is accurate, means the MCipollini Itaca is a real endurance geometry frame – a bike that will be long distance, big day out, ridable by people without superhuman levels of flexibility and strength through range.

The good news doesn’t stop at the geometry

Comfort is, we are told, further engineered in via a frame and fork designed to accommodate tyres up to 40 mm (with the press release highlighting this is “actual measured width”). The stated aim here – “to provide more comfort, better traction, and increased safety on descents”. That said, the design is optimized around 32 mm tyres, which will come standard on bikes across the Itaca range.

And the “comfort” story doesn’t stop there. “The in-house production by the Zecchetto group* allowed the builders to experiment with various laminations and materials, selecting the best ones after thorough testing.”

Making good use of that in-house production means “significant improvement (in comfort) comes from the redesigned seatpost, which incorporates flax fibre in its lamination – a natural fibre which reportedly helps dampen vibrations from the ground, making the ride smoother.

Direct mount 160 mm disc brakes have been included, eliminating the need for adapters and resulting in cleaner lines. Itaca is also compatible with new full-mount derailleurs and standard derailleurs via UDH dropout.

In terms of accessories, Itaca comes with a magnetically-sealed storage compartment for easy access during mechanical interventions, and a standard MCipollini case suitable for holding multitools, tyre levers, and CO2 cartridges.

Monocoque means monocoque

Itaca is a development based on MCipollini’s true monocoque frame (TCM) – crafted from a single mould through a lengthy and complex process.

Here, the brand points out that monocoque TCM frames eliminate many weaknesses found in other monocoque frames on the market – which often join the rear triangle to the front part of the frame using adhesives. The brand points out that “this method can lead to structural degradation over time, reducing performance”.

In contrast, the TCM monocoque structure absorbs pressures more evenly and less impactfully, enhancing durability over the years.

*Handmade in Italy means exactly that

The MCipollini brand continues to evolve while maintaining its signature feature: the monocoque frame that epitomizes the greatness of its bicycles.

The Itaca frame is MCipollini’s TCM with a 3K carbon finish, achieved through “meticulous handcrafted lamination”.  The brand states “Carbon sheets are laid and overlapped within an aluminium mould to achieve the best results”.

This lamination process produces a single piece that requires no additional structural processing or subsequent curing that could alter the frame’s integrity.

The choice of fibres used in the lamination, their certification, and the autoclave construction technology mean that Itaca, like all MCipollini frames, boast unique mechanical properties.

All Cipollini frames are made to order from Italy and will be delivered within around 2 weeks. In the UK the brand is distributed by Chicken CycleKit.