The Dama Bianca Tiagra is the model up from the Dama Bianca Sora in the Bianchi womens range, using the same aluminium frame, but with upgraded 10 speed shifting.

Built around a hydroformed aluminium frame with a curved top tube, the Dama Bianca features altered geometry to suit the female rider. The top tube length is shortened, and as with all Bianchi C2C (Coast 2 Coast) models, the headtube lengthened to offer a more comfortable and relaxed riding position. The carbon fork absorbs road vibrations and buzz, with a kevlar tip aiding this.

Shimano's 10 Speed Tiagra STI levers provide the shifting and brake lever, delivering smooth, crisp gear change; a 10 speed cassette and an FSA Compact chainset combines to give a total of 20 gears. The compact chainset offers a wide range of gears, allowing the rider to get up and down big climbs.

Many of the finishing touches are badged as Bianchi's in house brand - Reparto Corsa - but are made by FSA; these offers a nice customised look to the bike, but also means that the components are good quality and not a cost cutting measure. These include the brakes, seatpost, bars and stem.

A bit of trivia: Dama Bianca means white lady, which is the nickname given to the woman whom Bianchi's legendary rider Fausto Coppi left his wife for, causing uproar and controversy in the Catholic Italy of the 50's.

None of which has anything really to do with this model, although the Bianchi marketing team must have chuckled to themselves when coming up with the name. The bike itself is a really good bike for the money, stylish well designed with 10 speed Tiagra shifting.