The Cipollini MCM Frameset is aero, stiff, and fast. Of course it is, that’s how Cipollini rolls. However, the MCM takes the super-stiff edge off the ride and adjusts the geometry to be more things to more people. It will please riders looking for a more compliant ride, riders looking for a less dramatic position, riders looking for a bit more stability.

If you think you’re looking at a more comfortable version of the RB1K, you’re onto something. The downtube, straight fork, aero notch for the fork crown, the aero seat post, and hidden clamp all seem to be taken from the flagship bike. The fork uses an oversized 1 ¼” to 1 ½” tapered steerer and wide BB86 bottom bracket. Even the multi-shaped top tube seems to evoke the bike. Cipollini believes stiff bikes are efficient, and removing all lateral flex is a way to translate more energy to the rear wheel.

However, there are many important differences. The first thing to note is that this bike is constructed via tube-to-tube construction. In other words, it does not come out of a mold, but is crafted piece-by-piece. It’s almost old-fashioned in that the joinery is securing one tube to another. This is called tube-to-tube construction and offers the maker the ability to tune each tube more precisely. It also allows for customization.

The second thing to note is how much slimmer the stays are, the seat tube is, and even the top tube. The diet here offers a big benefit to those who are looking for vertical compliance—the bike is more comfortable to ride, particularly on rough roads. This is also due to the K1 T800 carbon-fiber plies deployed in the lay-up. Not as stiff.

The bike is also different in terms of geometry. The bike is still, relative to many other frames on the market, favoring a more aggressive riding position and a long-and-low aero reach, but, compared to the RB1K, it is a bit shorter, a bit more upright. Even the angles are slightly more slack. This makes for a more comfortable, more stable ride, but still one that is begging you to get out there and attack the road.

The bike is also a bit easier to build up than the RB1K. The brakes attach via a standard center-bolt mount. There is room for 28mm wide tires. The seat clamp is actually set into the seat tube; it’s two bolts that you reach from the front, away from the top tube and set into the frame.

The bike comes with a full compliment of cable stops, plugs, and plates to run mechanical, electronic, or wireless shifting. If you go for electronic, the battery mounts inside the seatpost. The headset is included. The standard seatpost has 25mm of setback, but if you have need for a zero setback post, an accessory post can be ordered.

The bike comes in Black with Grey accents and color applied to the logos. It’s a bit understated for Cipo’, but the effort it to call more attention to the dramatic shapes of the design, which is where the Cipollini design smarts have been applied.

The Cipollini MCM blazes a path few dare follow.