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Helping marco pantani to win the 1998 TDF and Giro in the same year, the bianchi Mega Pro XL mercatone uno team bike wasn't innovative as such, but was finished with some interesting components and setup.
The frame itself was fabricated from 7000 series Deddaciai butted tubing and fitted with a campagnolo record group with a blistering 44/54 chainring combo out front to complement the standard rear 11-23 iconic of the time (unusual for such a light rider of ~57 kg).
A standard geometry and mostly round tubing, a normal 1" steerer tube, time equipped magnesium pedals, and very light box section rims topped it off as being something of a standard looking bike for the pro peloton; but the style of Marco Pantani as a rider and his tragic and untimely death meant that the bike gained a special place in the hearts of many cycling fans for years to come.
