Bianchi Oltre XR1 and Oltre XR2
Bianchi Oltre XR1 and Oltre XR2
Ok, so that’s what’s brand new from Bianchi for 2016, so if you’re still with us then well done! Now let’s have a spin through the specs available on Bianchi’s existing frames for the new model year.
Kicking off with the Oltre XR1 and XR2. While both frames look identical to the naked eye, the difference lies beneath the skin in the grade of carbon fibre used, with the XR1 weighing a claimed 1,000g and the XR2, used by the Lotto team and the XR1’s lighter (and more expensive) sibling, dipping below 900g at 895g.
Both frames share the same aerodynamic features, with aero-profiled tubes, an integrated headtube/downtube/fork junction (also designed to improve front-end stiffness), and an integrated seatpost clamp. The UTSS (Ultra Thin Seat Stays) are there to improve comfort, but it’s still a reasonably firm ride – with stacks of stiffness – based on our experience.
The Oltre XR1 comes in five builds for 2016: Shimano Ultegra Di2 (£3,800), Shimano Ultegra (£3,000), Shimano 105 (£2,700), Campagnolo Chorus (£3,750) and Campagnolo Athena (£3,000).
At the launch of the Specialissima, Bianchi were at pains to make clear that the Oltre XR2 was in no way being replaced, the Specialissima was just a featherweight foil to the Oltre XR2’s aero engine, and the six high-end builds its available in are reflective in that: Campagnolo Super Record EPS (£9,500), Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 (£8,500), Campagnolo Super Record (£7,500), Shimano Dura-Ace (£6,600), Shimano Ultegra Di2 (£5,300) and Campagnolo Chorus (£4,900). You can also get the Oltre XR2 as a frameset for £3,150.