Bianchi have pulled back the curtain on the Oltre XR4 – an aero road bike which utilises the Italian firm’s comfort-enhacing Countervail technology.
The Oltre XR4, which is being used by the LottoNL-Jumbo team at the Tour de France, supercedes the Oltre XR2 in Bianchi’s range and sits alongside the super-light Specialissima at the top of the collection. Still, thanks to its relatively low weight, aerodynamic features and now Countervail technology, Bianchi say the Oltre XR4 is the most complete race bike they offer.
– Bianchi Oltre XR4 first ride review –
Bianchi have made aerodynamic updates across the bike, including the introduction of a new integrated handlebar developed by Vision, but have also emphasised the role of Countervail in creating what they believe is the complete package.
“This is the next generation of aero machine,” says Bianchi’s Claudio Masnata. “Many other competitors have recently introduced super-aerodynamic bikes but at Bianchi we pay attention to the overall performance.”
Before we get into the nitty-gritty, here are the key details you need to know about: