2015 Bianchi Oltre XR1 : Athena 11 : Black / Red

Based on the well recieved and very impressive Oltre XR2, the new Bianchi Oltre XR1 was conceived to bring the race credentials and outsdtanding ride characterisitcs of it's more advanced stablemate into a more affordable arena, with prices starting some £2000 cheaper! 

The Oltre XR1 is made from a slightly lower grade of carbon fibre and without some of the more costly technologies found in the XR2 and as such, the frame has a stated weight of 1000g for a size 55cm (compared with the 895g for the XR2) but the same fork is employed on both models and it weighs 355g. The weight difference is marginal considering the difference in price.

This low weight is combined with excellent stiffness (the XR is short for 'extreme rigidity-to-weight ratio') and this union is what gives the XR1 it's lively ride feel allowing the rider to put huge loads through the frame without seeing much leakage of power, as a result it not only accelerates well but it climbs like a mountain goat; deft and agile. As with the XR2, much of this rigidity comes from bottom bracket which in the case of the XR1 is the more widely used BB86 pressfit system as opposed to the BB386 EVO of it's sibling.

As you would expect, Bianchi use the same tapered fork as the XR2 with an 1^1/₂" lower bearing on the XR1, a relatively common feature on modern race machines. Although Bianchi do not employ their X-Tex cross weave technology around the headtube and BB on the range, the XR1 still displays an impressive amount of stiffness at both the headtube and bottom bracket resulting in a front that delivers precise steering and responsive handling whether out of the saddle, descending or throwing the bike into tight corners; and a palpable sense of acceleration, speed and responsiveness when driving the bike forward.

As with most manufacturers, Aerodynamics is now a common focus. Bianchi have kept the Aerodynamic seatpost and Ultra Thin Seat Stays of the XR2as well as the integratied front fork. The fork crown fits neatly into a step where the head tube and down tube join in order to reduce drag  - in much the same way the Pinarello Dogma 2 evolved from the original Dogma.

The Oltre XR1 is a dual routed frameset meaning that whether you opt for mechanical or electronic shifting, the Oltre XR1 frame is exactly the same and Bianchi have even included a tidy drilling for the charging port of Campagnolo's EPS - a small detail often neglected by some brands fighting it out with the Bianchi. Ultimately these little details mean that you are future-proof when it comes to groupsets and as the frame is the most important part of the bike, those who may be at the limit of their budgets can at least access the XR1's stunning quality, safe in the knowledge that there are multiple upgrade paths.

The XR1 is a race ready bike and when it comes to comfort it is important to remember that; it certainly isn't in the realms of Bianchi's highly acclaimed Infinito CV, but the flattened and super-skinny seatstays do take the sting out of the tail.

The Oltre XR2 is an exceptional bike, one of the best in terms of all-out performance : lightweight, rigid and very fast and although slightly heavier and not quite as stiff, the underlying elements remain in the XR1, rewarding the rider's efforts with snappy response when accelerating and lively yet sure-footed handling. It is available in numerous versions equipped either with mechanical Shimano or Campagnolo, but no Disc models.

This Campagnolo Athena version represents one of the best value bikes in the XR1 line-up and is equipped with a full complement of Campag's 11 speed Athena/Chorus components including 52/36 mid-compact carbon chainset and Ergopower levers. Bianchi's FSA-made Reparto Corse bar and stem form the cockpit while Fulcrum's Racing 7 wheels take care of rolling duties.