Bianchi

Oltre XR.2 Road Bike Frameset - 2017

True to its name, the Bianchi Oltre XR.2 Road Bike Frameset went so far beyond the expectations of what a racing frameset could be that there is little to change about it for the new model year. It still has the same WorldTour properties of the frameset ridden by last year's Belkin team, and it will continue with this year's Lotto.NL-Jumbo team. Once technology catches up to it, we may see a rework of the Oltre XR.2. Until then, it remains "beyond."

The present generation still owes the 20% increase in rigidity over the previous model to Bianchi's Carbon NanoTube technology, an innovative, proprietary take on resin and lay-up that shames standard epoxy resin systems by adding 49% more fracture resistance. The increased strength means less of the UMS 40 and CN60 carbon fiber is needed to maintain structural integrity, which explains the 30 grams of lost weight compared to 2013's Oltre XR model. It's all laid-up with Bianchi's Wrinkleless Molding Process that compresses the carbon internally, eliminating resin deposits and imperfections for a uniform inner wall. This increases strength, reduces weight, and — along with the thin, compliant seat stays — makes for a smoother ride.

The smoothness is surprising, considering the frame's responsiveness, which is further complemented by Bianchi's X-Tex carbon technology. X-Tex lays the fibers up in an X-shaped grid where power input from the rider torques the frame, the head tube and bottom bracket, for even more efficient stiffness. The tapered head tube, oversized, BB386 bottom bracket, and massive chain stays add yet more stiffness to the drivetrain — but be warned, you may notice flex in your crankset or handlebars that you were certain wasn't there before.

The Oltre XR.2 also enjoys aerodynamic advantages over its predecessor, which is a required feature in an age where even the helmets are aerodynamic. The key areas for this improvement are head tube, down tube, and fork, which see Bianchi's fork "wing" concept developed beyond where it was before. The head tube was reworked to better shield the top juncture of the down tube, taking full advantage of the integrated fork's slippery profile. These areas retain their mechanical and electronic compatibility, with internal cable routing throughout and the same improved head tube entry port for brake cable routing.