2015 Bianchi Oltre XR2 : Dura Ace Mix : Graphite / Black

The Bianchi Oltre XR2 is Bianchi's top of the line range of race-bred bikes. It is designed to optimise your power transfer to the road, to be efficient and to respond immediately to the changes in pace experienced in races: it delivers on all counts. Indeed, it is one of the most responsive race bikes we have ridden and this is most noticeable when you hop out of the saddle and stand on the pedals for a sprint or to chase a man down. The acceleration is instantaneous and this is thanks to the combination of tight rear triangle, bottom bracket and frame materials. The Oltre XR2 is made from UMS40 and CN60 ultra high modulus carbon fibre and Bianchi claim a frame weight of just 895g (55cm) and 355g for the fork - even the recent spate of super-light frames only just pip the XR2.

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 XR2 it's lively ride feel allowing the rider to put huge loads through the frame without seeing any leakage of power, as a result it not only accelerates well but it climbs like a mountain goat; deft and agile. Much of this rigidity comes from the adoption of FSA's new 386EVO standard of bottom bracket. Wider than the traditional BB30, the BB386EVO allows the fitment of almost any crankset to the frame but more importantly allows manufacturers to increase the surface area of the bottom bracket to stiffen the chasis while still saving weight - a double thumbs up.

Like most race bred bikes, Bianchi have also focused on the headtube area which is equally stiff. The use of a tapered fork with an 1^1/₂" lower bearing is relatively common on modern race machines and the XR2 is no exception though Bianchi also employ their X-Tex cross weave technology around the headtube and BB. X-Tex comprises additional carbon strips that are moulded into the carbon structure in critical areas to bolster stiffness without thickening the whole area and thus incurring a weight penalty. All this ultimately results in a front end that remains true: precise steering and responsive handling is guaranteed whether out of the saddle, descending or throwing the bike into tight corners.

As with most manufacturers, Aerodynamics is now a common focus. Bianchi have kept the Aerodynamic seatpost and slim stays of the XR forbear and have added to the aerodynamics by integrating the front fork into the headtube. The fork crown now 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 XR2 is a dual routed frameset meaning that whether you opt for mechanical or electronic shifting, the Oltre XR2 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 XR2's stunning quality, safe in the knowledge that their are multiple upgrade paths.

The XR2 is a race 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 and the Fizik Arione saddle with its carbon braided rails also lends some additional rear-end respite.

The Oltre XR2 is an exceptional bike, one of the best in terms of all-out performance : lightweight, rigid and very fast. It is available in numerous versions, including 2 Disc models, each with a disc-specific frame and fork.

This Dura Ace Mix version is equipped with a mix of Shimano's top-level mechanical 11 speed Dura-Ace and FSA's new SLK carbon chainset and brakes, Fulcrum's Racing 5 wheels, a Fizik Arione carbon rail saddle and colour matched SLK carbon stem and handlebar from FSA. All excellent lightweight components and although you could shed a little weight with a sensible wheel upgrade, at this price there is little if anything to worry about.