Bianchi Oltre XR4 £8,399.99

Tested by: Michelle Arthurs-Brennan | Miles ridden: 256 |

Size tested: 50cm | Weight: 7.02kg (15.47lb)

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The Bianchi Oltre XR4 aims to be an all-rounder that performs well across the spectrum: aerodynamic, aggressive, and comfortable.

Frame 

The Oltre XR4 follows the XR2 and XR1 (the XR1 was the more affordable version of the XR2, so no guesses on what to expect from any coming XR3) — and the key areas of focus in the redesign were aerodynamics and comfort.

Bianchi claims that the alterations produce a 20-watt saving at 50kph compared with the XR2 (15W as a result of the frame tweaks, 5W from the Vision Metron 5D handlebar and integrated stem). The redesign has added 85g to the frame weight (in a size 55), however, but in terms or raw speed the slippery frame should outrun the added grams.

There’s a reworked seatpost that uses a small wedge at the clamp, hidden from the wind, and of course, all the cables are tucked away inside the frame.

The Oltre range is the fourth model family to feature Bianchi’s Countervail Technology — an embedded layer of viscoelastic material across the carbon frame that is claimed to increase vibration cancellation by 80 per cent.