Bianchi is one of the traditional Italian brands without any ifs or buts and has mastered the development leap to carbon with flying colors in recent years. The models "Otre XR2", "Older XR" and "Infinite CV" prove this impressively. For the coming year, the Italians have once again fine-tuned their models. For example, the customer now has the choice between one "classic" Racer with rim brakes, or one "modern" Racers with disc brakes – each combined in one model series.
But that's not all, after all, Treviglio wouldn't be the Italian home of contemporary innovations if the top model hadn't also been slimmed down a bit more. This is how the framework of the "Otre XR2" now weigh less than 2014 grams in the 55 season in frame size 900. Coupled with the fork, which has also become lighter, this should only weigh 335 grams, a real declaration of war.
But what about the thoroughbred racer dipped in Celeste, which was piloted by Juan Antonio Flecha (Vacansoleil-DCM) in tough competition this year? We asked ourselves that and that "Otre XR2" (in the UCI-compliant version with rim brakes) asked for a short test?
//equipment and features
The "Otre XR2" is the further development of the known "oltre" and has taken its position at the top of the model range. The line shape alone characterizes the bike as a thoroughbred racer. The "Racing Speed XLR" from Fulcrum, covered with noble Veloflex tubular tires, fit into the concept with a rim height of 50 millimeters just as well as the in-house aero support and the clamp integrated into the frame. A fi'zi:k in the house colors is located on the support "Arion". This is also known from the professional sector and should be suitable for frequent drivers who have good upper body mobility.
The rest of the equipment is what you would expect from an Italian in this price range: shifting is mechanical "Super Record TI" 11-speed group from Campagnolo. Our test bike (frame size 53) has a gear ratio of 53/39 teeth at the front, and a cassette with a gear ratio of 11-25 sits on the freewheel. At the front is an FSA carbon combination of one "OS-99 CSI"stem (100 millimeters) and one "K Force Compact" -Handlebar (42 centimeters) installed.
The heart of the "Otre XR2" is undoubtedly the framework. In addition to its low weight, which Bianchi rightly praised, it has some other exciting details. The Italians are now using a BB386 bottom bracket to increase the stiffness in the bottom bracket area. The front also appears stiffer. A tapered head tube is incorporated into the frame. What is also striking here is the fork design, which adapts to the shape of the head and down tube. In order to give the bike some comfort, Bianchi uses extremely slim support struts at the rear.
//Driving impression
The "Otre XR2" feels from the start "fast" at. The stiffness is particularly noticeable in the bottom bracket area. The bike looks agile at the front. It is easy to control, reacts precisely and safely to changes in speed. It masters curves and climbs "Otre XR2" without grumbling. On the contrary, the bike stimulates endorphin production with every pedal revolution. Bringing it up to speed, it drives like it's on rails. You can rely on both the wheels and the gears. The chain glides crisply but precisely over the individual sprockets.
The rear end absorbs slight bumps in the road in a pleasant way. It's possible "Otre XR2" not with that in that regard "Infinite CV" compare, but for a bike of this color this is not always common practice, which is why the first impression here is also rather positive.
So much for the positive qualities. Because no matter how good the driving characteristics and the quality of the equipment are, it would "Otre XR2" a longer stem looks a lot better. Sure, this is only a small shortcoming, but it would probably make the very good handling even better.
//Conclusion
As mentioned earlier, we did "Otre XR2" only in short use. In this case, however, the bike impressed. Above all, drivers who like short distances and fast races should be happy with the neat Italian.
//Product highlights
- agile driving behavior
- extremely stiff bottom bracket
- very good equipment
//price & web
- EUR 6.634,00
- www.bianchi.com