Bianchi Oltre XR1 review

The little sister of the XR2, this bike is super fast

Cycling Weekly Verdict

The Bianchi Oltre XR1 is a really fast bike that features most of the aero characteristics the Italian manufacturer developed for the XR2, its bigger sister on the aero line. However, with a price budget of £3,000 you would expect a slightly better spec, particularly regarding the wheels, which are not at the level of the rest of the bike.

Reasons to buy
  • +

    Fast

  • +

    Great frame

Reasons to avoid
  • -

    Not a full Ultegra

  • -

    Pricey

  • -

    Wheelset

You can trust Cycling Weekly. Our team of experts put in hard miles testing cycling tech and will always share honest, unbiased advice to help you choose. Find out more about how we test.

Not all Bianchi bikes come in celeste, unfortunately. But at the same time, the spirit and the technology of the historic Italian manufacturer is well held in its core, rather than in its colour. And fortunately, the Bianchi Oltre XR1 has everything in the right place to make you appreciate a great ride on a real piece of cycling tradition.

And even though Bianchi just released its new aero model - the Oltre XR4 - this older model would still be the good compromise for a cheaper, but high-quality and well-performing bicycle.

Thank you for reading 20 articles this month* Join now for unlimited access

Enjoy your first month for just £1 / $1 / €1

*Read 5 free articles per month without a subscription

Join now for unlimited access

Try first month for just £1 / $1 / €1

Nick Busca is a freelance cycling and triathlon journalist. He is also a certified triathlon coach and personal trainer.