Bicycles

On test: Bianchi Oltre Chorus

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Parent Category: Bicycles

Category: Bianchi

Published on Monday, 21 March 2011 06:13

Written by Luca Salvatelli

A great frame for a light and stiff bike

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We have already analyzed the Bianchi Oltre frame, since its official launch. The new Bianchi frame encloses all the “know-how"of Bianchi in the implementation of road frames to the highest level. The new monocoque frame is made with a mix of very high modulus, high modulus and intermediate carbon fiber, chosen according to the different areas of the frame. Carbon fiber is then applied to the technology Carbon Nano Tube, which allows a further increase in the mechanical properties of carbon fiber, with more resistance to fracture by 49% compared to standard resins, and 20% over old Nano Technologies. The "Wrinkleless Molding Process" can then control the layers of carbon fabric during the molding process, improving the quality of inner tubes, the constancy of thickness and avoiding the formation of "micro folds" in the layer of carbon. This, then, an internal reinforcement in the steering area, to increase rigidity, made with a technology called "X-TeX Technology", which is to place inside of the frame a series of layers of fabric to stiffen the area, without increase considerably the weight. The frame is then completed with a new set of steering FSA by 1 inch and 1/8 above and 1 inch and 1/2 below, the internal cable and BB30 bottom bracket. Also new is the fork, carbon fiber monocoque, with straight legs. It has an aerodynamic shape that fits perfectly in the frame, with a declared weight of 360 grams. The chainstay has a large tube and seatstay tubes very thin using a technique called Bianchi "Ultra Thin Seat Stay", which has demonstrated the transmission of power to the rear wheel is important to the size and rigidity of the tubes low frame, and least influential upper ones. Also new is the seatpost Bianchi, very light, 175 grams, titanium screws and bracket in anodized blue. There are two different lengths: 300mm (for sizes 50-53) and 350mm (for sizes 55 to 61). The frame has a weight of 950 grams in size 55. The surface finish is unidirectional carbon. The frame tubes are shaped aero, with over-sized tube that connects to the bottom bracket area to perfection, generously over-size. Steering tube is short, but good size, even over-sized top tube, slightly arched. The vertical pipe has aerodynamic form and follows the contour of the rear wheel. In general, the aesthetics of the bike frame is similar to an “aero bikes”, for aerodynamics and rigidity of the key points of the frame, but without sacrificing the overall lightness. The bike test is assembled with the Campagnolo Chorus 2011 adopted in full, with commands, brakes, crank (compact), chain, sprocket, front and rear derailleur. The stem FSA OS-99 CSI, forged aluminium coated carbon fiber, while the handlebar is FSA K-Force carbon 3K. The saddle is Fi’zi:K, the bottle cage is Elite. The wheels are Fulcrum Racing Speed XLR with Vittoria Evo CX tubulars; pointing out that this wheels are optional, and are planned in series the Fulcrum Racing 3. The pedals are not included. So assembled, the bike weighs 6,550 grams, as observed with our instrumentation in size 53.