Bicycles

On test: Bianchi Oltre 2011

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Parent Category: Bicycles

Category: Bianchi

Published on Monday, 21 June 2010 06:22

Written by Luca Salvatelli

Seems to have all the characteristics to be considered the "queen" of 2011

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Despite the successes of the 928 SL IASP Bianchi decided to further increase his flagship, creating a brand new product that takes its name Oltre and is well positioned to benefit over the 928 SL IASP, which remains in the list Frame Kit only version, while the addition becomes Top Model Range 2011. During the Test Press White 2011, we had the chance to try the new model addition, a varied course that has clear light on many of its features. A good test, but obviously not as complete as we usually do. For this reason, some reviews may change in any future tests, conducted according to our working method. The frame is completely new addition and has nothing to do with the previous 928 SL IASP, if not the goal to stand at the top of the market for low weight and high rigidity. The new monocoque frame is made with a mix of carbon fiber UMS40, a high modulus fiber very rigid, and IMS60, a carbon fiber intermediate form, but with a high tensile strength and good elastic capacity. Carbon is then applied technology Carbon Nano Tube, the latest development of Nano Technology, where nanotubes are combined with epoxy resin and nano-powders, and this leads to an increase of resistance to fracture by 49% compared standard resins, and 20% compared to the "old" Nano Technologies. This technique also increases the lifespan of a frame. In order to improve overall product quality, reducing the weight without compromising rigidity and reliability, is used for the realization of the frame, a technique called "Wrinkleless Molding Process", which allows control of layers of carbon fabric during the process molding, so as to avoid the formation of "micro folds" in the layer of carbon. The system used by Bianchi reduces the natural formation of micro folds without increasing the thickness of the tubes and increase the weight of the frame. No less important is the presence of an internal reinforcement to the steering area, to increase rigidity. This reinforcement is called "X-TeX Technology", is to place the inside of the frame a series of layers of fabric to stiffen the area, without increasing weight significantly. Also the steering area receives a number of FSA headset 1 inch and 1/8 inch above and 1 and 1/2 in order to improve the rigidity of the area, speed and cornering stability on fast. Is added, then the internal cable and BB30 bottom bracket. New fork, carbon fiber monocoque, with straight stems. It has an aerodynamic shape that fits perfectly in the frame. He said a weight of 360 grams. The rear has a particular conformation with large tube bass and treble are very thin. This conformation is called by Bianchi "Ultra Thin Seat Stay" was born after a series of studies have demonstrated how to transmit power to the rear wheel is important to size and low rigid tube chassis, and least influential than high . With the design Bianchi, then you get a car drive, but also light and good ability to absorb vibrations. The seatpost is another section devoted to this bike is very light, 175 grams, and has titanium screws and support in blue anodized. There are two lengths 300mm (for sizes 50-53) and 350mm (for sizes 55 to 61). The frame weighs 950 grams in size 55. The surface finish is unidirectional carbon. The whole frame has an aerodynamic shape, starting from the fork that integrates with the steering tube, very short, and the down tube, which has a large section and joins the bottom bracket large. The tube has a slightly arched, while the seat tube has an aerodynamic profile that follows the rear wheel. Very fine, mostly the seatpost and even more the rear, with particular reference rear brake, a lightweight jumper, and union tubes with high vertical and horizontal pipe. Imposing the two horizontal tubes of the rear triangle. The bike is offered in the assembly Campagnolo Super Record, Chorus and Shimano Dura Ace and Di2. For the latter group has provided a frame to allow the passage of the internal wires. The model assembled Campagnolo Super Record, take the group to complete with controls, brakes, crankset (compact or normal), chain, sprocket, rear and front derailleur. The stem is FSA OS-99 CSI, forged aluminum coated carbon fiber, while the fold is the FSA K-Force carbon 3K. The saddle is Fi'zi:K. The wheels are Fulcrum Racing Speed XLR, but may also be taken of the DT Swiss, more carbon. It's good to clear that this is optional wheels, while the bottle cage is Elite carbon and Vittoria Evo CX tubulars are. This is described the configuration that we tested (compact crankset).

The road test

The new Bianchi addition disconnects cleanly from the previous 928 SL IASP, and encompasses a range of technical solutions are becoming a must among the top range of bikes. From the internal cable to BB30, on to the number of cone steering. Not just aesthetic, however, as the beautiful graphics, but also many technical solutions such as the beautiful seat dedicated, very light, fork, a mix of stiffness and low weight, the rear, with the refined and brake light attack, and yet the various reinforcing ribs, the union between the rear top tube and seat tube. In general, we see a careful study of every detail and willingness on the part of the technical staff that designed to create a frame that not only represents the top of the market, but was in sort of "Bianchi technological flag". The assembly is nice and high quality. We report the adoption of the Campagnolo Super Record (as well as Chorus) to full carbon water bottle cage, seat post with micro adjust tilt of the saddle and titanium screws, the saddle with carbon, the group driving FSA K-Force Team Flaminia and used by many other Teams. Not yet defined the standard wheels, but suggest, as the group adopted to match the Fulcrum Racing Racing Speed XLR or Light XLR for lovers of the climb. On the other hand, a frame and a similar group of wheels require adequate. The only drawback for the absence of more useful knock the chain, at least the pre-series units, but you must wait to evaluate this version that actually arrive in stores. We climb into the saddle again to mind the memory of the test 928 SL IASP Team Flaminia. The fundamental units of the frame, at least equal size, and with regard to the structure in the saddle, seem to be the same, his torso tilted forward, but not excessively so. As always, excellent ergonomics of the handlebar FSA, already tested on other models, and ergonomics Campagnolo Super Record command. Good seat, providing good support to the buttock. Moving immediately appreciates some decrease in comfort and now the bumps are felt more ground, although still very far from other competitors. This is perhaps the only element in which the addition can be considered lower than the previous SL 928 IASP. In fact, it clearly showed a greater rigidity of the frame, in all its and not just one aspect. The new set of fork and steering cone is more rigid and provides greater accuracy in the most abrupt braking, as well as entry of the corners faster. Excellent its behaviour in the sprints, uphill and when you get up on the pedals. Even the central movement is much more rigid and this affects the smoothness well crank and transmission of power to the rear wheel. We would like a note, which may go against the tide: among the excellent Campagnolo Super Record crankset and FSA K-Force Light BB30 ceramic bearings, we prefer the latter because even more rigid and sliding model Campagnolo, which does not seem to make the better standard BB30. Even the rear reveals a great leap forward, now is even more rigid and responsive. All this becomes the best overall performance in acceleration, and uphill in the bidding, as in the plains, a behaviour that poses as a reference model at the absolute top of the class and not hard to believe that with our thorough testing with the detection instrumental to setting the record for low power required to travel 50 km/h. The handling remains one of the top 928 SL IASP, but most overall stiffness of a bike has made further improvements in this area. Now the bike is approaching for handiness and quickness in changing direction to more aggressive competitors, while remaining the advantage of the excellent driving control, stability and security on the fast bumpy. Like the 928 SL IASP is therefore always easy to have full control of the means in every situation, but now there's also the speed in curve and change direction, which previously lacked. The Super Record group, there is little to add, excellent rigidity and fluidity of crankset, fast and precise in the steps of relationship, has a powerful brake to the front, it is perfectly adaptable, and less powerful rear, but even better controlled, the combination of the two brake deceleration makes powerful, secure and under control in case of poor adhesion. Fulcrum wheels (Racing Light XLR clincher Vittoria) have confirmed their fluency and lightweight, perfect for the climb. In conclusion, a good bike for anyone looking agonist and a bike at the top of market performance. Among its strengths, the stiffness of the frame and the ease and confidence. There is still a thread in the slow entry of the corners (compared to some competitors), but the opponents are close and driving and safety of this addition is in fact "Oltre", that is far superior. A bike, then that is a candidate to be the "queen" of high-end bikes for 2011.

Positive aspects

Constructing quality of the frame

Assembly quality

Rigid frame

Stability and driving safety

Precision driving

Easy and safe driving

Balance between handling and stability

Negative aspects

Absence of the protection from the chain (we reserve the right to change the opinion in a future test)

Price

It is not yet decided

To lear more:

Bianchi

Website: www.bianchi.com