Bianchi unveils the new Oltre RC, with a surprising head tube
Wednesday 19 October 2022 at 19:00
Bianchi has unveiled a new range of their aero model Oltre. The new edition of their aerobike features a head tube inspired by the Formula 1 front wings and a new integrated handlebar with a triangular stem.
The Oltre line consists of three models: Oltre, Oltre Pro and the flagship Oltre RC model. The head tube of the Oltre Pro and Oltre RC has undergone a particular metamorphosis, through the so-called air deflector technology. This consists of two ventilation holes (one on each side of the frame) which should better channel the airflow around the front of the frame.
The eye-catching “Air Deflector Technology” around the head tube and the new handlebar
The rest of the frame is also adapted to these ventilation holes, which should determine the airflow around the bike. For example, a narrowing is visible at the top of the down tube to allow airflow to flow efficiently along the rest of the frame. According to Bianchi, the total of the improvements leads to a reduction of 17 watts to 50 kilometers per hour.
All three models of the Bianchi aerobike are equipped with a striking new stem, which bears a striking resemblance to the now famous triangle steering wheel of Cervelo. Like Cervélo’s V-stem, Bianchi’s new stem splits in two towards the handlebars. The opening in the handlebar that this creates is, however, significantly smaller in Bianchi than the Canadian bicycle manufacturer. The wiring is fully integrated into the new handlebar.
With the introduction of the new Oltre models, three new carbon wheels from Reparto Corse were also presented. The Oltre and Oltre Pro are equipped with 50mm deep wheels, while the Oltre RC is equipped with a 50mm deep front wheel and a 65mm deep rear wheel.
The Oltre RC, with the new RC 65/50 SPBTech wheels from Reparto Corse
The frame of the Oltre RC weighs a total of 1,335 grams, while the frame of the Oltre Pro weighs 1,395 grams and the frame Oltre 1,385 grams. All three models offer clearance for tires up to 30mm wide.
