Bianchi Oltre RC Road Bike Frame

Introducing the Bianchi Oltre RC

There are great bikes, and there are superbikes, and then there is the Bianchi Oltre RC, the first bike bold enough to be called a hyperbike. In Italian, “oltre” means “beyond”, and the name has always fit since these bikes are always beyond gorgeous. But the Oltre RC has some very special features up its sleeve, making it well worth the hyperbike moniker.

As the most advanced of the Oltre lineup, the Oltre RC essentially opens the doors for a aero revolution in bike designs. In the first place RC stands for Reparto Corse, which has long been the racing division of Bianchi design stretching back to the 1950s. As the most racing oriented frame of the line, the Oltre RC is made from high modulus carbon fibers that ensure it will both be light and stiff.

Impressive Aerodynamic Performance of the Bianchi Oltre RC road bike

That’s nothing you wouldn’t expect from a super, no wait, hyperbike. But the Oltre RC really distinguishes itself as an aero dominator thanks to the patent-pending “Air Deflectors” on the head tube which create a low-pressure zone behind to reduce drag. The design works totally in conjunction with the proprietary RChandlebar, featuring a central air channel, or opening, also intended to create low-pressure airflow zones, this time around the rider’s legs to improve aerodynamics even more. It’s a package deal, really. In order to get the full benefit, the frame needs to have both. But that fact that the Air Deflectors are not actually UCI legal, they are removable. So if you are looking to race any UCI sanctioned events, you certainly can take your Oltre RC, but you’ll have to forego the extra advantage that the Air Deflectors provide. Don’t worry, you won’t be alone. Even the WorldTour Bianchi sponsored team will have to ride their Oltre RCs sans air deflectors.

The design is intended to reduce the total drag on the bike and rider together and at all yaw angles. The official Bianchi results are impressive compared to the previous version of the Oltre XR4. You should be gaining as much as 17 watts when hauling ass at 50km/h. That’s pretty fast, and a ton of watts. But even if you are more in the 35 to 45 km/h range, then you’ll still be saving loads of energy for the speed you are going.

The Bianchi Oltre RC is a modern racing bike in every way, including the acceptance of up to 32mm tires. It will come spec’d with other high quality Reparto Corse parts like RC aerodynamic wheelset and Reparto Corse-branded 3D-printed saddle. It also comes with a power meter included. A complete build of the Oltre RC comes in at just around 6.8kg in a size 55.

Also check Pinarello road bikes.