Bianchi launches its new Oltre RC, with F1-inspired air deflectors

With the Oltre RC, Bianchi presents a bike with a revolutionary concept borrowed from Formula 1. The Air Deflector technology channels airflow around the head tube to create a low-pressure zone at the rear of the bike, reducing drag. The Italian brand’s new aerodynamic bike is available in three versions.

Photos: Bianchi

In addition to this Air Deflector, the 2023 Oltre also features a new Reparto Corse aerodynamic cockpit, with a central air channel to create low-pressure airflow zones, this time around the rider’s legs. These solutions make this new bike particularly spectacular and are supposed to save 17 watts at 50 km/h compared to the previous Oltre. According to Bianchi, the Oltre RC would save 45 seconds over 40 km, maintaining a constant power of 250 watts for one hour.

At the second trim level, the Oltre Pro benefits from the brand’s beloved Countervail concept (a technology inserted between the carbon layers to reduce vibrations). Finally, the very first Oltre in the range generally retains the same tube shapes but does not benefit from the Air Reflector and the Reparto Corse cockpit.

All models will be available from November 2022, with prices starting at €13,800 for the Oltre RC, €8,000 for the Oltre Pro, and €5,400 for the Oltre. Frame kits will also be available.

The Air Reflector system

The concept takes the form of two vertical vent-shaped cutouts placed on each side of the head tube to channel airflow. The brand indicates that the system acts like a Formula 1 wing, as it is one of the first surfaces to interact with the airflow. Its operation would thus play a central role in the frame profile. The top tube features a ridge that aligns with the upper crest of the air deflectors. The down tube has also been designed according to the system.

A large tire clearance between the down tube and the front tire has also been integrated, thanks to the cutout profile of the upper down tube. The Oltre can thus accommodate 700 x 30c tires. At the rear, the dropped seatstays rest on a wide shoulder but are very close to the rear wheel from the seat tube. The chainstays are also particularly voluminous.

The brand announces a weight of 915 g for the Oltre RC frame (size 55) with a 420 g fork. The complete bike is thus announced at 6.850 kg. The Oltre Pro is announced at 965 g, and the standard Oltre at 995 g.

New Reparto Corse components

The new Oltre RC uses an aerodynamic cockpit developed by the in-house component brand Reparto Corse. Its profile is reminiscent of the Cervélo S5, but less pronounced. It is designed to form an air channel supposed to create low-pressure vortices along the rider’s legs.

With the Oltre, Bianchi also launches a new pair of SPB Tech wheels, which equip the RC model: 50 mm rim depth at the front and 65 mm at the rear, with an internal width of 21 mm, with SKF ceramic bearings. The announced weight is 1540 g.

The bike is also equipped with a new Carbon Air saddle with a 3D printed cover, to provide more comfort in an aerodynamic position.

On the Oltre Pro side, we find Reparto Corse RC50 wheels (50 mm deep and 21 mm wide) announced at 1590 g per pair, and a version of the RC139 saddle without the 3D cover. Finally, the standard Oltre uses Velomann components.

Contact: bianchi.com

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