The Oltre – Italian for ‘beyond’ – is Bergamo-based Bianchi’s latest superbike to top their HOC racing bike range. As such, it’s designed as a no-compromise, flat-out fast race machine. Here’s what British publication Bikeradar had to say about the 2011 Bianchi Oltre:
The first thing we noticed about the Oltre was the lack of mass: at under 14lb this is a seriously light machine, and that’s most evident when you’re in the saddle. The combination of the sub-kilo frame and super-light DT wheelset means the Oltre responds to changes in cadence instantly and it accelerates with bullet-like ferocity.
Marketed as a superbike, the Oltre certainly handles like one: changes in direction can be made with an almost telepathic connection – to call the steering instant is almost an understatement. Under sprints the Oltre takes off like a rocket, and climbing with this little mass. Where the biggest surprise comes with the Oltre, though, is how it delivers its razor sharp handling and superb connection to the road with huge levels of comfort. Yes, it’s plenty rigid under power but it also has the ability to damp the high frequency vibrations from rough road surfaces that can make a tough ride so much harder. The Oltre is a rare beast: super-fast, light and comfortable to boot.