Tips
1. Intro & Test Context
The Bianchi Oltre XR4 was the first high-end road bike I added to my fleet. It’s a full-carbon race bike with rim brakes, equipped with a mechanical Shimano Dura-Ace groupset, 52/36 up front and an 11–36 cassette in the back — a setup Shimano never officially approved, but which has proven flawless in practice. I ride it on the same testing ground as the others: 120 km rides with 1,800 m of elevation in the Black Forest and Kaiserstuhl region. It rolls on 25 mm Schwalbe Pro One tires with tubes — narrow by today’s standards, but surprisingly capable.
I’ve also ridden the Oltre XR4 on the cobblestones of Paris–Roubaix. That’s where I truly learned what this bike’s Countervail tech can do.
2. Ride Feel & Handling
From the first ride, the Oltre XR4 feels balanced. Not overly stiff, not overly forgiving — just smooth, planted, and quietly fast. What surprised me most was how composed it felt on bad roads. Freiburg has its share of patchy tarmac, and the XR4 handles it gracefully. There’s something unique about the Countervail material layered into the carbon frame — it mutes vibrations without dulling the feedback.
Handling is sharp, but not twitchy. I can lean into fast corners with confidence, and the bike tracks precisely. Compared to the Canyon Aeroad, the Oltre feels a bit more agile — especially in low-speed turns or tight mountain switchbacks. The Canyon is more direct, more aggressive, but the Oltre is more intuitive. It doesn’t demand as much of me, yet still delivers a high-performance experience.
3. Climbing Performance
With the 52/36 and 11–36 setup, I can climb everything in the region — from the steep pitches up to St. Ottilien to the long gradients of the Schauinsland. What stands out on the XR4 is its agility. It’s a lively climber. Out of the saddle, it feels responsive. The front end stays light and active, while the rear feels solid and efficient.
Compared to the Canyon, the Oltre feels a bit more nimble on technical climbs. It’s not as brutally efficient at holding speed on long seated grinds, but when the road twists or steepens, I prefer the XR4. Versus the Impulso Pro, the XR4 is definitely snappier and lighter — the difference between a race bike and a gravel machine is most obvious when climbing.
4. Descending & High-Speed Stability
Despite its age and rim brake setup, the Oltre XR4 is no slouch on descents. It’s rock solid on fast, open downhills like the roll from St. Märgen or down the Glottertal road. What surprised me is how well it holds its line through rougher corners — even with 25 mm tires. The frame’s natural damping smooths out vibrations, and the whole chassis stays calm.
Compared to the Canyon Aeroad, the Oltre is slightly more agile but a bit less confidence-inspiring at 60+ km/h. The Canyon feels longer, more settled. The Oltre is a bit more “alive” — not unstable, but more reactive to input. Compared to the Impulso Pro, the XR4 obviously lacks the comfort and traction of 45 mm tires, but it corners with more speed and precision on smooth roads.
5. Comfort Over Long Rides
This is where the XR4 exceeded my expectations. I didn’t expect a race bike with 25 mm tires and no suspension tech to be comfortable — but over 5+ hour rides, I feel surprisingly fresh. The Countervail system really works. On long rides through the Tuniberg vineyards or across the uneven forest roads near Ehrenkirchen, the XR4 damps road buzz better than the Canyon.
Of course, it’s not plush like the Impulso. Rough gravel or broken pavement gets transmitted directly through the rims. But on mixed road conditions — especially bad asphalt — it’s more forgiving than it looks. After 120 km, I’d say it sits between the Canyon and the Impulso in terms of fatigue. Firmer than the latter, more forgiving than the former.
6. Technical Setup & Component Notes
- Drivetrain: Shimano Dura-Ace mechanical 11-speed. Classic, crisp, and reliable. Even with the “oversized” 36T cassette, shifting is smooth and precise. The wider gear spacing is noticeable, but I never felt under-geared.
- Wheels & Tires: Carbon tubular wheels with 25 mm Schwalbe Pro One tires. Narrow, but fast and responsive. On perfect roads, they feel fantastic. On rougher sections, I just back off a bit.
- Brakes: Dura-Ace rim brakes (direct mount). Still powerful, but definitely not on par with disc brakes in the wet. In dry conditions, I never wished for more.
- Frame: High-modulus carbon with Countervail. Visually, it looks aggressive, but the feel is surprisingly refined.
7. Comparison with Canyon Aeroad & Impulso Pro
Compared to the Canyon Aeroad, the XR4 is more forgiving and more nimble on climbs. The Aeroad is stiffer, more direct, and better at holding high speeds on the flats — a true speed machine, but one that can feel harsh. The XR4 feels more natural and intuitive to ride. It climbs better, and I finish long rides less fatigued.
Compared to the Impulso Pro, the XR4 is more of a road bike in every sense. It’s quicker, lighter, and more responsive. The Impulso is more versatile, more stable on gravel, and far more comfortable on broken surfaces. But on smooth tarmac and technical descents, the XR4 still feels more precise and rewarding.
8. Conclusion & Ideal Use Case
The Bianchi Oltre XR4 is a modern classic — a rim brake race bike that still holds its own in 2025. It’s ideal for riders who want sharp performance, smooth handling, and a bit of Italian soul in their bike. It handles big climbs, fast descents, and bad roads with grace. It’s not the most aggressive or the most aero, but it might be the most well-rounded.
For long days in the mountains around Freiburg — when you want to ride fast but also finish fresh — the XR4 is still my favorite. And yes, even on the cobbles of Roubaix, it proved that comfort and speed aren’t mutually exclusive.
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