Bianchi Oltre XR3 - 2019, 55 cm

The 2019 Bianchi Oltre XR3 is a masterpiece of Italian cycling engineering, blending aggressive aerodynamics with a remarkably smooth ride quality. Finished in Bianchi's iconic Celeste, this frame utilizes the same wind-cheating tube shapes as the flagship XR4 but brings it to a more accessible platform. The true magic of the XR3 lies in its patented Countervail carbon layup—a viscoelastic architecture originally developed for aerospace that actively cancels high-frequency road buzz. This allows you to hold an aggressive, aero position longer without suffering from the muscular fatigue typically associated with deep-tube aero frames.

This 55 cm example has been elevated from a standard build to a highly focused training and racing weapon. The shifting is handled by the benchmark Shimano Ultegra R8000 2x11 mechanical groupset, celebrated for its tactile, immediate, and ultra-reliable gear changes alongside classic rim-brake simplicity. For the data-driven athlete, the drivetrain is further enhanced by a premium Rotor ALDHU crankset featuring a Power2Max NG spider power meter. Combined with a versatile 52/36T chainring setup, this bike is fully equipped to deliver dual-sided, highly accurate wattage data to turn everyday rides into structured workouts.

The crowning upgrade on this machine is the Campagnolo Bora WTO 45 carbon wheelset ( ceramic bearings ). "WTO" stands for Wind Tunnel Optimized, and these 45mm deep-section hoops slice through the air while remaining remarkably stable in crosswinds. Paired with 28c tires, the grip and rolling resistance are elite-tier. Finished with a Selle Italia SP-01 saddle and a color-matched Reparto Corse cockpit, this XR3 is a dream build for the rider between 5'8" and 5'11" who appreciates the timeless feel of high-end rim brakes paired with modern aerodynamics and power data.