{"id":2217,"date":"2017-04-16T07:21:57","date_gmt":"2017-04-15T21:21:57","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/cyclingclassics.com.au\/bowral\/2017\/04\/16\/user-review-love-affair-bianchi-xr4-month-serious-riding\/"},"modified":"2025-03-18T14:44:55","modified_gmt":"2025-03-18T03:44:55","slug":"user-review-love-affair-bianchi-xr4-month-serious-riding","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/cyclingclassics.com.au\/bowral\/2017\/04\/16\/user-review-love-affair-bianchi-xr4-month-serious-riding\/","title":{"rendered":"User Review: My Love Affair With The Bianchi XR4 After A Month Of Serious Riding\u00a0"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"\">\n<p><strong>For the past month James Yaffa,\u00a0the man\u00a0behind the Bowral &amp; Clare Classics, has had the pleasure of riding Bianchi&#8217;s latest Oltre XR4. Here James shares his experiences and love for this celeste beauty.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>\u201cWhy do I feel so nervous each time I saddle up to ride this stunning machine?\u201d I kept asking myself.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"\"><span class=\"\">The anticipation, the capabilities of the bike, its pedigree and its position as cream of the Bianchi crop. To me planning and preparing for each ride has been akin to the feeling you get before that big first date \u2026 the only thing is this date looks super fast!<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"\">\n<figure id=\"attachment_2982\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-2982\" style=\"width: 1024px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-2982 size-large\" src=\"https:\/\/www.bowralclassic.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/BC9-1024x702.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1024\" height=\"702\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-2982\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Raring to go &#8230; the stunning Bianchi Oltre Xr4.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>The perception I had about the XR4 was this: a superbly aero, rocket-fast bike that would go like the wind on the flats. Before getting mine I\u2019d seen the Lotto Jumbo NL pros on their Bianchi\u2019s at the Tour Down Under. These were the best-looking, most complete, all-round bikes I\u2019d ever laid eyes on. Not surprisingly they were a crowd favourite at the TDU, earning much praise, many selfies and a lot of pointing.<\/p>\n<p><b class=\"\">A Genuine \u2018Superbike\u2019<\/b><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"\"><span class=\"\">So just how good is the X<\/span><span class=\"\">R4? The answer \u2026 Supreme.\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"\">\n<figure id=\"attachment_2980\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-2980\" style=\"width: 1024px\" class=\"wp-caption alignright\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-2980 size-large\" src=\"https:\/\/www.bowralclassic.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/BC11-1024x602.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1024\" height=\"602\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-2980\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Fitted with the latest Shimano Dura Ace Di2, gear changes are quick, decisive &amp; smooth.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Jumping back a couple of weeks, I picked up the bike from the ever-impressive crew at Cheeky Velo Sport in Randwick. The team here are people you would call good friends upon first meeting. Anderson, the chief mechanic, is an absolute Bianchi encyclopaedia. I felt like I was in the hands of total Bianchi professionals as they assembled the fine machine and custom fitted it for me. Again, I was excited about my dream steed, but very nervous.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"\"><span class=\"\">This XR4 is running the finest groupset I&#8217;ve ever had the pleasure of using &#8211; the 2017 Shimano Dura Ace Di2. It&#8217;s super-responsive and changes gears at a speed ratio that I&#8217;ve not seen before. Ultra smooth, it\u2019s the closest we\u2019ve ever had to auto on a bike, and it looks absolutely stunning.\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"\"><span class=\"\"><b class=\"\"><\/b><br class=\"\" \/><\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"\"><span class=\"\"><b class=\"\">Irwin &#8211; Wheels Of Choice\u00a0<\/b><\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"\">I\u2019m riding the black stealth Irwin 38 wheel combo on the XR4. I find it the perfect combination. The wheelset gives maximum gains on the flats and are equally perfect when the going gets steep &#8211; and also has a sensational ratchet!<\/div>\n<div class=\"\">\n<figure id=\"attachment_2997\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-2997\" style=\"width: 300px\" class=\"wp-caption alignleft\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-2997 size-medium\" src=\"https:\/\/www.bowralclassic.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/BC2-300x169.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"169\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-2997\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Our Bianchi Oltre is fitted with ultra-smooth Irwin CarbonTech 38mm wheels.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p><span class=\"\">I matched these fine wheels with Schwalbe Pro One tyres, the perfect fit for this bike.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span class=\"\">They are super-smooth, fast and durable on our local roads. They grip well on quick local descents (more about our hills later) and inspire confidence, provide comfort. And the best news &#8211; so far\u00a0no punctures.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_2963\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-2963\" style=\"width: 1024px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-2963 size-large\" src=\"https:\/\/www.bowralclassic.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/Schwalbe1-1024x576.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-2963\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">The bike\u00a0is fitted with ever-reliable\u00a0Schwalbe One tyres.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p><strong>Power To The People<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"\">\n<figure id=\"attachment_2946\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-2946\" style=\"width: 300px\" class=\"wp-caption alignright\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-medium wp-image-2946\" src=\"https:\/\/www.bowralclassic.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/Bolt-3-1-300x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"300\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-2946\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">The new Wahoo Elemnt Bolt is small in size but packs a mighty punch and also offers aero advantage<span class=\"\"><span class=\"\">The bike is set up with a Stages power meter\u00a0<\/span><\/span><span class=\"\">which pairs simply and seamlessly with the Wahoo Elemnt.<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"\">The focus on power for me is relatively new, however with the Elemnt wide screen and\u00a0 visible enlarged screen mode I\u2019m hooked up and ready to go. The new Wahoo Element and Bolt are game-changers for GPS cycling computers in my view, with a superior screen interface, intuitive pairing with your phone, and all the data you\u2019ll ever need. Not just for out on the road, the Wahoo Element &amp; Bolt also have a variety of training functions and modes which I\u2019ve found super-useful as I start preparing for the Bowral Classic.<\/div>\n<div class=\"\"><span class=\"\">\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"\"><span class=\"\"><b class=\"\">Kask &amp; Bont &#8211; Safety, Security &amp; Comfort<\/b><\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"\"><span class=\"\">\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"\"><span class=\"\">Still slightly nervous, I\u2019m super-keen to give this green machine a red-hot ride. I grab my Kask Helmet, with the new aero visor. This helmet fits securely, feels safe and helps me ride with increased confidence.<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"\">\n<figure id=\"attachment_2998\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-2998\" style=\"width: 1024px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-2998 size-large\" src=\"https:\/\/www.bowralclassic.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/IMG_1875-1024x687.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1024\" height=\"687\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-2998\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Bont Vaypor S cycling shoes retain incredible comfort while transferring maximum power to the pedals.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure id=\"attachment_2993\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-2993\" style=\"width: 300px\" class=\"wp-caption alignright\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-medium wp-image-2993\" src=\"https:\/\/www.bowralclassic.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/Kask1-300x169.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"169\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-2993\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Our helmet of choice, Kask offer unmatched comfort and safety.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p><span class=\"\">I slide on my favourite pair of top-quality Bont Vaypor S shoes and secure them with the BOA clasps. As an aside &#8211; if you\u2019re looking for that extra power, look no further than Bont. You can instantly see the craftsmanship and the quality of the leather. For any rider looking to gain a maximum advantage when riding, they are pick of the bunch.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"\"><span class=\"\"><b class=\"\">That Very First Ride<\/b><\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"\"><span class=\"\">\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"\"><span class=\"\">Riding this bike for the first time was quite something &#8211; in fact, my perceptions were completely jolted. The performance on the flats was a complete blast, the aero design clearly delivers multiple gains \u2026 it\u2019s fast, it\u2019s comfortable, and it just wants to keep going forward.\u00a0<\/span>Minutes into that first ride on mine, it was love. This glorious celeste machine was super-smooth and had an almost airy quietness about it. I&#8217;d never experienced anything like it on a bike.<\/div>\n<div class=\"\"><span class=\"\">\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"\">\n<figure id=\"attachment_2966\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-2966\" style=\"width: 1024px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-2966 size-large\" src=\"https:\/\/www.bowralclassic.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/BC33-1024x730.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1024\" height=\"730\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-2966\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Initial nerves were soon replaced with adrenaline during that first ride of the Bianchi.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"\"><strong>This Bike Loves Hills!<\/strong><\/div>\n<div class=\"\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"\">Anyone who lives in Sydney, and spends serious time on the bike, will know about the hills we regularly climb and descend. Even a relatively short 50 to 60km loop can see 1000m of climbing logged on the Wahoo. After being amazed what the Bianchi XR4 could do on the flats I wasn&#8217;t sure how it would go on the hills. Contrary to my original and pre-conceived thoughts, the XR4 rocketed up those local ascents and felt like it wanted more.<\/div>\n<div class=\"\"><span class=\"\"><b class=\"\"><\/b><br class=\"\" \/><\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"\"><span class=\"\">The best way to really test the Bianchi was to seek out these hills. Pointing the aero, oval bars toward Bobbin Head West in Sydney&#8217;s North Shore, I was soon at the base of a favourite and super-challenging climb. It\u2019s 2.9km in length with an average 5.6% gradient &#8211; definitely not one for the faint hearted!\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"\"><span class=\"\">\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"\"><span class=\"\"><b class=\"\">Fast On The Flats, A Rocket Up The Hills<\/b><\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"\"><span class=\"\">The Bianchi XR4 is most certainly a hill climber\u2019s bike.It is built super light with a 980gram frame, 370gram fork and overall weight of just over 6.5kg without pedals or bottles.<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"\">\n<figure id=\"attachment_2968\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-2968\" style=\"width: 1024px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-2968 size-large\" src=\"https:\/\/www.bowralclassic.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/BC31-1024x691.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1024\" height=\"691\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-2968\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">The bike maintains good momentum on the flats then really opens up once the going gets steep!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure id=\"attachment_2979\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-2979\" style=\"width: 169px\" class=\"wp-caption alignright\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-medium wp-image-2979\" src=\"https:\/\/www.bowralclassic.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/BC12-169x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"169\" height=\"300\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-2979\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Bianchi&#8217;s CounterVail technology helps create a light, stiff, responsive and comfortable platform.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p><strong>Ultra Light, Super Responsive<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><span class=\"\">Yes it\u2019s light, but also super stiff and responsive. This is clearly evident when you jump out of the saddle and give that extra kick &#8211; the weight is almost non-existent. I found it to be a total thoroughbred, but with very relaxed fit and at no time did I feel uncomfortable. \u00a0<\/span><span class=\"\">It\u2019s smooth, it\u2019s fast and it\u2019s special. The Bianchi XR4 lives up to the media hype that surrounds it &#8211; it\u2019s a genuine superbike.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"\"><span class=\"\">The good news is my nerves are all but gone.\u00a0The bike has me super-excited about cycling and has even helped me get a PB up Bobbo &#8211; my best time in almost 2 years!\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"\"><span class=\"\"><b class=\"\"><\/b><br class=\"\" \/><\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"\"><span class=\"\"><b class=\"\">Ranking 8.5\/10<\/b><\/span><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>For the past month James Yaffa,\u00a0the man\u00a0behind the Bowral &amp; Clare Classics, has had the pleasure of riding Bianchi&#8217;s latest Oltre XR4. Here James shares his experiences and love for this celeste beauty. \u201cWhy do I feel so nervous each time I saddle up to ride this stunning machine?\u201d I kept asking myself. The anticipation, [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":9,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[141],"tags":[143,39,112],"class_list":["post-2217","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-bowral-classic-in-focus-series","tag-bianchi","tag-bicycling-australia","tag-cycling"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v26.7 (Yoast SEO v26.7) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>User Review: My Love Affair With The Bianchi XR4 After A Month Of Serious Riding\u00a0 - Bowral Classic<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/cyclingclassics.com.au\/bowral\/2017\/04\/16\/user-review-love-affair-bianchi-xr4-month-serious-riding\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"User Review: My Love Affair With The Bianchi XR4 After A Month Of Serious Riding\u00a0\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"For the past month James Yaffa,\u00a0the man\u00a0behind the Bowral &amp; Clare Classics, has had the pleasure of riding Bianchi&#8217;s latest Oltre XR4. Here James shares his experiences and love for this celeste beauty. \u201cWhy do I feel so nervous each time I saddle up to ride this stunning machine?\u201d I kept asking myself. 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Here James shares his experiences and love for this celeste beauty. \u201cWhy do I feel so nervous each time I saddle up to ride this stunning machine?\u201d I kept asking myself. 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