Many bikes of the older generation are not appreciated enough and underrated. Bikes like this Bianchi or a Sworks Tarmac SL6 are still amazing and not any worse than the new versions
Exactly. I once got a customer asking me if I can do integrated internal routing on his bike, to which I told him is impossible and something I'll never do. This bike in question, is a Tarmac SL6 Disc FACT 10r. Most people never appreciate how easy older bikes are to service, like this customer with his Tarmac I reckon.
Agreed - most of us riding these bikes truly do not need 12 speed. DI 9100 is lighter anyways. I recently got a second road bike for work travel with Ultegra Rim brake 8000. Bleeding the brakes is so simple - reach down and move a lever :). Way easier for the owner to maintain and travel with. I have had no end of troubles with my 9100 Disc brakes. Two very experienced and amazing mechanics could not figure it out - ended up replacing calipers myself after giving up.... I would spend my money on some nice wheels, tires and controls rather than going for the new 12 speed groups!
I luckily found a brand new oltre xr4 "rim brake" frame set from our local Bianchi dealer few mounts ago. I built it up with 11sp duraace 9100 mechanical set and Campy wto 45mm wheelset.. Man this bike is is pure awesome. Details and workmanship are great. Frame is stunnigly reacting and overall it is fast and light. Mine just weighted 6.8kg (including pedals). Dual pivot rim caliper's braking performance is as just good as hydrolics but way lighter and way trouble free. And I certainly no need to have electric stuff.. Simplicty is the key. This is my second Italian bike beside Colnago.. I just fell in love.
I just picked up a gently used XR4 frameset on eBay and I have to say, it's a beautiful piece of work, this thing. Just looking at it makes me want to ride
Done exactly the same thing with a S-Works Tarmac SL6 rimbrake. DA 9150 works like a charme and has very small,light shifters. The only difference; we’ve got the braking reversed or you have haha.This vid was 🤤 for me of course, thnx!
Just came across this video! I ride/sell Bianchi. My crew is quite small only 4 of us. I ride an XR4 as do 2 other riders. All 3 of us run Mechanical Dura-Ace R9100. . The last rider has an Infinito CV 12 speed Ultegra. So 4 for 4 are on Bianchi! All Celeste, of course 🙂
Thanks Paul for such an informative video and such a great job on my, yes MY bike! I bought this Oltre XR4 2 years ago as a used item. The cabling had been done this way by the original supplier. I love this bike as it rides so well. And Paul has just made it look even classier. More happy days on the Lakes' roads.
I’ve been accumulating spare parts for my R8000 groupset that I upgraded my 11yo bike to last year, since Shimano is phasing out mechanical/rim brake Ultegra. Who knows how long they’ll keep making parts for the old systems.
Oh hey. I have the Oltre XR4 too. Disc version though. The XR4 has been around for a while and it was the do it all bike for Jumbo Visma. Just needed a wheel change for hilly stages.
Great point about not getting carried away with the latest tech I had the pleasure of riding a friends Pinarello F8 it's a great bike even when compared to any of the latest bikes.
The older I get, the less I'm fazed by new bike tech. I still ride just fine with regular internal routing, mechanical derailleurs, steel bearings and no OSPW.
Couldn't agree with you more. I have one...and also have a couple of disc /later bikes. This is lighter, and more comfortable. (Shockingly so to the comfort, for what it is) Oh, and did I mention it is fast and looks incredible?
Yeah. This isn’t even old. I think it’s the trend of random text and graphics on the paint work that ages it. If it was just a plain colour and subtle logos it would like like it was the latest model.
@@Mapdec Singapore...it's a strange bicycle culture here, more akin to an arms race where bikes are fashion accessories for many to be displayd first, ridden second.
@@milkbunnies Same thing here in Malaysia. The rich tend to get a new bike every single year. It took me 10 years (after I started) to get my first new frameset.
I was wondering. The rider is using sprint shifters. These are connected to the levers. But since you connected the cable from the bb junction to the cable, then from the lever/shifter to the junction and other shifter, no port was left for the sprint shifter on one side, correct? I always run the cable from bb junction to the bar junction, then use the split Y cable to go to both shifters so one port is still available on both. Neat heatshrink!
@@Mapdec thanks! I thought there were only two, but that's probably only the case with disc brake di2 DA shifters as opposed to the rim brake version. Cheers!
I've spent a lot of time with the Aethos and think it's a really great bike, looks lovely with classical lines, it's ride characteristics and performance are outstanding. I greatly considered purchasing one and would have done so if the bike I ended up with did not exist. Ultimately my only criticism is that the price point of the s-works pitches it against what I purchased and it's simply not a touch on it.
@@kidkarbon4775 At the moment, the Aethos Comp (in stock) in my size is discounted -25% at the local dealer and I'm very tempted to buy it, even though I don't need the bike because I still have two new road bikes. Probably for this price Aethos will never be available again.
@@bennop.2553 The wheelset on the Atheos Pro seems to get a lot of criticism (not ridden them myself) so you may need to consider the replacement of them if as bad as reported in your budget.
For me, the best is 11s ultegra (or dura) mechanical in terms of reliability and cost. But please learn how to pronounce, it's not a bianchee or bianči, but Bianki.
@@Mapdec some people with too much time on their hands have made videos showing how to pronounce the brand. Apparently the correct way is 'bee-ang-kee' which literally translates to 'only available in icky green' ☺️ I think you should embrace the mis-pronunciation as much joy can be obtained from discovering all the ways you can be corrected regarding the name and colour 😂 (dare you to say 'ohh I never knew the colour was called selessy' just the once after being corrected 😉 )
This is a bit of a long shot and I know the supplies are short for the Bianchi's. I'm after a 90m stem for my Bianchi Aria I would like the reparto corse. Would you have one in stock or would you know where I could get one? It has to be Aero like the original and thanks.
Many bikes of the older generation are not appreciated enough and underrated. Bikes like this Bianchi or a Sworks Tarmac SL6 are still amazing and not any worse than the new versions
Exactly. I once got a customer asking me if I can do integrated internal routing on his bike, to which I told him is impossible and something I'll never do. This bike in question, is a Tarmac SL6 Disc FACT 10r.
Most people never appreciate how easy older bikes are to service, like this customer with his Tarmac I reckon.
100%
Agreed - most of us riding these bikes truly do not need 12 speed. DI 9100 is lighter anyways. I recently got a second road bike for work travel with Ultegra Rim brake 8000. Bleeding the brakes is so simple - reach down and move a lever :). Way easier for the owner to maintain and travel with. I have had no end of troubles with my 9100 Disc brakes. Two very experienced and amazing mechanics could not figure it out - ended up replacing calipers myself after giving up.... I would spend my money on some nice wheels, tires and controls rather than going for the new 12 speed groups!
Hell Yeah.
I luckily found a brand new oltre xr4 "rim brake" frame set from our local Bianchi dealer few mounts ago. I built it up with 11sp duraace 9100 mechanical set and Campy wto 45mm wheelset.. Man this bike is is pure awesome. Details and workmanship are great. Frame is stunnigly reacting and overall it is fast and light. Mine just weighted 6.8kg (including pedals). Dual pivot rim caliper's braking performance is as just good as hydrolics but way lighter and way trouble free. And I certainly no need to have electric stuff.. Simplicty is the key. This is my second Italian bike beside Colnago.. I just fell in love.
I just picked up a gently used XR4 frameset on eBay and I have to say, it's a beautiful piece of work, this thing. Just looking at it makes me want to ride
Lovely looking bike and plenty of years left in it.
Done exactly the same thing with a S-Works Tarmac SL6 rimbrake. DA 9150 works like a charme and has very small,light shifters. The only difference; we’ve got the braking reversed or you have haha.This vid was 🤤 for me of course, thnx!
Pleasure Simon
Just came across this video! I ride/sell Bianchi. My crew is quite small only 4 of us. I ride an XR4 as do 2 other riders. All 3 of us run Mechanical Dura-Ace R9100. . The last rider has an Infinito CV 12 speed Ultegra. So 4 for 4 are on Bianchi! All Celeste, of course 🙂
Looks awesome at the end in the head on shot. Very sweet bike, Cleaning up the cables and wires makes it look current and sexy:D
I think it shows you take pride in your bike.
Lovely looking bike 👍
Thanks Paul for such an informative video and such a great job on my, yes MY bike! I bought this Oltre XR4 2 years ago as a used item. The cabling had been done this way by the original supplier. I love this bike as it rides so well. And Paul has just made it look even classier. More happy days on the Lakes' roads.
Thanks Rin. We found your squeak too. Cheeky little hub bearing.
I’ve been accumulating spare parts for my R8000 groupset that I upgraded my 11yo bike to last year, since Shimano is phasing out mechanical/rim brake Ultegra. Who knows how long they’ll keep making parts for the old systems.
Oh hey. I have the Oltre XR4 too. Disc version though.
The XR4 has been around for a while and it was the do it all bike for Jumbo Visma. Just needed a wheel change for hilly stages.
Yes. It really is a versatile bike.
Great point about not getting carried away with the latest tech I had the pleasure of riding a friends Pinarello F8 it's a great bike even when compared to any of the latest bikes.
Yes. The F8 has a spring in its step ride.
Wow. Watching this 3 hours after my alter ego!
The older I get, the less I'm fazed by new bike tech. I still ride just fine with regular internal routing, mechanical derailleurs, steel bearings and no OSPW.
I agree, shimano peaked with the Di2 11spd 9000/8000
Couldn't agree with you more. I have one...and also have a couple of disc /later bikes. This is lighter, and more comfortable. (Shockingly so to the comfort, for what it is) Oh, and did I mention it is fast and looks incredible?
They do look great. Just a shame about all the silly logos and random words everywhere
Do you think you might be able to review a Sempre one day, maybe do a little comparison? Best Wishes P
We are always looking to talk to brands about reviews and things are happing.
I would be really interested to know about your thoughts on Shimano's 12 speed road groupsets.
I’m gonna take a brave pill and give it a shot.
Uncomplicated, easy to ride, even easier to service… old is gold.
Yeah. This isn’t even old. I think it’s the trend of random text and graphics on the paint work that ages it. If it was just a plain colour and subtle logos it would like like it was the latest model.
@@Mapdec true....in the market I reside in people update bikes bi-annually or even faster, and it just seems needless.
@@milkbunnies wow. Where are you bassed?
@@Mapdec Singapore...it's a strange bicycle culture here, more akin to an arms race where bikes are fashion accessories for many to be displayd first, ridden second.
@@milkbunnies Same thing here in Malaysia. The rich tend to get a new bike every single year.
It took me 10 years (after I started) to get my first new frameset.
Does the bar end plug need to have the unused connector port terminated with a plug of some sort or left open/empty?
Plugging it will help keep water out
I was wondering. The rider is using sprint shifters. These are connected to the levers. But since you connected the cable from the bb junction to the cable, then from the lever/shifter to the junction and other shifter, no port was left for the sprint shifter on one side, correct? I always run the cable from bb junction to the bar junction, then use the split Y cable to go to both shifters so one port is still available on both. Neat heatshrink!
There are 3 ports on each shifter
@@Mapdec thanks! I thought there were only two, but that's probably only the case with disc brake di2 DA shifters as opposed to the rim brake version. Cheers!
Cracking bike, it'l get you to Whitestiles in rapid time for that jar of Mellow Birds!! :-)
😂😂 WTF
Would love to know which Bianchi bikes to avoid as was thinking about a cheaper alloy framed one don't want to buy a lemon lol!!.
It’s a big range Steven.
I would be interested in your opinion about the Specialized Aetos bike.
To be honest we don’t see a lot of Spech. A lot of their bikes demand dealers only parts, and there is a dealer just down the road.
@@Mapdec I understand. No dealer will give such an unbiased opinion as we can get on your channel.
I've spent a lot of time with the Aethos and think it's a really great bike, looks lovely with classical lines, it's ride characteristics and performance are outstanding. I greatly considered purchasing one and would have done so if the bike I ended up with did not exist.
Ultimately my only criticism is that the price point of the s-works pitches it against what I purchased and it's simply not a touch on it.
@@kidkarbon4775 At the moment, the Aethos Comp (in stock) in my size is discounted -25% at the local dealer and I'm very tempted to buy it, even though I don't need the bike because I still have two new road bikes. Probably for this price Aethos will never be available again.
@@bennop.2553 The wheelset on the Atheos Pro seems to get a lot of criticism (not ridden them myself) so you may need to consider the replacement of them if as bad as reported in your budget.
Nice bike but why did they name it after a hot Ford Sierra?
🤣
...or a Merkur
Bianchi Bianki Be-un-key
Did it stress you out?
@@Mapdec It did 😂
Same goes for Chianti... when ordering for a woman 😉
Campag Record is Flawless and looks better and on an Italian Frame
Yes. But it is noisy, expensive and inconvenient in comparison
@@Mapdec and a complete myth that Italian bikes "should" have Campag. All my Italian bikes have Shimano Dura-Ace because it WORKS!
Is it not the wrong colour for a bianchi?
No one wants a pastel green bike in 2020s
@@Mapdec Blu celeste is to Bianchis is what rossa corse is to Ferraris
@@godwindracing6056 do you mean a convenient restriction of options which benefits the manufacturer more than the consumer?
@@Mapdec That won't be me, if I want a Bianchi that is. Celeste Green or nothing. XD
For me, the best is 11s ultegra (or dura) mechanical in terms of reliability and cost. But please learn how to pronounce, it's not a bianchee or bianči, but Bianki.
There are lots of things I can’t pronounce
Bianchi not Bianchee
Ok.
@@Mapdec perfect response mate😂
Biancheeee?
Who knows
@@Mapdec some people with too much time on their hands have made videos showing how to pronounce the brand. Apparently the correct way is 'bee-ang-kee' which literally translates to 'only available in icky green' ☺️ I think you should embrace the mis-pronunciation as much joy can be obtained from discovering all the ways you can be corrected regarding the name and colour 😂 (dare you to say 'ohh I never knew the colour was called selessy' just the once after being corrected 😉 )
its
😘
Love your videos and forgive the pedantism but I understand it’s bee-ang-kee. Don’t matter as I say Paris (Pariss) not Pa’ree. Tomato Tomatoe
Thanks. Don’t let it stress you out dude.
Dude it's bi an chi not bee anch ie
Biancheeeeeeeeeeeee
excuse me... but it's not Bi-an-tshi, please say Bi-an-ki...
Be- Keen- ee ?
@@Mapdec that's also nice... at least it can be😎
It's pronounced Buyanki not bianci 😂
K
@@Mapdec love the bike I'll be getting one 👍🏼😎🚴♂️
This is a bit of a long shot and I know the supplies are short for the Bianchi's.
I'm after a 90m stem for my Bianchi Aria I would like the reparto corse. Would you have one in stock or would you know where I could get one? It has to be Aero like the original and thanks.
Sorry. We don’t actually sell bikes. Purely service.
This is the worst I've ever heard the name Bianchi Oltre being butchered :D
Wait until the next video