Bianchi Oltre Race 105 Bike

At $3,500, the Bianchi Oltre Race 105 Bike answers a question that every rider shopping for their first serious carbon road bike eventually asks: how much of the platform do you actually get at this price? In Bianchi’s Oltre lineup, the answer is straightforward — you get the same aero carbon frame and fork that defines the Oltre platform, spec’d with Shimano’s 12-speed 105 mechanical groupset and hydraulic disc brakes. The CK16 Metallic Celeste finish is the unmistakable shade that has been on Bianchi road bikes since 1913. This is a genuine Italian carbon aero race bike, not a marketing exercise.

The Oltre frame is Bianchi’s dedicated aero road platform, developed with the aerodynamic tube shaping and race-oriented geometry that the brand built around its WorldTour program. That same frame architecture carries through the entire Oltre lineup regardless of component spec — so while the Race 105 sits below the Comp Ultegra Di2 in terms of drivetrain, the ride character comes from the same carbon construction. Seven sizes run from 44cm to 59cm, making the Oltre Race one of the more size-inclusive options in this segment. Stack measurements run from 481mm (44cm) to 576mm (59cm), with reach from 376mm to 397mm — geometry that rewards an active aerodynamic position without being punishing on longer rides.

Shimano’s 105 R7100 is a 12-speed mechanical groupset and the correct choice at this price point. It runs the same 12-speed cassette architecture as Ultegra and Dura-Ace, delivers shifting that’s reliable and consistent, and it’s serviceable by any shop that works on Shimano. The 50/34 compact chainring combination paired with an 11-34 cassette gives the Oltre Race genuine climbing versatility — useful for riders covering varied terrain or building fitness on hilly routes. Even at this tier, the brakes are hydraulic: Shimano 105 R7170 two-piston hydraulic disc with Shimano RT70 Centerlock 160mm rotors. Hydraulic disc braking is no longer a premium feature on carbon road bikes, and the 105 version delivers meaningful stopping power and modulation across all weather conditions.

The wheels are Velomann V30R alloy — appropriate for training, club riding, and entry-level racing, and a straightforward upgrade target if a rider decides to move to carbon later. Vittoria Rubino G2.0 700x28 tires provide a balanced road feel. The cockpit uses a Velomann Aero Compact alloy handlebar with 74mm reach and 116mm drop, a Velomann alloy stem at -7 degrees, and Bianchi’s own Hexagon 2.5mm bar tape. The seatpost is a carbon aero shape with a reversible alloy head offering ±35mm of fore-aft adjustment — a meaningful fit tool at any price.

Design Benefits

1. Oltre aero carbon frame at an accessible price — The Race 105 rides the same Oltre carbon platform as higher-spec builds in the lineup. That means the aerodynamic tube shaping, the race-oriented geometry, and the carbon construction — not an aluminum substitute dressed up in aggressive graphics. The frame is why this bike is worth the investment at $3,500.
2. Shimano 105 R7100 12-speed mechanical — 105 is Shimano’s third tier but shares the 12-speed architecture with Ultegra and Dura-Ace. The result is a wide range cassette, clean gear steps, and the kind of shifting reliability that doesn’t require electronics to maintain. For riders who want consistent performance without the complexity of a battery-dependent system, 105 mechanical remains an honest choice.
3. Hydraulic disc brakes throughout — The 105 R7170 hydraulic disc calipers are a meaningful feature at this price. The stopping power and modulation hydraulic disc provides — particularly in wet conditions and on sustained descents — is noticeably better than mechanical disc or rim brakes. This isn’t a spec compromise disguised as a feature; hydraulic disc is the right brake for a carbon road bike in 2026.
4. 50/34 compact with 11-34 cassette — The compact chainring combination and wide-range cassette give the Oltre Race a gear range suited to riders tackling hills, building fitness on varied terrain, or transitioning to a more aerodynamic position for the first time. The 12-speed spacing keeps those gear steps smooth across the full range.
5. Seven sizes including 44cm — The Oltre Race runs from 44cm to 59cm, covering a broader size range than most comparable bikes at this price. The 44cm size with its 481mm stack and 376mm reach makes the Oltre platform accessible to smaller riders who are often underserved by race-focused road bikes.
6. CK16 Metallic Celeste — Bianchi’s celeste color is one of the oldest brand identifiers in cycling, tracing back over a century. The CK16 Metallic Celeste on the Oltre Race is a modern metallic interpretation of the classic shade — the kind of finish that reads unmistakably as Bianchi in any group ride or race peloton.

Final Take

The Bianchi Oltre Race 105 makes the Oltre aero carbon platform accessible at $3,500. The frame is the same story as higher-spec Oltre builds, the brakes are genuinely hydraulic, and the 105 12-speed drivetrain is a capable and reliable foundation. For the rider who wants to ride a real Italian carbon road bike in celeste — and has the option to upgrade wheels or groupset later — this is a strong starting point. The seven-size run means most riders will find a proper fit, and the 50/34 gearing means it doesn’t punish you on the first big climb out of the box.