New Bianchi Oltre XR1 or Ritchey Road Logic?
07-07-17, 10:09 AM
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New Bianchi Oltre XR1 or Ritchey Road Logic?
OK, I know this is like asking the waitress, "Which is better, the steak & fries or the salmon & mashed potatoes?" But one of them has to be the better dish! I know the Oltre is a racy carbon frame and the Ritchey is more of classic steel bike. I rode both and the Ritchey felt better honestly (more comfortable but still snappy). But I already have a couple steel bikes and don't want to abandon carbon entirely. If you could get both frames for the same price, what would you do? I do NOT race. I ride 3-5 times per week, averaging 20 to 50 miles each ride. I like to ride fast and do occasional centuries... I know it's my decision in the end, but I'd really appreciate some advice, especially from those that actually own either frame. Thanks! 
07-07-17, 11:18 AM
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Good point. That too I guess. But I've had the infinito for a while and want something new. The Road Logic actually feels smoother than the infinito (it's steel afterall) and the Oltre feels racier than the infinito. I'd just like to see if anyone has experience with the new Road Logic or the new XR1 (2016).... Thanks.
07-07-17, 11:25 AM
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Owned a pro logic, and similar carbon. The logic was a bit more stretched out than my other race frames, which was uncomfortable beyond 40km until I got used to it. The steel made the ride soft and comfy, and it was a good looking and classy ride, but was also more twitchy and I did get some minor speed wobbles on the first few high speed turns. Also adjusted to that too. Ultimately, my 2p, is an Oltre frameset at a Logic price would be a sure thing - but as this is a hypothetical you have to go with what feels best. The Logic is light enough to keep up with anything and the steel gives you style points.
07-07-17, 11:42 AM
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Owned a pro logic, and similar carbon. The logic was a bit more stretched out than my other race frames, which was uncomfortable beyond 40km until I got used to it. The steel made the ride soft and comfy, and it was a good looking and classy ride, but was also more twitchy and I did get some minor speed wobbles on the first few high speed turns. Also adjusted to that too. Ultimately, my 2p, is an Oltre frameset at a Logic price would be a sure thing - but as this is a hypothetical you have to go with what feels best. The Logic is light enough to keep up with anything and the steel gives you style points.
Thank you! The Oltre is such a good deal and looks killer IMO. I will be running Dura Ace 9000 on both so both should be fairly light. The Logic with 6800 weighs in under 18lbs. I'm sure the Oltre would be at least a pound lighter. Decisions, decisions...
07-07-17, 12:07 PM
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A good problem to have indeed! Your groupset leans more towards the Bianchi. I ran the Logic with 105 and I thought it was appropriate, if that helps. And if you're still tied, go with matches your kit better.
07-09-17, 12:55 PM
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Both are great bike frames but you are not comparing apples to apples with this question. Normally I would say with out hesitation go with the Ritchey but since you already own a few steel bikes, as you said, then it comes down to you wanting another steel bike. The Ritchey will allow you to also use it as a gravel bike if that is in your future.
07-10-17, 06:35 AM
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I'm not naming names but I have a friend who raced locally and later became a Bianchi rep. He has a Bianchi Infinito and a Ritchey steel CX bike. On our Saturday club rides he usually leads our B ride and he's on his Ritchey with 25 mm road wheels. He recently rode my Guru steel and was amazed that it was so light (17 lb 10 oz) and how quick it was.
07-10-17, 09:57 AM
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Thanks for all the input, guys. I think I have decided to keep the Infinito and throw my carbon wheels on it, which should make it feel nice and fresh. And I'm going to just save a bit more to just get the Ritchey. The new road logic in skyline blue looks very nice indeed. The complete bike (with Shimano 105) is a little over $2K. I can't get over how nice it rode. Makes some of my steel bikes feel like pigs...
07-31-17, 10:14 AM
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OK, so I was in a local shop and they had a brand new (couple years old) grey Ritchey Logic built up with full Campy Athena 11 speed group, Ritchey comp stem, bars and seatpost, Selle Italia saddle and Campy Khamsin wheels. They offered it to me for $1,100 out the door... I couldn't resist. Just brought her home. Time to sell one of the other bikes to make room for this one! I don't think I could have gotten a better deal anywhere...
07-31-17, 10:24 AM
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Sounds great, plus now you get to ride Campagnolo.
07-31-17, 10:31 AM
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Just weighed the bike and it's 18.1 lbs... Pretty amazing for an off-the-shelf steel road bike with a heavy saddle and wheelset, as well as Athena groupset.
08-30-17, 09:43 PM
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Photos
OK, finally put together the finishing touches... Threw on some Ritchey Zeta II wheels, along with Ritchey WCS carbon seatpost and saddle. Also replaced the crappy Hutchinson Equinox tires with 120 TPI Challenge Forte tires. Bike weight dropped to 16.9 lbs (no pedals on there yet). Here are a few photos. I'll need to figure out how low I can go with the bars before having the steerer tube cut...
09-15-17, 02:43 AM
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That is a beauty, and built to ride. Very, very nice.
09-15-17, 11:13 AM
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Thanks, guys... have only done 4 rides so far but the bike handles very well and feels very comfortable. The combination of the steel tubing with the carbon fork, carbon seatpost/saddle and 25c Challenge tires just works very well together. I truly believe this frame is one of the best bang-for-your-buck frames out there...
