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The Bianchi Aria e Road is, as its name suggests, an electric road bike designed for performance and style. Bianchi, one of the world’s oldest bike manufacturers, has a long-standing reputation for quality craftsmanship.
With its sleek design and high-end components, the Aria e Road is an option worth considering for serious cyclists.
e-Aria Road Bike Specs Summary (basic)
| MANUFACTURING YEAR: 2022
MOTOR & TOP SPEED
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BATTERY
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RANGE (based on brand information)
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CONTROLLER, RIDING MODES & DISPLAY
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FRAME
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GEAR SYSTEM
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BRAKING SYSTEM
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ORBEA GAIN M30 WEIGHT
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TIRES & FORK
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SENSORS
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FEATURES
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How Did It Ride?
From firsthand experience, this bike offered a smooth and efficient ride. The motor response was immediate, providing assistance as soon as the system detected my first cadence.
While the 40Nm torque isn’t the highest in the e-road bike category, it is well-matched to the overall weight of the bike.
Braking performance was solid. Some riders may compare the Shimano BR-R8070 hydraulic brakes to those found on high-performance electric mountain bikes.
One notable observation I have is that this model maintained consistent power delivery even when the battery was 10%. However, once it drops below that threshold, the performance noticeably declines.
Design: A Classic Road Bike Aesthetics
It is impossible to discuss the Bianchi Aria e Road without highlighting its attractive design. This is a performance-focused electric road bike that maintains the aesthetic of a traditional bike, seamlessly integrating the motor and battery.
Weighing just 12.1 kg (depending on frame size), it was significantly lighter than many e-bikes, making it even lighter than the Orbea Gain M30 Road e-Bike, which is 12.8 kgs.
While some road riders appreciate the traditional bike appearance, others argue that the concealed motor might mislead those expecting a non-electric bike. However, the sticker on the top tube was a clear indicator of its electric capabilities.
Frame Options and Geometry
This Bianchi model is available in seven (7) different frame sizes to ensure an optimal fit:
- Women’s frames: 47, 50, 53, and 55 cm.
- Men’s frames: 57, 59, and 61 cm.
The aerodynamic frame, internal cable routing, and race geometry contributed to its excellent handling. However, some riders have noted that the frame’s shape may cause slight hesitation on steep descents compared to models like the Orbea Gain D40.
Exclusive Gear Hub Motor
The Bianchi Aria e Road features a 36V/250W rear hub motor powered by Ebikemotion’s X35 V.2 pedal-assist technology. This motor was designed to maintain the feel of a traditional road bike while offering an extra boost when needed.
In compliance with e-bike regulations, power assistance cuts off at 15 mph (24 km/h), after which the rider must rely purely on pedaling.
Learn More: Electric Bike Laws – What you should know before buying an e-bike?
The 40Nm torque allowed for efficient hill climbing, though it was not as powerful as some mid-drive motors. However, when compared to what Orbea offers, the Area e-bike was equally competitive.
Bianchi Aria e Road Controller
This Bianchi model was controlled via a discreet button on the high-step tube, known as the iWOC One system. Some riders have praised this minimalist design for reducing distractions, while others have criticized the lack of a display, which would provide more detailed ride data.
Colour indicators for assistance levels
- White: No assistance (for those who prefer a traditional ride).
- Green: basic assistance level.
- Orange: medium power level.
- Red: high level of power delivered by the motor.
Colour indicators for battery levels
Additionally, the LED lighting system indicates battery charge levels:
- White: Above 75% battery
- Green: 50% – 75%
- Orange: 25% – 50%
- Red (flashing): Below 10% (~52 miles/83 km remaining)
Bianchi Aria e Road Smart System App
For those who prefer more data, it syncs with a smartphone via the Bianchi app, which provides real-time insights, including GPS tracking, motor performance, and battery status.
Additional features included:
- Voice command activation/deactivation (via Bluetooth)
- Alerts for system deficiencies
- Security and locking system controls
From my experience, the interface of the app made the connectivity and setup a bit harder than what I’ve seen with Bosch smart systems.
In-Framed Battery
The Bianchi Aria e Road is equipped with a slimline 250W battery housed inside the down tube. While this design keeps the bike’s frame sleek, it also means that the battery cannot be removed for charging. Instead, the charging port is located at the top of the lower tube, which could be ok for access but I believe is it a sensitive location if the bike moves.
Charging time was approximately 3.5 to 4 hours, and the maximum range I calculated was 52 miles (83 km). Quite a decent range, however, for riders needing more distance, an additional battery pack can be mounted in the water bottle area.
The Price
While the Aria e Road is on the expensive side (>$5,000 dollars), its performance, premium components, and Italian craftsmanship justify the cost. However, some riders have pointed out that certain components may not meet the high expectations set by the price tag, especially when compared to alternatives like the Orbea D40, which price tag is a bit higher but the components are top notch.
Who Is This e-Bike For?
The brand has offered a classic Italian craftsmanship with modern technology, making it a strong option for serious road cyclists.
I think what was more interesting is the overall weight (12.1 kgs). Even if the battery gets drained, I’m sure you will be able to ride it without hassle. This make it a great option for those who want performance without sacrificing the feel of a traditional road bike.
For those simply looking for an everyday commuter bike, this model may not be the best fit. If performance, aerodynamics, and power are your top priorities, this electric bike road model is worth considering.
What are your thoughts on the Bianchi Aria e Road? Would you choose it over any Orbea e-road bike series? It would be great to hear your thoughts by sharing your opinion below.
Images courtesy of Bianchi.
4 Comments
I am 85 years old and have been riding since I was 10, racing State championship, Nationals, World Masters and 20 years of running a tour business through Western Europe . My Arrhythmia has reached a point where I am not riding like I used to, of course, but the Aria ebike has been fantastic for the last year. I now ride about like I did more than 12 to 15 years ago. It is like a new life; I don’t need to ride over three hours time and the exertion level is nearly the same as it always was.
Hi Dick, thanks for sharing your experience.
Indeed, the Bianchi Aria e Road has a lot to offer for any riders and definitely, it is not a bad investment.
Cheers.
Matt
I’m 74 years old and have been riding since 1962. I’ve been riding an S Works for a few years during the past couple of years I’ve been riding at 14mph. I struggle up hills and recently installed a 34 sprocket which helped a bit. My aria arrived and the moment I removed it from the box I was amazed it truly is a beautiful bike ‘Celeste is a beautiful color. On my first ride I was soon flying down the road the speed and acceleration are amazing. I don’t care for disc brakes in my opinion they’re not necessary except for mountain bikes or carbon rims unfortunately on new modern bikes we have no choice. The gearing is great with 52/36 x 11/32 a sign of great Italian design and experience. I’ve been riding 50/34 for many years. On my first ride I used the 52 chain ring most of the time ‘amazing’. I did have trouble reading the colors for different levels of exertion. In summery this is a beautiful bike well engineered and hopefully will enable me to ride for many more years hopefully into my eighties, ouch, did I really say that!
Hi Graham, thanks for sharing your experience. It is very inspiring.
I know, it is a beauty. I’m sure the Bianchi Area e Road will be there for you when most needed.
Regards,
Matt