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The Bianchi Aria e road is probably one of the best looking on the market at the moment.
The Bianchi Aria e Road is, at its name says, an electric road bike. Bianchi is the world’s oldest bike manufacturers, and this is the second e-bike that the Italian brand has created.
The Italian bike manufacturer is well known for their commitment to style and quality. For this reason, this Bianchi electric road bike model features the unmistakable clean design.
An Innovation Award Winner in 2018 at Interbike, this is an extremely capable bike that will give you the assistance that you need.
Technical Aspects
MOTOR | - Class: Hub drive M1 (geared hub (rear)). - Brand: Ebikemotion X35. - Torque: 40Nm. | FRAME | - Material: carbon. - Type: High-step. - Women size (cm): 47, , 50, 53 and 55. - Men size (cm): 57, 59 and 61. |
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BATTERY | - Range (av): around 52 miles (check review for details). - Brand: Panasonic. - Chemistry: 18650GA – 10S/2P (250w). - Volt: 36v. - Charging Time: 4 hrs. | GEAR SYS | - Shimano Ultegra ST-R8020. - Eleven (11) speed. |
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TOP SPEED | - 15 mph (24 kmh). - Pedelec classification. | BRAKES | - Shimano BR-R8070 Hydraulic disk. | |
CONTROLLER | - iWOC (read review- controllers section for details). | OVERALL WEIGHT | - 12.1 kg. | |
RIDING MODES | - Three (3) specified by colors (see review for details). | TIRES & WHEELS | - Rim: aluminum Vision TriMax. - Vittoria Rubino 28c. |
The flush design is aerodynamic, and the carbon frame is well light and strong.
If you are looking for an road bike that does not necessarily look like an e-bike but has all the power of a top tier model, read on for our in-depth Bianchi Aria E-road review.
How it Rides?
From what I can see, it is just amazing. Smooth, powerful when needed, efficient.
The response of the motor is interesting. It will provide the assistance just with the first cadence detected by the system.
As you will see below in the motor section, the torque is not the most impressive one but for the general weight, it is more than enough.
Maybe the brakes can be compared against the ones used in electric mountain bikes, but rest assure the efficiency is good.
Lastly, I noticed there is no reduce response when the battery is close to 10%. However, below that point, it felt like something was missing.
Design: Like an Standard Road Bike
It is impossible to talk about the Bianchi Aria e road without stressing just how good looking this bike is!
It is undoubtedly a performance-focused electronic road bike that will turn heads wherever you go.
To achieve an e-bike that has such a lightweight structure (like the Budnitz Model E) is a challenge.
The vast majority of opinions around the online world are singing Bianchi’s praises when it comes to the design of this one.
The lightweight frame
The Aria e-bike has a very similar frame to the traditional Aria configuration. This means that it is just 12.1 kg (depending on frame size), which is significantly lighter than other e-bikes (almost as light as the Orbea Gain D40 e-bike).
When you are zooming past, it will be difficult to spot the technology and whilst some have praised the traditional bike look, others have said that this could be considered as being dishonest.
Yet the e-road sticker on the top tube is a clear giveaway that this bike has power.
The components distribution and geometry
The San Marco Quadra Saddle has been created using bio-foam padding, with several users reporting that the seating on the Aria is fairly comfortable in comparison with other racing bikes.
Furthermore, the total integration of components ensures zero interference to power transmission.
The motor on this e-bike (discussed below) is more or less hidden to reduce drag.
The bike has internal cable routing, and the aerodynamic frame is characterised by aggressive race geometry.
The frame alternatives
There are seven (7) different frame sizes available to ensure the perfect fit.
This is great since a road bike user needs comfort and maintain a premium riding position all the time.
- Frame for women: 47, 50, 53 and 55 cm.
- Frame for men: 57, 59 and 61 cm.
Many other e-road riders have highlighted that this is an e-bike with excellent manoeuvrability.
Regardless, there have been some suggestions that the shape of the frame means that you may feel nervous about descents.
Exclusive Gear Hub Motor
Bianchi’s Inner Power Drive system features a 36V/250 w rear hub motor that will provide you with the boost you need to go that extra mile.
The inner power drive has been designed specifically for the Aria, and it features Ebikemotion’s powerful X35 V.2 pedal-assist technology- so it looks and feels like a traditional bike.
In line with current e-bike legislation, there is a 15mph cut off point (24 km), and the bike will only provide a boost up this speed.
However, when you do reach top speeds, you can still pedal as normal to keep up (that is the purpose of a road bike!).
Making light work of hills, the Bianchi Aria e road has 40Nm torque and the Shimano BR-R8070 brakes are reported to be precise end accurate.
Aria e Road Controller
The Bianchi Aria e-road comes with a discreet button on the high-step tube. This controller systems is called, iWOC One.
Colours codification
Here is what you need to know:
When pressing the power button, there will be 3 colours flashing:
- White: no assistance (if you feel strong for that).
- Green: basic assistance level.
- Orange: medium power level.
- Red: high level of power delivered by the motor.
In addition to the above, you can view the battery charge by using the LED lighting colour codes.
- While: battery above 75%.
- Green: between 50 and 75% remaining charge.
- Orange: battery juice from 25 to 50%.
- Red (constant flashing) it is bellow 10% (around 52 miles (83 km) distance covered).
What People say about this controller?
The Bianchi Aria e road controller button is flush fit and unobtrusive. However, the lack of a display has been criticised by some, with several users suggesting that the simple button approach lacked the information that they wanted.
Despite of this valid comments, some others have suggested that the lack of a display was a bonus as it meant that there were fewer distractions on their ride.
Bianchi Aria e Road app
Whilst the above is a matter of personal preference really, you can also download the Bianchi app to keep track of your cycling data in real-time, including GPS, motor functioning, and battery.
The bike can also sync to a smartphone or smart-watch (if compatible) for more control.
Connect to the app via Bluetooth and then mount your phone to your handlebars for on the go information.
Other things you may want to know about the app:
- Voice commands activation and de-activation (using Bluetooth).
- Get alerts of any deficiencies.
- Enable / disable locking systems and security (if configured).
In-Framed Battery
This Bianchi e-bike features a slimline 250w battery that is placed inside the down tube of the frame.
Charging the battery
The battery takes around 3 and a half to four (4) hours for a complete charge and a full charge battery equals around 1,200 meters of elevation gain.
For those that like to remove the battery out of the frame, it is obvious this cannot happen.
For this reason, the charging point was located at the top of the low tube for easy access.
The flip side is the exposure of the connection point to water. Even thought this is the case, I think it has been well designed to seal tight.
Bianchi Aria e Road range
A full charged battery can do around 52 miles (or 83 km) – estimated range, at which point the iWOC controller will start flashing red.
As mentioned before, this means you would have 10% battery life left.
The battery performance will depend on the power mode you use, the terrain and inclination.
As you can see, the range will depend directly on what the riding mode you select and topography.
Nevertheless, if you want more distance to be covered, the you can acquire an extra battery pack that will sit at your water bottle area.
Tires & Wheels
The Aria electric road is equipped with aluminum Vision TriMax wheels and 28mm Vittoria Rubino tires.
Allowing for excellent ride quality, even on bumpy terrains, the front and rear rims feature secure thru-axles that will ensure flex-free performance and accurate steering.
The tires offer a premium grip and are puncture resistant. However, racers and more performance-minded cyclists have reported that they chose to swap the tires on this Bianchi model for something with more grip.
The Price
Although the Bianchi e road bike could be considered expensive, when you think about the performance, abilities and specifications, the price is to be expected.
This is an investment that is likely to last for years to come – depending on the maintenance done.
However, it has been suggested that come of the components are not quite up to the quality that one would expect of an e-bike with this price tag, who knows.
Bianchi Aria e Road Review: Bottom Line
Combining traditional Italian bicycle craftsmanship with the latest in innovative e-bike technology, this electric road bike is a great alternative for serious cyclists rather than casual commuters.
Allowing for subtlety, the design of this bike ensures that it has the speed and control of the original Aria whilst providing the power of a quality drive system.
I think what is more interesting is the overall weight. Even if the battery gets drained, I’m sure you will be able to ride it without hassle.
I guess the one thing that could be a deal breaker is the price. Well, nothing out of the ordinary considering the brand name, quality of components and category.
If you are just looking for a bike to get you from A to B, the Bianchi Aria e road may not be the one, however if you want performance, aerodynamics and power when needed, this model could be one.
Images courtesy of Bianchi.
Whats is your input regarding this road electric bike? Please review below:
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