Bianchi Aria E-Road in Review

The Bianchi Aria E-Road is the second E-road bike to be released by the world’s oldest bike manufacturer. Has the Italian brand built on the experience it gained from the Model One while designing the Aria? Read on to find out.

For an overview of the test fleet head to the main article: The best E-road bike of 2019! – 13 of the most exciting models on test

The celeste beauty from Italy is resplendent in its unmistakable and timeless Bianchi look. True to the brand’s approach, the high-quality carbon frame is full of design features – fans will undoubtedly rejoice! The battery and controls of the MAHLE ebikemotion motor are integrated into the Aria’s aerodynamically shaped tubes, which unfortunately also act as a large amplifier when it comes to the noise of the motor. The MAHLE ebikemotion hub motor isn’t initially visible behind the 11-32 T cassette when you look at the bike from the side, deceiving you into the possibility that this is a conventional road bike. However, if you prefer staying incognito, you probably won’t like the telltale “E-Road” sticker on the top tube. A Shimano ULTEGRA derailleur, part of the full R8000 groupset is attached to the beautifully sculpted direct-mount derailleur hanger. The Vision Trimax aluminium wheels are fitted with 700x28C Vittoria Rubino Pro IV tires. At 29 mm, the tires are only minimally wider than indicated, but they’re almost at the limit of the frame’s 30 mm maximum tire clearance. With a seat tube angle of 73.5°, a reach of 395 mm and a 110 mm long stem, the riding position on the Bianchi is classically stretched. Weighing 12.13 kg for a 57 cm frame, the Aria is the heaviest bike featuring the MAHLE ebikemotion system. However, that is still very light compared to the rest of the test field. Available for € 4,999 the E-road bike from Bianchi is offered in seven sizes from 47 to 61 cm.

The Bianchi Aria e-Road in detail

Motor/Battery MAHLE ebikemotion X35 250 Wh
Drivetrain Shimano Ultegra R8000 2×11
Gearing 52/36 and 11–32 T
Brakes Shimano ULTEGRA BR-R8070 160/160 mm
Stem Bianchi Reparto Corse AL6061 110 mm
Handlebar Bianchi Reparto Corse AL6061 420 mm
Seatpost Bianchi Aria Full Carbon Aero
Wheels Vision Trimax Alloy Disc
Tires Vittoria Rubino IV 28C

Size	47	50	53	55	57	59	61
Seat tube	440 mm	470 mm	500 mm	520 mm	540 mm	560 mm	580 mm
Top tube	515 mm	525 mm	535 mm	550 mm	560 mm	575 mm	585 mm
Head tube	105 mm	110 mm	125 mm	140 mm	155 mm	175 mm	195 mm
Head angle	70.5	71.5°	72.0°	72.5°	73.0°	73.0°	73.0°
Seat angle	74.5°	74.5°	74.0°	73.5°	73.5°	73.0°	72.5°
Chainstays	410 mm	410 mm	410 mm	410 mm	410 mm	412 mm	414 mm
Wheelbase	983 mm	984 mm	984 mm	988 mm	993 mm	1,005 mm	1,011 mm
Reach	379 mm	385 mm	385 mm	390 mm	395 mm	398 mm	398 mm
Stack	491 mm	499 mm	524 mm	540 mm	556 mm	575 mm	594 mm

The Bianchi Aria e-Road in review

Thanks to the stiff bottom bracket, the Bianchi willingly marches forward. The stretched riding position puts a lot of weight on the front wheel leaving you feeling more perched “on top of” rather than an “integral part” of the bike. This impacts predictability of the bike during fast direction changes when you’re on the limit. The front tends to feel nervous on the descents and you have to correct your steering from time to time. As soon as you put the Aria firmly back on course, it cuts through the corners willingly. Going uphill, the long stem of the Bianchi makes it feel a little skittish when riding out of the saddle. If you stay seated, this E-road bike is an efficient and capable climber.

Basically, the Aria looks like any other Bianchi – that’s cool!

On straight sections, the bike feels right at home and is very stable beyond the 25 km/h assistance threshold, allowing you to race for the finish line at full speed. In terms of comfort, the Aria reminds us of the sporty character of the Oltre XR4 from our road bike group test. Although high-frequency vibrations are nicely damped, the rider always gets plenty of feedback from the ground. In particular, heavy impacts are passed on to the rider almost unfiltered due to the minimal compliance of the frameset.

Conclusion

The Aria E-Road doesn’t just look like a true Bianchi, it is one. It is particularly suited to flat, high-speed passages where the bike reveals a character of its own in quick direction changes. If you like going fast on flat roads and you appreciate the additional “tailwind” up moderately steep climbs, this is a classic Italian bike with modern features at a fair price.

For more info head to: bianchi.com

For an overview of the test fleet head to the main article: The best E-road bike of 2019! – 13 of the most exciting models on test

All bikes in test: BMC Alpenchallenge AMP ROAD ONE | Cannondale Synapse Neo SE | CENTURION Overdrive Carbon Road Z4000 | Coboc TEN Torino | FOCUS Paralane² 9.9 | LOOK E-765 Optimum Disc | Moustache Dimanche 28.7 | ORBEA GAIN M10 | Pinarello Nytro | Specialized S-Works Turbo Creo SL | Thömus Sliker E1 | Wilier Triestina Cento1 Hybrid Custom

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Words: Photos: Valentin Rühl, Benjamin Topf, Robin Schmitt