First Ride: Bianchi Allroad Impulso

An entry level dual purpose bike

One of our newest test bikes to land in the RBA stable is the $2100 Bianchi Impulso Allroad.  We first spotted the bike at last year’s Interbike show and came away impressed with the price-point and spec. The aluminum frame Italian dual purpose bike is a great start for anyone who is looking to try their hand in the gravel segment while getting in at a great price point.

Weighing 22.43 lbs., the Impulso is on the heavy side, but definitely built tough. Looking over the bike, a wheel upgrade could drastically drop that weight on the scales and improve performance. The gloss Celeste finish always stands especially with the larger black contrasting tires.

There are plenty of gears available for you to take this bike on the road and still have that gear you may need for the dirt climbs. Though on the really steeper climbs we were looking for an extra gear, but the compact 50/34 chainrings paired with the rear 11/32T is a good start.

The Impulso is proof positive that 140 years after Edoardo Bianchi founded his namesake bike brand, the world’s oldest bike company is doing a good job keeping up with the modern trends. We’re hoping to see a carbon version next!

Quick Stats:

  • $2,100
  • 22.43 lbs
  • Shimano 105 hydraulic disc brakes
  • Reparto Corse CDX22 Disc Tubeless ready wheels
  • Reparto Corse Flare Handlebar
  • Kenda Flintridge 35mm tires
  • Interbike Innovation award winner

 

You can never go wrong with Bianchi’s signature Celeste color.
Kenda Flintridge 35c tires come stock on the Impulso with a good tread pattern.
Fender/rack mounts are available if you’d rather not muddy yourself up.
A Shimano 50/34 compact crankset gives you those smaller gears which you may need while going up your local dirt climbs.
Shimano 105 may be more entry level but it still works just as well as you would expect from any Shimano product.
Rear rack/fender mounts are available as well. We would like to see the seat stay bridge gone for a cleaner look.
Shimano 105 hydraulic hoods are on the larger side but work out very well when it comes to braking power.
The Bianchi head badge shows the finer details of the Italian brand.
Still a bit of room to spare in the rear for a larger tire.
A matching color saddle with a cut-out from Selle San Marco.
The Bianchi Allroad Impulso in its natural terrain.

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