Bianchi sets its eyes on the elite gravel racing scene
Bianchi has announced the Impulso RC, its first aerodynamically optimised gravel race bike.
According to the Italian brand, the Impulso RC frameset takes advantage of aerodynamic lessons learned in the development of Bianchi’s aero and climbing bikes, the F1-inspired Oltre RC and the recently updated Specialissima RC.
As such, it features a carbon frameset complete with truncated aerofoil tube shapes, along with a new fully integrated gravel cockpit.
Bianchi has also developed a new aerodynamic carbon wheelset, optimised specifically for gravel racing, to complement the frameset.
The Impulso RC’s geometry is described as “progressive”, with inspiration taken from cross-country mountain bikes. This sees a longer wheelbase and frame reach complemented by a shorter stem, which Bianchi says offers “greater stability”.
Tyre clearance is capped at a comparatively conservative (by modern gravel bike standards) 42mm on 700c rims, however.
Bianchi’s racing spirit
On paper, the Impulso RC appears to slot straight into the ‘gravel race bike’ category (gravel bike categorisation is a hot topic right now), alongside bikes such as the BMC Kaius, Specialized Crux and Factor Ostro Gravel.
No surprise then, the ‘RC’ in the Impulso RC’s name stands for ‘Reparto Corse’ – meaning it has been developed by Bianchi’s racing division.
Seeking to balance aerodynamic efficiency, weight and “off-road capability”, Bianchi says the Impulso RC is designed for “hard-packed dirt to loose gravel, to the occasional mud section or asphalt”.
Or in other words, the kind of terrain often seen in elite gravel races such as the UCI Gravel World Championships and events in the Lifetime Grand Prix series.
Thanks to its aerodynamically-optimised frameset, cockpit and wheelset, Bianchi boldly claims the Impulso RC is “one of the most aerodynamic gravel bikes in its category”.
At the rear of the bike, the slim seat stays are said to be optimised for both comfort and aerodynamic efficiency.
Tyre clearance is officially capped at 42mm on 700c rims, which is relatively conservative by modern standards (many gravel bikes can clear at least a 45mm tyre on 700c rims nowadays).
The frameset geometry is more progressive, however, with elongated reach figures across the size range, slacker head tube angles and long wheelbases.
The Impulso RC frameset is compatible with both 2x or 1x drivetrains, as well as mechanical or electronic groupsets.
Reparto Corse AeroFlare integrated cockpit
As with an aero road bike, Bianchi has paid close attention to the leading edges of the Impulso RC.
This naturally includes an aerodynamically-optimised handlebar, and in this instance, Bianchi has designed a new integrated cockpit, with fully internal cable routing (using the Acros ICR system).
The Reparto Corse AeroFlare integrated cockpit is constructed from carbon fibre and features an aerodynamically optimised stem and top section, along with drops that flare out by 16 degrees.
Available in nine sizes from 90x400mm to 120x440mm, the cockpit has a -7 degree stem angle, with bar widths measured centre-to-centre at the hoods.
It’s also said to be “extremely light”, with a claimed weight of 340g for a size 110x400mm.
Reparto Corse 43 Ceramitech wheelset
Bianchi has put an increased focus on developing its own wheelsets to complement its racing bikes in recent years, and the Impulso RC is no different.
The Reparto Corse 43 Ceramitech wheelset has, Bianchi says, been designed specifically for the Impulso RC and for the rigours of elite gravel racing.
As the name suggests, the wheelset features a pair of 43mm-deep, tubeless-ready carbon rims, designed to balance aerodynamic performance, low weight and handling stability.
These rims feature a wide, 32mm external rim width alongside a 25mm internal width, optimised for the wider gravel tyres most racers now use.
The hubs are Bianchi’s own and are said to feature “high-end” ceramic bearings.
Bianchi claims a total weight of 1,570g (+/- 5 per cent) for the complete wheelset.
2024 Bianchi Impulso range
The new Bianchi Impulso range is available in three tiers, with the Impulso RC (€5,578 excluding VAT) topping the range and Pro (€3,463 excluding VAT) and Comp (€2,459 excluding VAT) versions sitting below it, in terms of pricing and specification.
The flagship Impulso RC features a high-modulus carbon frameset along with a racy build, including a SRAM Force AXS wireless electronic groupset, the Reparto Corse 43 Ceramitech wheelset, the Reparto Corse AeroFlare integrated cockpit and Pirelli’s highly-rated Cinturato Gravel RC tyres.
The Impuslo Pro and Impulso Comp framesets feature cheaper carbon lay-ups, alongside the latest 12-speed mechanical Shimano GRX groupsets, alloy wheelsets and more value-oriented finishing kit.
Bianchi Impulso RC
- Price: €5,578 (excluding VAT)
- Frameset: Bianchi Impulso RC
- Drivetrain: SRAM Force AXS (2×12-speed)
- Wheelset: Reparto Corse 43 Ceramitech
- Tyres: Pirelli Cinturato Gravel RC, 700 x 40c
- Seatpost: Bianchi Custom D-Shape (carbon)
- Handlebar: Reparto Corse AeroFlare
- Saddle: Bianchi RC139 carbon
- Claimed weight: 8.1kg
Bianchi Impulso Pro
- Price: €3,463 (excluding VAT)
- Frameset: Bianchi Impulso RC (HM-HS Carbon Fiber Composite)
- Drivetrain: Shimano GRX 820 (2×12-speed)
- Wheelset: Velomann Terbium
- Tyres: Pirelli Cinturato Gravel H Classic
- Seatpost: Bianchi Custom D-Shape (carbon)
- Handlebar: Velomann Gravel ICR Alloy
- Saddle: Velomann MITORA 149 Hyper
- Claimed weight: 8.9kg
Bianchi Impulso Comp
- Price: €2,459 (excluding VAT)
- Frameset: Bianchi Impulso Comp (Carbon Fiber Composite)
- Drivetrain: Shimano GRX 610/820 (2×12-speed)
- Wheelset: Fulcrum RapidRed 900
- Tyres: Pirelli Cinturato Gravel M Classic
- Seatpost: Bianchi Custom D-Shape (carbon)
- Handlebar: Velomann Gravel ICR Alloy
- Saddle: Velomann MITORA 149 H1
- Claimed weight: Not given