BIANCHI IMPULSO RC SRAM RED XPLR 2025: Review, Test, Performance, Battery Life, Pros, Cons – Everything You Need to Know
BIANCHI IMPULSO RC SRAM RED XPLR 2025: Review, Test, Performance, Battery Life, Pros, Cons – Everything You Need to Know
The Bianchi Impulso RC 2025 is positioned as the flagship model in Bianchi’s gravel race lineup, a machine engineered for sheer speed and competition. The SRAM RED XPLR AXS single-chainring build represents the highest expression of lightness, aerodynamics, and technological integration in the competitive gravel segment. This review provides a detailed analysis of every aspect of the bicycle.
BIANCHI IMPULSO RC SRAM RED XPLR 2025: Build Quality and Philosophy
The Impulso RC 2025 is the result of the Bianchi Reparto Corse design philosophy applied to the gravel world. The build quality is top-tier, with the frame made from High Modulus (HM-HS) carbon fiber. Its footprint is distinctly aerodynamic, borrowing heavily from road race models like the Oltre RC.
Attention to detail is evident in the finish, often offered in the iconic Metallic Celeste, and the total component integration. The bicycle lacks extra mounting points for bikepacking or racks, emphasizing its commitment to pure performance by minimizing weight and aerodynamic drag. The claimed weight for the complete bike in size M is around 8.1 kg (indicative of the lightweight race category).
BIANCHI IMPULSO RC SRAM RED XPLR 2025: Frame Analysis
The Impulso RC frame is the core component that defines its fast gravel nature.
The design features aerodynamic tube shapes, with specific attention paid to the integration of the fork and head tube. The geometry is aggressive, inspired by the responsive handling of XC (Cross Country) mountain bikes but optimized for high gravel speeds. The low bottom bracket drop (70 mm) ensures stability and an aggressive feel, which is essential for control on fast, technical descents.
The carbon seatpost features a D-Shape profile, a solution adopted to improve aerodynamic efficiency while ensuring a degree of vertical compliance (vibration absorption) compared to stiffer NACA profiles, making it suitable for mixed terrain. The frame is compatible with tires up to 42 mm, a clearance choice that prioritizes aerodynamics and mud shedding over the higher volume capacity typical of adventure or endurance bikes.
BIANCHI IMPULSO RC SRAM RED XPLR 2025: Components and Assembly
The SRAM RED XPLR AXS build represents the high-end option, guaranteeing electronic integration and category-leading lightness.
Drivetrain: The SRAM RED XPLR AXS group (single-chainring) offers fast, precise electronic shifting. The 1x choice simplifies use, reduces weight, and minimizes mechanical failures, while still providing an adequate gear range for steep gravel climbs thanks to the specific XPLR cassette.
Power Meter: The RC version is often supplied with an integrated power meter in the crankset, a standard detail for racers and essential for in-race data analysis.
Wheels: The Reparto Corse RC43 wheels are carbon, featuring an aero profile of 43 mm and a wide internal rim width (25 mm). This setup is designed to maximize speed on flat sections and ensure optimal support for lower pressures, running Pirelli Cinturato Gravel RC 700×40c tires. The hubs utilize ceramic bearings for maximum rolling efficiency.
Cockpit: The integrated Reparto Corse AeroFlare carbon handlebar features a substantial 16∘ flare, which is crucial for control and stability when riding in the drops on fast, technical courses.
BIANCHI IMPULSO RC SRAM RED XPLR 2025: Comfort and Geometry
Despite its racing and aerodynamic focus, the Impulso RC manages rider comfort through specific design choices.
The riding position is inherently aggressive and stretched out, typical of a competition bike, but the geometry is balanced to avoid the extreme posture of some pure road bikes. The D-Shape seatpost helps absorb vertical micro-vibrations, which is a crucial element for long gravel races.
However, the bicycle was not designed for endurance touring comfort; its priorities are rigidity and efficiency. The limited 42 mm tire clearance restricts the use of very high-volume tires that could significantly improve shock absorption on extremely rough terrain.
BIANCHI IMPULSO RC SRAM RED XPLR 2025: Ride Experience
The Impulso RC’s ride experience is defined by its lateral rigidity and responsiveness. The bike responds immediately to pedal input, efficiently transferring power, especially on packed gravel or paved roads.
The flared handlebar enhances front-end control when riding in the drops on fast, technical descents. The combination of aero RC43 wheels and 40 mm tires ensures excellent rolling speed, making it one of the fastest options in gravel races that include long paved or compact dirt sections. The bike excels where speed is the primary factor.
BIANCHI IMPULSO RC SRAM RED XPLR 2025: Performance and Battery Life
Performance
The Impulso RC's performance is at an elite competitive level. Its low weight, optimized aerodynamics, and the SRAM RED XPLR AXS group make it competitive in UCI Gravel World Championships. The bike is fast on the flat, thanks to the aero profile, and agile on smooth gravel climbs. The single-chainring gearing (typically with a 40 T chainring and 10−44 T XPLR cassette) is balanced for top-end speed and climbing capability.
Battery Life (Electronic)
The battery life pertains to the SRAM RED XPLR AXS electronic components. The removable battery on the rear derailleur has an estimated runtime of approximately 1,000 hours of riding or well over 1,000 kilometers. This duration is sufficient for an entire racing season or a long, multi-day trip without needing to recharge, ensuring high electronic reliability even in ultra-endurance events. It is still common practice for riders to carry spare batteries.
BIANCHI IMPULSO RC SRAM RED XPLR 2025: Pros and Cons
Pros
Aerodynamics and Speed: Race design optimized for maximum speed on gravel and road.
Quality and Components: Top-tier assembly with SRAM RED XPLR AXS and carbon RC43 wheels with ceramic bearings.
Power Meter: Inclusion of a power meter as standard equipment.
High Electronic Reliability: SRAM AXS batteries provide exceptional long-distance reliability (approx. 1,000 hours).
Cons
Price: The cost is high, typical of a top-of-the-line SRAM RED XPLR AXS build (MSRP around €9,999).
Limited Versatility: Lack of extra mounts and 42 mm tire clearance restrict its suitability for intensive bikepacking or extremely rough MTB-style terrain.
Secondary Comfort: The rigidity necessary for performance limits shock absorption on the harshest bumps.
BIANCHI IMPULSO RC SRAM RED XPLR 2025: Advice for Purchase and Use
Intended Use: The Impulso RC is recommended exclusively for cyclists planning to engage in gravel racing (high-level competition) or fast gravel rides where speed and performance are the main objectives. It is not the ideal choice for relaxed touring or heavy bikepacking.
Tires: Utilize the maximum 42 mm width for technical terrain. For faster races or mixed courses, consider narrower tires (38 mm) to maximize aerodynamics.
Electronic Maintenance: Given the SRAM AXS group, regular firmware updates and battery monitoring are essential for reliability, despite the long battery life.
Carbon Care: As a lightweight, high-modulus carbon frame, particular care should be taken to avoid impacts on sharp edges and rocks that could compromise structural integrity.
BIANCHI IMPULSO RC SRAM RED XPLR 2025: Market Alternatives
The high-performance gravel race segment offers direct alternatives that share the same philosophy of speed and aerodynamics:
Specialized Crux S-Works: Often considered the lightest alternative with a slightly more cyclocross-oriented feel.
Cervélo Áspero-5: Also features a strong aerodynamic focus and aggressive geometry, with an excellent reputation for rigidity.
Cannondale SuperSix EVO SE/Lab71: An extremely lightweight option that blurs the line between road and gravel, ideal for fast, smooth courses.
Pinarello Grevil F: Another luxury, aerodynamic option with distinctive shaping and high-level ride performance.