[Official] Bianchi 2026 Gravel: Arcadex AL, Via Nirone 7 & Impulso RC Updates – Full Specs & Colors Unveiled
BREAKING: BIANCHI UNVEILS 2026 GRAVEL LINEUP! New Aluminum Models & High-Performance Upgrades – Everything You Need to Know
Bianchi Official 2026 Presentation: New Gravel Bikes, Colors, and Aluminum Options for the Booming Segment
Bianchi has officially presented its highly anticipated 2026 gravel range, expanding and refining its collection with new models and vibrant color schemes. Two new aluminum models, the Arcadex AL and the Via Nirone 7, join the established carbon fiber race-focused Impulso family and the adventure-ready Arcadex line, opening the door to gravel cycling for a wider range of enthusiasts.
This evolution confirms Bianchi's "Gravel Beyond" vision: moving past terrain and category boundaries by seamlessly blending performance, style, and the pure joy of riding.
The official launch event, held at the picturesque Castello di Casole, showcased Bianchi's commitment to the thriving gravel market, which is projected to grow from an estimated USD 1 billion in 2025 to USD 1.04 billion in 2026, with a steady growth outlook over the next decade (Source: Market Analysis).
High-Performance Carbon Lineup: Impulso and Arcadex
The carbon fiber range—the benchmark for Bianchi's gravel performance—sees color updates and continued cutting-edge technology:
Impulso Family (RC, Pro, Comp): The Gravel Race Machine
The Impulso remains Bianchi's reference point for gravel racing, proven by the recent success of riders like Nico Roche, UCI Masters 40+ Gravel World Champion. Designed for speed, it combines aerodynamics and lightweight construction for elite performance.
New Color Schemes: The Impulso Pro and Impulso Comp models are now available in three striking new colors:
Terra with Graphite detailing.
Celeste (the classic Bianchi color) with Graphite detailing.
Grey with Black detailing.
Impulso RC Customization: The top-tier Impulso RC is part of the Officina Bianchi project, which offers unprecedented customization for premium road and gravel models with six exclusive finishes, first launched in 2025.
RC Specifications Snapshot (Example Build): The Impulso RC typically features a full carbon frame optimized for speed, often built with the Shimano GRX 825 electronic 2x12 groupset (e.g., 48-31T chainring, 11-36T cassette) or SRAM Force AXS (e.g., 46/33T chainring, 10-36T cassette). It is a pure race weapon with a low bike weight of around 8.2 kg (±5% in size M) (Source: Product Specifications). Tire clearance on the RC models is often tighter, around 42mm.
Arcadex (Pro and Comp): Aerodynamic Adventure
The Arcadex remains the ideal companion for adventurous exploration. It has been updated with the addition of a premium aluminum option.
Introducing the Aluminum Gravel Entry Points
Bianchi is actively responding to market trends—where 44% of new cyclists seek customizable gravel bikes (Source: National Sports Council)—by introducing two high-quality aluminum frames.
Arcadex AL: Premium Aluminum for Crossover Riders
The Arcadex AL is a premium aluminum model designed for riders transitioning from road or mountain biking who want a high-performance gravel bike without the carbon price tag.
Versatility: The Arcadex AL is adept on both fast asphalt sections and challenging singletrack.
Design & Engineering: It features an aluminum frame with hydroformed tubes, ensuring a sleek, aerodynamic profile, and precision welding for a harmonious, almost monocoque-like finish. Cable routing is semi-integrated.
Key Specs & Features:
Tire Clearance: A generous max clearance of up to 50mm allows for maximum versatility and comfort, a crucial feature in modern gravel riding.
Fork: Equipped with a carbon fork (often with a 181′′ steerer tube).
Mounting Points: Fully provisioned with mounts for bags, racks, and accessories, making it ideal for the 50% rise in long-distance cycling tours reported by the Adventure Cycling Association.
Suspension Compatibility: Ready for an optional front suspension fork.
Colorways: Arcadex AL is available in three distinct colors: Turquoise with a Celeste fork, Light Green with a Forest Green fork, and a special launch edition in Burgundy Red with a Coral Red fork.
Via Nirone 7: The Accessible All-Road/Bikepacking Option
The new Via Nirone 7 is designed for riders making their initial foray into the world of all-road gravel and bikepacking, prioritizing versatility, freedom, and adaptability across any surface.
Rethought Frame: It features a completely redesigned and integrated aluminum frame with a full carbon fiber fork (Source: Product Snippets).
Key Specs & Features:
Drivetrain: Compatible with both 1× and 2× drivetrains, offering flexibility to riders (entry-level models often feature Shimano GRX 400 2×10 or GRX 600 1×11).
Tire Clearance: While official new specs are pending, the Nirone 7 is positioned with slightly smaller tire clearance than the Arcadex AL, typically around 40mm to 45mm, maintaining its all-road agility.
Component Upgrade: Like the Arcadex AL, it can be equipped with Bianchi's new integrated carbon handlebar specific for gravel use.
Colorways: Available in Graphite Yellow and Graphite Celeste.
Technological and Market Highlights
The 2026 lineup solidifies Bianchi's focus on key modern cycling trends:
Increased Versatility: The high max tire clearance on the Arcadex AL (50mm) and the Via Nirone 7's geometry reflect the broader trend toward 'Downcountry' and all-road bikes that can handle rougher terrain.
Integrated Design: All new models feature some form of internal or semi-integrated cable routing (ICR/CIS) for a clean aesthetic and protection.
Customization: The Officina Bianchi program for the Impulso RC taps into the growing desire for personalization among high-end buyers.
Drivetrain Dominance: While the Via Nirone 7 retains 2× compatibility, the Impulso and Arcadex often utilize 1× and 2×12-speed drivetrains (e.g., Shimano GRX 800/600 or SRAM AXS), aligning with the industry standard for gravel performance.
The new Arcadex AL and Via Nirone 7 are set to make high-end gravel technology and design accessible to a wider audience, positioning Bianchi strongly in a market increasingly defined by versatility and adventure.