Bianchi refreshes its gravel range with new alloy Arcadex and a nod to its very first workshop

Bianchi has expaned its gravel bikes line-up with an alloy version of the Arcadex and a new all-road reimagining of its classic Via Nirone 7.

Bianchi’s gravel offerings to date have consisted of the rough-stuff-ready carbon Arcadex and the racy aero-optimised Impulso, as ridden to victory in the Masters 40 race at the UCI World Gravel Championships by Nico Roche.

The new Arcadex AL is priced at £2,050 / €2,350 / $TBC, while the Via Nirone 7 comes in two models: a 1x11-speed Shimano GRX-equipped model at £1,590 / €1,890 / $TBC and a 1x12-speed GRX model for £1,690 / €1,950 / $TBC.

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New Arcadex AL

The aluminium Arcadex frameset comes with 50mm tyre clearances and a UDH-compatible rear dropout.

The bike's hydroformed tubing gives it a similar aero aesthetic to its premium carbon cousin, with smooth welds adding to the carbon-like finish.

The slick look continues with full internal cable routing.

The front end uses a longer carbon fork, meaning it's corrected for use with a gravel suspension fork.

With a 71-degree head angle and large tyre clearances, the Arcadex AL should appeal to roadies wanting to get way off-road and mountain bikers looking to get into gravel riding.

The Arcadex AL is a single model equipped with Shimano’s 1x12 GRX  mechanical drivetrain, combined with an SLX 10-51 cassette.

Velomann alloy wheels wrapped with Pirelli Cinturato 45mm tyres, a Velomann bar, stem and seatpost, and a Selle Royal SRX saddle complete the build.

Bianchi Arcadex AL geometry

Via Nirone 7 reimagined

The Via Nirone 7 is named after the original address of Eduardo Bianchi’s first workshop. The bike has historically been Bianchi’s point of entry into its road bike range.

For 2026, it has been reimagined as a multi-surface machine that, in Bianchi’s words, is "designed for riders entering the world of all-road gravel and bikepacking".

The new aluminium frame is, like the Arcadex AL, made from hydroformed tubing. However, unlike the Arcadex AL, it can be built around both 1x and 2x drivetrains.

Up front, a full carbon fork, replete with triple anything mounts, complements the frame, which features a bikepacking-ready three sets of bottle bosses, top tube bag mounts, and both mudguard and rack mounts.

The Via Nirone 7’s geometry is a degree steeper up front, and the stack is lower, making it more of an all-road endurance ride. However, it has very generous tyre clearances and comes as stock with 40mm tyres.

Like the Arcadex AL, it has full internal cable routing, making it also compatible with Bianchi’s new one-piece carbon bar, as found on the premium Impulso and carbon Arcadex.

Bianchi Via Nirone 7 geometry