Hi Reddit, I would like your help to pick my next bike.
Last pic is my current bike: A 2020 Wilier Jena with mechanical Ultegra, GRX rear derailleur and carbon shamal wheels. I will keep my current bike and keep it for winter riding/ bad weather riding. The bike has mounting points, … . I have 45mm clearance on the Jena and it fits 650 wheels. So I could go wider. I will also use this bike for longer tours or if I ever plan on bike packing. I sold my MTB and road bike since I don't use them anymore. So I do want another gravel bike. But I don't want a 'similar bike'. I want something racier.
I'm in the market for a new bike and I'm currently debating between the BMC kaius and the Bianchi Impulso RC. Here are some criteria I absolutely want
- Budget: Around 6000 euros but I can go up a little bit. The BMC is 6400. So that's about my max.
- A 'race gravel bike': an agressive rider position. I love my Jena, but I want something way more aggressive and stiff. I won't be doing any single trails on this bike.
- Elektronical shifting, 12 speed. I don't care if it's sram or Shimano. If it's Sram I would prefer Force. But that's going to be difficult with his budget and the other requirements I think.
- Carbon Frame
- Carbon wheels from the factory, tubeless ready. Not hookless. Preferably +35mm deep.
- Internal cable routing
- I will put 40mm tires in here max. I have the Jena for wider tires.
What I don't really need
- The Impulso has a 'one piece' integrated handlebar/stem. I don't need that. It's nice, but not a must. I do crash every now and then. So I'm okay with something cheaper to replace.
- I don't need carbon handlebars or a carbon seatpost
- Both bikes have single sides power meters. Also not a must. I can get pedals later with power meters.
- 2X or 1X is both okay
- I don't really need a Canyon. They are good bikes, but I want something else.
- I don't really care about the colour. Can be black, pink, yellow, … open to anything.
Which out of the two bikes would you pick? Or do you have any other suggestions? Anyone knows if there's a big difference in quality between the Bianchi and the BMC?
by DoraThe214270_mk2
5 Comments
I’m partial the BMC, but bianchi makes nice bikes
I have a Impulso Comp that I love. The bike is really great on both gravel and on tarmac. A fast bike and comfortable bike. I have two sets of wheels. One for gravel and one for on road. I would guess the RC is even better.
For that kind of price you will not go wrong. I will give you other options based on my personal preference:
– Cube Nuroad C:62 SLT – 6099€ in their website -(comes with RED XPLR T TYPE and really good wheels. Absolute bargain in my opinion)
– Rose Backroad FF (classified di2 2×12 5999€ or SRAM Force 4999€) You would save 1k if you get the SRAM Force model. The frame and wheels are the same. I wouldn’t burn my mind with the whole classified thing IMO).
– Bianchi Impulso RC – seen around 5900€ (great choice. I have a Bianchi and they definitely have their own personality).
– Mondraker Arid RR (6499€) I must recommend this brand since its a brand from my homeland, Spain. Historically known by their team in DH and Enduro, they have transitioned into Cross Country, Ebikes and recently into Gravel. You can check the geometry. It’s not as aggressive as the previous ones.
Those are my “alternative” models to the most known ones (Specialized Crux, Canyon Grail/Grizl, Trek Checkmate, Cannondale Super X….)
I have a Jena hybrid and just bought a Pinarello Grevil F. I was also looking for something faster and racier and I think the Grevil does that well. The geometry isn’t as aggressive as the Impulso, but I am not sure how slammed you want the front end to be. I considered the Impulso too, but the stack was too low for me.
The bike is fast and stiff, but just as compliant and comfortable as my Jena. I was surprised at how much faster it picks up speed going downhill and it handles really well. Mine is spec’d with Campy Ekar, but they have Sram electronic shifting builds as well. If you can test ride one, I would recommend it.
I would consider the orbea terra, or the new argon 18 dark matter