Once through Germany - you only do that once in a lifetime. At least I do. Because I'm not an ultra-gravel biker. My longest tour lasted three days: from Munich "off home" in the south of Freiburg. I started here as an absolute gravel novice. I used my knowledge to prepare for the Tour of Germany. Back then, I relied on a gravel bike with a Vario seatpost and suspension fork because I thought it suited me as a mountain biker, but this time I wanted to do without it. I knew that I needed propulsion to break the 1000 kilometres to the sea.
So I ordered the chic Bianchi Arcadex Pro with rigid fork and of course in the legendary Bianchi sky blue, also known as Celeste. Unfortunately, I got neither one nor the other. The Italians sent it to me in dark green and with a suspension fork. I really like the colour now - unfortunately, the fork is not quite the same. But first things first.
The geometry
The new Arcadex continues to take its place in the off-road segment as a bikepacking model, with Bianchi focussing on a relatively sporty frame geometry. The frame size M fitted me very well with a height of 1.78 metres. The positioning is moderate.
Storage compartment
Striking: the storage compartment built into the down tube, known as IFS (Internal Frame Storage). It can be opened without tools and offers space for a puncture repair kit or food. I only had a spare inner tube in there. The gravel bike can also be fitted with fixed mudguards. Of course, I didn't do that. My saddle bag and handlebar bag provide splash protection.
Equipment and prices
The Arcadex is available in four different equipment variants. All bikes are equipped with 1x12 drivetrains from Shimano or SRAM and large sprocket packs. With a 40-tooth chainring and up to 51 teeth on the largest sprocket, they are also suitable for steep climbs with luggage. The Comp models have simple aluminium wheels from Fulcrum, while the Pro models are equipped with carbon wheels from Velomann. According to the manufacturer, this set weighs 1542 grams and the rims have an internal width of 25 millimetres. Prices start at 2949 euros, and the top model with suspension fork costs 5050 euros.
The setup for the bikepacking tour from Munich to the Baltic Sea
Fast tyres
The thick Pirelli tyres may provide a lot of grip and comfort on trails, but with around 1,000 kilometres to go, things have to move forward. So the original tyres had to go. Instead, I opted for the good-rolling Conti Terra Speed ProTection in 45 mm (there are also narrower tyres, 40 mm). The tyres roll well and offer solid puncture protection according to the TOUR colleagues' laboratory test.
And because I was already there, I converted to tubeless tyres. A bad idea, as it turned out during the tour of Germany. Although I didn't have a single flat tyre, I had to pump up every day because the tubeless set-up wasn't holding tight - especially at the front. Very annoying. Out of sheer fear of flats, I even poured in twice as much sealant as recommended: a whole 120 millilitres per tyre.
In short: the Conti tyres proved their worth and rolled swiftly northwards. I still don't know what went wrong with the tubeless set-up.
Fear of empty batteries
Electric drivetrains are all well and good - but when the juice runs out, faces get long. The manufacturer specifies a runtime of 20 to 60 hours or around 1000 kilometres for the Sram AXS batteries. The button cells on the levers, on the other hand, last up to two years according to Sram. So the former gave us a headache. We didn't want to take our chances, so we took a battery charger with us. Somehow not at all adventurous - but that's the way it is in the electric age.
Lots of air for little rocking?
I pumped a generous amount of air into the fork for two reasons: A) The sleeping bag, sleeping mat, food etc. added up to quite a bit of weight. And B) I didn't want a fork that would swallow unnecessary energy anyway. Stupid: Despite the lockout lever, the fork bobs (30 mm travel) and this is particularly noticeable when pedalling uphill. At the end of the tour, I could clearly feel the play in the bushings.
And what about creaking?
Admittedly, the bike came second-hand from Bianchi. It's impossible to say how many kilometres the Arcadex has already covered. I had already done a Black Forest tour and a few weekend rides. Nevertheless, I was curious to see how the bike would cope with around 1000 kilometres - more or less in one go. From Brandenburg an der Havel onwards, a slight cracking in the bottom bracket became noticeable, but disappeared again from time to time. Either way, it's time for a service.
My bikepacking bags
The bags (arse rocket and handlebar bag) from Fjällräven Specialised are no longer available. I used the Birzman Packman Travel Planet 3 L frame bag for the first time. I had to improvise a little when fitting it, as the Velcro fastener didn't fit the thick head tube. Otherwise, the bag made a solid impression. The orange-coloured inner material ensures that nothing gets lost inside. The bottle on the down tube could only be removed semi-optimally with the bag fitted.
The Bianchi Arcadex Pro
- Price5050 Euro
- Field of applicationGravelbike
- Fork: RockShox Rudy XPLR Travel, 30 millimetre travel
- Impellers: Velomann Terbium clincher and tubeless ready Rim, Carbon Rim Height: 30 mm Inner Wigth Channel: 25 mm
- Brakes: Sram APEX Pad Type: Steel-Backed Organic
- Tyres: Pirelli Cinturato GRAVEL M Classic, 45-622 (standard)
- Weight complete bike9.5 kilos (size L, with Conti tyres)
- Number of bottle cage holders: 2
- Special featuresFrame storage compartment, mudguard mounting possible, UDH derailleur hanger
Laurin Lehner: My verdict on the Bianchi Arcadex Pro
The Bianchi Arcadex Pro has proved its worth. I particularly like the geometry - the riding position is neither too sporty nor too upright - ideal for bikepacking missions. The standard tyres cushion comfortably and offer plenty of grip, but only roll moderately. The SRAM brakes and gears worked reliably.
Although the suspension fork provided support on technical sections, I would have liked to have done without it. The inconsistent lockout function and the play in the bushings were particularly annoying. I would have liked to have tried the model without the suspension fork.
The used bike covered around 1500 kilometres during my entire use and is now ready for a service - the bearings in particular creak from time to time.
Laurin Lehner
Editor
