Bianchi Via Nirone 7 Sora (2023): ChooseMyBicycle Expert Review

Do entry-level road bicycles need to look like they were built only to make it cheaper than the rest? That’s a definite NO when it comes to the Via Nirone 7 Sora from Bianchi, one of the least expensive models in the heritage rich Italian company’s Road Bicycle range. Bianchi describes the Via Nirone 7’s geometry as ‘endurance racing’, which feels pretty accurate. The real sensation on first pedalling the Bianchi is one of smoothness. With a hydroformed aluminium frame, and a stiff, triple-butted build, this frame is superb at delivering a smooth and agile ride on flat tarmacs. The Carbon bladed fork with Kevlar inserts make the front end of the frame lightweight and strong.

The Bicycle which we test rode came in a full Black frame with Silver graphics. The Gloss paint job was shiny and enhanced the pitch Black colour. The internal cable routing made sure there was no cluster of cables, hence giving a neat look around the front of the frame. The smoothly welded edges of the tubes made the frame look aesthetically superior.

Shimano’s Sora road groupset handle the gears at the front and rear on this Bianchi Via Nirone 7 model. Sora is considered 2nd from the bottom on the Shimano Road groupset hierarchy, just above Claris. During the test ride this 2x9, 18-Speed Sora R3000 series derailleurs were light and sleek with smooth shifting. To complete the drivetrain, Shimano’s Sora Paddle shifters are installed on this Road Bicycle, which were crisp with no evident lag while shifting up or down.

The one thing that is always on your mind as the ride faster on a Road Bike is “Will I Stop?” The Reparto CorseRC-476 Dual Pivot Caliper Brakes are as powerful and responsive as it can get on a Road Bicycle. When majority of Road Bicycles have moved to Disc brakes, these Caliper brakes on the Bianchi Via Nirone 7 Sora is as powerful as their disc counterparts and I would say it is a much safer way brake too when riding at higher speeds.

The Reparto Corse AT470 Double walled Alloy rims are surprisingly strong and lightweight. We were impressed with the 700x25C Vittoria Zaffiro tires, they are comfortable and offer good grip on all road conditions. They roll quickly enough on the tarmac, not feeling heavy.

The Selle Royal Saddle is perfectly sized and good at keeping you protected from road vibration. It's quite padded, but it's still on the firm side, which stopped any squishing and numbness during long rides.