For the current model year (2025), the traditional GIOS cross bike "MISTRAL DISC" has undergone a model change! In addition, a new model "ARIES" has been released in the same cross bike category!!

When lined up side-by-side, these two models look identical at first glance!!

I'd like to introduce the differences between the redesigned "MISTRAL DISC" and the brand-new "ARIES," along with how to choose between them!!

＼Differences between 2025.GIOS MISTRAL DISC and ARIES are introduced on YouTube／

Model Introduction (MISTRAL, ARIES)

●2025.GIOS MISTRAL DISC

【Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price】￥83,600 (tax included)
【Colors (2 colors in total)】GIOS BLUE, GRAY
【Sizes (approximate height)】450 (155-170cm), 500 (170-180cm)

▶Click here for detailed article on 2025.GIOS MISTRAL DISC

●2025.GIOS ARIES

【Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price】￥83,600 (tax included)
【Colors (2 colors in total)】OPAL WHITE, MIDNIGHT BLACK
【Sizes (approximate height)】45 (155-170cm), 50 (170-185cm)

▶Click here for detailed article on 2025.GIOS ARIES

Similarities between MISTRAL DISC and ARIES

MISTRAL DISC

ARIES

There are no differences between the frame and front fork of the Mistral Disc and ARIES.

The pipe shapes and geometry also adopt completely the same standards, giving them the impression of sibling models.

Incidentally, the frame geometry is designed with a slightly shorter chainstay length (425mm) and BB drop (65mm actual measurement) compared to popular cross bikes.

This has the advantage of making it easier to start pedaling than popular cross bikes, meaning that the "Mistral Disc" and "ARIES" are designed to be well-suited for everyday use in stop-and-go city environments.

On the downside, it might lead to "poor cruising performance." For cycling where there are few stops due to traffic lights, this could be a disadvantage.

Another issue is "decreased stability when loaded." A slightly higher BB drop design means a higher center of gravity, which can be disadvantageous when carrying a lot of luggage and in unstable situations.

For everyday use, where such disadvantages are less likely to occur, the design of the Mistral Disc and ARIES is more convenient.

Furthermore, both wheels use the same "Rim: ALEXRIMS GD24P" and "Hub: SHIMANO HB-QC300."

And the manufacturer's suggested retail price is also the same: ￥83,600 (tax included)!!

With other brands, it's common to use the same model name when the same frame is used, but GIOS often changes the model name even for differences in component configurations, so caution is needed.

Therefore, these two models have similar riding characteristics. The key point for choosing between them is whether the user "needs" or "doesn't need" the differences in specifications.

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Differences in Tires between MISTRAL DISC and ARIES

MISTRAL DISC

ARIES

The tire widths adopted are Mistral Disc (700x32c) and ARIES (700x38c), respectively.

• Mistral Disc uses a 32c wide cross bike tire, which is popular nowadays.
• ARIES uses a 38c wide tire, which is thicker for a cross bike.

Since the actual difference in tire width is less than 2mm, the difference in grip on the ground is unlikely to be noticeable in daily life.

However, there are differences in tire air pressure and volume.

• Mistral Disc allows for higher air pressure (up to 85 PSI), increasing speed.
• ARIES has a larger air volume, improving cushioning.

Tires are the easiest component to change on a bicycle. Since the same frame and wheels are used, the tire difference is not a significant point of concern, as "it's easy to change later" if you want to make the Mistral Disc's tires wider or the ARIES's tires narrower.

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Differences in Number of Gears between MISTRAL DISC and ARIES

●MISTRAL DISC (3×8speed)

• Front: 48-38-28T (triple gear)
• Rear: 11-32T (8-speed)
• Gear ratio: 0.875-4.363

●ARIES (1×8speed)

• Front: 40T (single gear)
• Rear: 11-45T (8-speed)
• Gear ratio: 0.888-3.636

【MISTRAL DISC: Benefits of Gearing】

• MISTRAL DISC has more gears, allowing for a wider selection of gear ratios that suit you.
• The easiest gear on the MISTRAL DISC is slightly lighter (almost the same).
• The hardest gear on the MISTRAL DISC is heavier.

【ARIES: Benefits of Gearing】

• No issues with chain cross-chaining such as "inner x high" or "outer x low."
• No front derailleur maintenance required (as there is no front derailleur).
• Lighter due to the absence of a front derailleur and front shifter.

Simply put, if you want road bike-level top speed, the Mistral Disc is better, but such opportunities are quite rare (maybe when you've just bought it and try it out). It's a nice little bonus to have more gears, making it easier to select the right gear ratio (resistance) for the moment.

However, I personally feel that ARIES, with its simpler shift control and reduced maintenance risk, offers greater advantages.

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Differences in Bike Weight between MISTRAL DISC and ARIES

MISTRAL DISC (500 size)

ARIES (500 size)

• Mistral Disc...12.5kg (actual measurement)
• ARIES...12.55kg (actual measurement)

The difference was 50g, a level imperceptible during riding. It feels like the weight is about the same, factoring in the tire thickness and the difference in the number of gears.

Even when comparing rides, I didn't feel any difference in weight while riding.

Strictly speaking, the Mistral Disc is lighter due to its bike weight and tire thickness, but when comparing rides, the difference is negligible, feeling like "the Mistral Disc feels vaguely lighter".

Also, as mentioned above, tire differences can be addressed later with customisation... probably if the Mistral Disc and ARIES had tires of the same thickness, the ARIES with fewer gears would be lighter.

The Mistral Disc is lighter at the time of purchase, but ARIES can also be made lighter through customisation.

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Summary

The 2025 model year sees the first model change for GIOS's standard cross bike, the "MISTRAL DISC."

"ARIES" is a brand new model introduced for the 2025 model year.

Both are GIOS's confident creations, focusing on durability and operability for everyday use in the city!

The main points of contention seem to be: "Mistral Disc for those who want to ride at high speeds in top gear" versus "ARIES for those who want to reduce maintenance risk and shift stress."

Personally, I'm not a fan of constantly riding at top gear, so the new ARIES, which allows for leisurely and carefree city exploration, is my favorite!!

Please consider it!

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