The MISTRAL, a long-standing staple cross bike from the established Italian brand "GIOS," has finally received a major renewal!

The eccentric design has been changed to a simple design that blends into the city! The frame shape has also been changed, improving ride comfort! The GIOS MISTRAL cross bike has improved considerably!

Furthermore, it still maintains excellent cost-performance, "incorporating many Shimano parts yet having a reasonable price"!

We will introduce this highly recommended V-brake cross bike model!

＼2025.GIOS MISTRAL is featured on YouTube／

▼Limited colors for MISTRAL ALEX are here!
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2026.GIOS MISTRAL

●MISTRAL SHIMANO (Shimano Wheel ver.)
[Manufacturer's suggested retail price] ¥75,900 (tax included)
[Colors (4 colors)] GIOS BLUE, MATT BLACK, WHITE, GRAY
[Sizes (approximate height range)] 40 (150-160cm), 43 (155-170cm), 48 (165-180cm), 52 (175-185cm)

●MISTRAL ALEX (Alex Rims ver.)
[Manufacturer's suggested retail price] ¥68,200 (tax included)
[Colors (4 colors)] GIOS BLUE, MATT BLACK, WHITE, GRAY
[Sizes (approximate height range)] 40 (150-160cm), 43 (155-170cm), 48 (165-180cm), 52 (175-185cm)

▲GIOS BLUE	▲GRAY
▲MATT BLACK	▲WHITE

▼Click here for detailed MISTRAL ALEX article

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※All images are of MISTRAL SHIMANO.

Differences between MISTRAL "SHIMANO" and "ALEX"

The only difference in specifications between "SHIMANO" and "ALEX" is the "wheels."

• MISTRAL SHIMANO ⇒ Uses Shimano WH-R501
• MISTRAL ALEX ⇒ Rims: ALEX AT470, Hubs: Mixed wheels with Shimano HB300

The rest is the price difference due to the wheels.

• MISTRAL SHIMANO ⇒ ¥75,900 (tax included)
• MISTRAL ALEX ⇒ ¥68,200 (tax included)

There are no other differences. So, how does it change with just the difference in wheels??

Subjectively, I think it's hard to feel a difference in riding feel.

The manufacturer's official spec sheet states "Shimano HB300" for the MISTRAL ALEX's hub, which is likely "HB-QC300."

Although it is originally a hub for disc brakes, the same as the MISTRAL DISC from the same brand...

There was a case where Bianchi's C-SPORT 1 also used it on a V-brake cross bike by covering the center lock mount, so I think it's the same situation.

If the MISTRAL ALEX hub were Shimano HB-QC300... compared to the Shimano WH-R501 wheel, the WH-R501 would have slightly better rotational performance (less resistance). However, only those with very keen senses would be able to feel the difference in riding performance in daily use.

And the 7,700 yen (tax included) price difference for the complete bike seems appropriate for the difference in wheel specifications.

●Which is recommended?
Since the price difference is commensurate with the specs, if you want even a little more lightness, the MISTRAL SHIMANO. If you don't feel much of a difference, then the MISTRAL ALEX, which is more affordable, would be the choice.

Both the MISTRAL SHIMANO and ALEX are excellent value for money compared to other brands of cross bikes with similar specifications. So, I don't think you can go wrong with either choice!

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MISTRAL Parts Configuration

For wheels, please refer to the section above. Here are the other specifications.

A common MISTRAL specification is the Shimano 3x8 speed shifting. This is the most popular specification for cross bikes in this price range ◎

Another recommended point of GIOS is that the crank is also made by SHIMANO. Cranks and wheels are parts that tend to be cost-cut, so it's a welcome point that they firmly use SHIMANO parts ◎

The brakes are also reliable SHIMANO V-brakes ◎ It can be said to be a high-quality parts configuration!

While writing this blog post, I compared it with other brands of cross bikes in the same spec range, and I was surprised at how excellent the MISTRAL series' cost performance is ◎

There are no other models in this price range that incorporate so many SHIMANO parts!

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MISTRAL Frame Performance

The MISTRAL has undergone a long-awaited model change for the 2025 model year.

The changes include "a major design overhaul" and "the top tube and down tube updated from conventional round pipes to flattened shapes formed by hydroforming" ◎

The previous design, which prominently featured the brand logo, has been replaced with a simple design that blends into the city and is suitable for everyday wear. The parts, which were silver in the previous model, have also been changed to black in the new model, aligning with current trends.

Furthermore, by changing the pipe forming, vibration absorption has improved, and ride comfort has increased while maintaining durability ◎

It feels like a good update ◎

Other features of MISTRAL's geometry include...

A characteristic of the MISTRAL is that the chainstay length (425mm) and BB DROP (actual measurement 65mm) are shorter compared to popular cross bikes.

This design makes starting off smoother. This is a design that is well-suited for stop-and-go in urban areas ◎

While there are disadvantages in cases where you carry a lot of luggage or have few opportunities to stop the bike, these are minor and not significant disadvantages when considering daily urban use (commuting to work/school).

Incidentally, the complete bike weighed 11.64kg (actual measurement for 520 size). The manufacturer's official description only states 10.8kg, but even allowing for differences in measured bike sizes, there was quite a discrepancy 💦

And it's a bit heavier compared to other brands' cross bikes in the same price range.

It seems like the frame is designed for durability and the geometry creates an easy ride!

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MISTRAL Test Ride Impressions

My impressions from the test ride, although it overlaps with what was mentioned above, were that the smoothness of starting off did not make me feel the weight of the bike, which was very positive ◎

In addition, the "unpleasant stiffness" that was a negative aspect of the previous model has been resolved due to the updated frame molding, significantly improving ride comfort ◎

If I were to point out a negative, it would be that it feels less suitable for long rides.

This performance is a trade-off made to enhance its convenience as a daily mode of transportation.

• "Increased durability ⇒ Increased weight"
• "Improved starting smoothness ⇒ Less suitable for cruising"

Maintaining durability and reducing weight ⇒ Higher price
Improving both starting smoothness and cruising performance ⇒ Higher price

The MISTRAL series is a model with excellent cost performance due to its focus on parts configuration among cross bikes in the same price range. Therefore, for those who want to ride long distances, choosing a different model might be the right choice.

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2026.GIOS MISTRAL Summary

The "MISTRAL" is a cross bike with one of the best parts configurations among cross bikes in the same price range.

The frame design, which had been eccentric for many years, has been completely revamped to a simple appearance that everyone can easily ride.

In terms of riding performance, the "unpleasant stiffness" that was a negative factor has been eliminated, improving ride comfort!

If the next update brings an increase in lightness, I'd confidently say that if you're buying a cross bike, MISTRAL is the one to get!

Please consider it!

▶Purchase at Rakuten Store Here

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