Marking its 100th year, Drali Milano has released the Iridio – a carbon frame that nods to the brand’s legacy while firmly planting its wheels in the modern era of performance-driven aero bikes. Weighing just 890g in a size 54, this new chassis from the reborn Milanese brand isn’t just about being fast – it’s about blending classic Italian design cues with cutting-edge engineering for the discerning modern rider.
At a time when the aero race bike segment is dominated by industrial precision and wind-tunnel-first silhouettes, the Iridio offers something a little different: heritage wrapped in a sleek, forward-looking shell. The frame doesn’t just claim to be light and fast – it also aims to ride with character, something riders of Fausto Coppi and Costante Girardegno’s era might appreciate.
Design rooted in heritage, tuned for control
The first thing that stands out is the tube shaping – elegant, subtly aggressive, and inspired by the lugged construction of early Drali frames. It’s a rare design cue in today’s aero scene, and one that adds a layer of visual sophistication. This isn’t just another wind-tunnel refugee – it’s a bike that tells a story, even at rest.
Yet under the skin, the Iridio is built with the kind of ambition that modern racing demands. Drali has clearly focused on a balanced aero profile, with a frame geometry and fork shape that enhances front-end stability while keeping rider input responsive at high speeds. The rear triangle is compact yet supportive, a layout that translates to stiffness and tracking precision without feeling harsh.
Tyre clearance of up to 34mm is a welcome nod to the versatility that most riders expect today, especially given how many high-speed road events now include rough surfaces, broken tarmac, or even gravel-lite detours. That level of clearance allows the Iridio to blur the lines between traditional aero race bike and modern all-road racer.
A modern custom-feel ride, minus the custom wait
The Iridio is available in six sizes and offers the option of a seatpost with 0mm or 25mm setback, allowing for better rider fit across disciplines and preferences. The paint options – four in total – strike a nice balance between classic and contemporary, further reinforcing the blend of new and old that defines the bike.
What’s perhaps most striking is how the Iridio is pitched: not just as a frame, but as a continuation of the Drali philosophy. This is a company that has always emphasised craftsmanship and hands-on framebuilding, and even in its carbon era, that DNA appears to remain. With figures like Angelo Mantovani, Gianluca Pozzi, Andrea Camerana, and Robert Carrara involved in Drali’s revival, the intent is clear – this isn’t just a branding exercise, but a meaningful resurrection with purpose.
Verdict – a rider’s aero bike with soul
At a time when many aero bikes are beginning to look and feel interchangeable, the Drali Iridio stands apart. It brings the performance riders now demand – low weight, responsive geometry, and wide tyre clearance – but adds something rare in this segment: a genuine sense of identity. It’s fast, but it’s not sterile. It’s light, but not at the expense of control or comfort.
There’s no wind tunnel boast or watt-saved headline here, instead what Drali offers is a refined, rider-first approach to performance. If you’re after a unique aero frame with a story, something that delivers across fast road rides, sportives, or even high-tempo gran fondos, the Iridio feels like an investment in both speed and tradition.
Recommended for: riders who want an aero road frame with lightweight credentials, excellent ride feel, and timeless style. Ideal for those who race fast but still appreciate elegance, handling precision, and the heritage of Italian framebuilding.
