Italian competition bikes: The Wilier Filante SLR on test

With Astana-Qazaqstan and Groupama-FDJ, two World Tour teams with bikes from Wilier will be at the start of this year's Giro d'Italia on 4 May in Venaria Reale. For our test, the bike manufacturer from the Vicenza region sent us an original bike from the French team, which was still equipped by Lapierre last year. Apart from the wheels, the Filante SLR is identical to the standard equipment and is the main work tool for both teams. Compared to the Zero SLR model, the competition bike trimmed for low weight, the Filante SLR is characterised by better aero performance.

Wilier Filante SLR: Realised potential

With the professional Shimano wheels, we measured 214 watts, which means that it requires around ten watts less pedalling power than the Zero SLR. However, the Wilier, which is no longer brand new, cannot compete with the best aero racers. Not even with faster wheels. In other words, the frameset doesn't offer any more potential. On the other hand, it scores with its remarkably low weight, which makes the use of the Zero SLR obsolete: The professional bike, measured without pedals and bottle cage, is only 50 grams over the minimum weight required by the UCI. However, the Wilier gains the advantage on the scales through relatively low stiffness values. Very few riders will notice this when setting off, and the Filante acknowledges fast corner changes with slightly spongy steering behaviour.

Unusual: The professional bike rolled into the TOUR laboratory with small 140-millimetre brake discs. This may be fine for technically experienced professionals who don't want to give away an ounce on the bike, but it still gives away braking power and therefore riding dynamics. A look at the equipment list of the standard bikes shows that Wilier usually installs brake discs with a diameter of 160 (front) or 140 millimetres.

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Wilier Filante SLR

• Price: 12,100 euros*
• Weight of complete wheel: 6.9 kilos
• Aerodynamics: 214 watts
• Frame sizes: XS, S, M, L, XL, XXL (test size greased)

*The price refers to the commercially available version with in-house wheelset (Wilier SLR 42 KC)

Geometry

• Seat/top/head tube: 521/560/151 millimetres
• Stack/Reach/STR: 572/383 millimetres/1.49
• Wheelbase/caster: 1000/63 millimetres

Equipment

• Drive/gear shift: Shimano Dura-Ace (2x12; 50/34, 11-34 t.)
• Brakes: Shimano Dura-Ace (140/140 mm)
• Tyres: Continental Grand Prix 5000 S (25 mm)
• Impellers: Shimano Dura-Ace C50
• Impeller weights: 1153/1475 grams (front/rear)

Wilier Filante SL

The Filante SL, which has been available since last year, has inherited the "shape and racing spirit" of the eponymous top model. The offshoot of the professional machine is available from 5100 euros and is equipped with Shimano 105 Di2 and flat aluminium wheels from Miche, a subsidiary of Wilier. The main distinguishing features are the lower carbon quality and clamped handlebars. Unique selling point: two versions are available with Campagnolo Chorus mechanical gears (5600 and 6300 euros).

How TOUR tests

We have revised our test methods. We have summarised everything about the new test procedure in this article.