"The Adlar is aimed at bikepackers, explorers and bike travellers" - this is how Wilier describes the target group for the new launch. This makes it clear that the latest offspring of the traditional Italian manufacturer is not a thoroughbred sports bike. In fact, apart from the curved handlebars, the bike has little in common with the classic competition racing bike with which the brand name has historically been closely associated to this day. Even in terms of geometry, Wilier has taken an unusual approach and orientated itself more towards the mountain bike than the road bike. The elongated frame triangle (in the medium size, the top tube is around two centimetres longer than usual) is combined with a very short stem and a steering angle of just 70 degrees - which is exceptionally slack, even for gravel bikes. The wheelbase is already 1030 millimetres in size XS and increases to over 1100 millimetres for the XL version. The aim is to achieve a very smooth ride, which should keep the bike on track even when heavily loaded on rough trails.
Designed for difficult terrain
The fork is noticeably high and can be replaced by a suspension fork with up to 40 millimetres of travel without significantly changing the steering geometry. The bike is fitted with Ritchey Comp Corralitos handlebars. The special handlebars have little drop - i.e. a very comfortable lower handlebar position - and are flared (24° flare) and wide, which means better control in difficult terrain.
Plenty of space for fat tyres
The tyres are also designed with mountain bike dimensions in mind: ex works, the Adlar rolls on 45 millimetre thick tyres, with room for mountain bike tyres up to two inches (52 millimetres) wide. To create the space, the seat tube has been extremely flattened in the lower section and given a bold curve. A front derailleur can no longer be attached to this design and the Adlar can only be ridden with single drivetrains. The seat tube is also intended to serve as a small integrated mudguard, although it is unlikely to protect the rider from moisture and dirt. However, mounting points for full-size fenders, which are available as accessories especially for this bike, are on board - as is an integrated cable duct for a dynamo light in the fork.
Gravel bike with innovative loading concept
However, the loading concept appears to be truly innovative. According to the manufacturer, the carbon frame can carry a load of up to 35 kilograms and has been reinforced in critical areas. Two matching, optionally available luggage racks for the front and rear are supported on the thru axles and do not place any additional load on the frame. The package is completed with a customised set of four panniers from the renowned Italian tailoring company Miss Grape, which also comes at an additional cost. The usual mounting eyelets on the top tube, under the down tube and on the fork blades (three on each side) are of course also included.
The Wilier Adlar will be available in three equipment variants from September. Prices start at 3700 euros with the Shimano GRX 1x11 groupset; with the new GRX twelve-speed drivetrain, the bike costs 4000 euros. The top version has an electronic SRAM Rival eTap AXS drivetrain and costs 4800 euros. The "bikepacking set" consisting of two pannier racks and four panniers costs an impressive 600 euros extra.
Jens Klötzer
Editor
