Wilier has launched a new road model called the Zero SLR, touting it as the first disc brake equipped road bike that offers super lightweight and full cable integration.
According to the Italian maker the new Zero SLR’s frame tips the scales at a svelte 780g in a size medium, along with an equally feathery carbon fork that weighs in at 340g.
All in, a Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 equipped Zero SLR with Wilier’s own branded 38mm carbon tubular wheelset weighs in at under 15 pounds.
“The Wilier Zero SLR is the first ultra-lightweight racing bike with disc brakes and fully integrated cables. It encapsulates the most complex concepts of lightness and total integration in simple aesthetics. These are the features the most demanding cyclists seek in the most technologically advanced racing bikes: ultra lightweightedness, high-speed stability and control, braking performance, electronic transmission, high aerodynamics and full cable integration. All condensed in Willier’s unmistakable style,” says Wilier.
Wilier says the new Zero SLR represents their greatness stiffness-to-weight ratio accomplishment to date, which is achieved thanks to a new carbon fabrication technology called HUS-MOD, wherein multi-directional fiber mesh and crystal polymer is used to increase rigidity, vibration absorption and impact resistance.
“For the Zero SLR we selected the highest quality fibres, calling the blend HUS-Mod: this composition is qualitatively superior to any previous type of material [we have] used,” says Wilier. “In addition to the HUS-Mod carbon, we also included a highly resistant multi-directional fibre mesh to increase rigidity in every direction and liquid crystal polymer woven to improve impact resistance and vibration absorption.”
“The grade of liquid crystal polymer used in the construction of the Wilier Zero SLR was carefully chosen to give us the physical properties we need,” said Wilier’s product manager Claudio Salomoni.
However, at launch, Wilier has been coy in providing more specific details as to where the new technologies have been incorporated into the frame.
Other features that highlight the new Zero SLR are a 25mm setback, Kammtail-like carbon seatpost with an easy access clamp, a revised asymmetrical fork design with new cross-sections for added rigidity and aerodynamics, along with an updated Zero integrated handlebar and stem with proprietary spacers that now routes all cables directly into the frame.
“We reinforced the blade housing the brake calliper with a wider section than the other to ensure the fork is able to balance the asymmetrical forces generated by disc braking, while maintaining excellent handling even during braking,” says Wilier.
“To improve aerodynamics, we increased the distance between the fork blades and the wheel, something we learned when developing our Wilier Turbine triathlon and time trial bikes. This reduces the turbulence generated by the wheel and the frame when in motion, and improves aerodynamic penetration.”
Additionally, the rear triangle is also asymmetric with the goal of reducing both counteracting braking forces, as well as lateral movement caused by the drivetrain.
Like the fork, the rear triangle is also compatible with tires up to 28mm wide, relying on Mavic’s Speed Release thru axle system (100mm and 142mm front and rear) to keep the wheels in place.
The Wilier Zero SLR is available in 12 different builds, which comprise either a Shimano Dura-Ace or Ultegra Di2 electronic groupset, or SRAM’s Red or Force eTap wireless drivetrain.
Here are some various builds that are available, along with European pricing:
• Shimano Dura-Ace Di2, Wilier ULT38KT Carbon wheels (tubular tires) €11,100 • SRAM Red eTap AXS, Wilier ULT38KT Carbon wheels (tubular tires) €11,200 • Shimano Dura-Ace Di2, Fulcrum Racing Zero Carbon wheels €11,100 • SRAM Red eTap AXS, Fulcrum Racing Zero Carbon wheels €11,200 • Shimano Dura-Ace Di2, Fulcrum Racing Zero Aluminium wheels €10,000 • Shimano Dura-Ace Di2, Wilier NDR38KC Carbon wheels €9,700 • SRAM Red eTap AXS, Fulcrum Racing Zero Aluminium wheels €10,100 • SRAM Red eTap AXS, Wilier NDR38KC Carbon wheels €9,800 • Shimano Ultegra Di2, Fulcrum Racing Zero Aluminium wheels €8,000 • Shimano Ultegra Di2, Wilier NDR38KC Carbon wheels €7,700 • SRAM Force eTap AXS, Fulcrum Racing Zero Aluminium wheels €8,000 • SRAM Force eTap AXS, Wilier NDR38KC Carbon wheels €7,700
Wilier
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