With the Zero SLR, Italian cult brand Wilier Triestina presents a lightweight all-rounder with fully internally-routed cables and introduces its brand-new Accu Bike Fitting System. We visited Wilier’s headquarters in Rossano Veneto and tested the Zero SLR for you. Here you’ll find all the details.
After releasing a number of exciting new bikes, like the Zero.7 and Zero.6, Wilier Triestina continues to follow its own path towards technological and stylistic innovation. The Zero SLR is clear proof that the Italians are well aware of their corporate history and the responsibilities implied and at the same time committed to constantly evolve. According to Wilier, the discreet façade of the Zero SLR conceals everything a demanding road cyclist could ask for: extreme lightness, high-speed stability, control, aerodynamic efficiency, top braking-performance provided by disc brakes and top-shifting performance achieved through an electronic groupset. The new Zero SLR should provide the same level of integration as its aero counterpart, the Wilier Cento10NDR, which we have already tested for you.
The Wilier Zero SLR in detail
At the heart of the new Wilier is a brand-new frameset. According to Wilier, the new monocoque frame was built with the highest-quality material composition ever used on a ‘Made in Italy’ racer. By combining HUS-MOD carbon-fibers with a liquid crystal polymer net, the engineers were able to strike an optimal balance between stiffness, vibration damping and durability. In order to arrange all the cables internally, Wilier relies on a one-piece carbon cockpit with special 1¼” headset-bearings and a proprietary spacer system.
Unlike with the new BMC Roadmachine 01 ONE, Wilier maintains a rounded fork steerer and simply wraps the cables around it. According to the engineers who developed the system, this won’t affect the steering performance in the slightest. In order to achieve the desired frame-performance, the Italians dispensed of the cable ports in the down tube. However, this constitutes a major flaw in the system: the cables of mechanical groupsets would have to squeeze through the same recesses of the so-called “Zero cockpit” and the spacers – something that would definitely affect the shifting performance. In other words, the design severely limits the choice of groupsets, leaving the Shimano Di2 and SRAM eTap as the only viable options.
Wilier relies on an asymmetrical design for both the fork and the rear-end of the Zero SLR. With a stated weight of 340 g, the carbon fork features a beefier brake-side leg for added stability and better support. This simple but clever trick allows engineers to compensate for the asymmetrical forces typical of disc-brake setups while maintaining the lowest possible system weight. The same applies to the rear-end of the 780 g frame (size M). The motto: as many reinforcements, as little material as possible. Wilier raised the left chainstay to counteract the higher forces applied to the drive-side of the rear end which in turn cause the chain to deflect sideways.
Wilier’s newly-developed D-shaped carbon seatpost with either 0 mm or 15 mm offset is clamped with an expander integrated into the top tube. The neat integration of the seatpost and the long post-extension are meant to benefit both the aerodynamics and the overall comfort of the bike. In order to ensure a consistent level of comfort, Wilier adapts the tube dimensions specifically for each frame size.
The rear drive-side dropout is replaceable and, like the front one, coupled with a Mavic Speed Release system. This allows you to take off the wheel without having to fully remove the axle – all you have to do is loosen it. At 85g for the pair, the axles are very light and, according to Wilier, also extremely easy to use. The system also prevents you from over-tightening the axle and damaging the thread: “When you reach the right torque, the axle lever functions as a torque wrench.” According to Wilier, the frame of the new Zero SLR accommodates tires of up to 28 mm.
Our test bike is specced with a complete Shimano Dura-Ace R9170 Di2 groupset, Wilier Triestina ULT38 KT carbon wheels and Vittoria Corsa Tubular 700 x 25C tires. Including the Selle Italia SLR Boost Carbon Kit saddle, our test bike weighs in at 6.78 kg in size L and costs € 11,100.
Wilier Accu-Fit
Wilier’s engineers rely on a newly-developed measuring system to determine the optimal frame size of their bikes. It uses three key coordinates: frame size, number of spacers and handlebar size. During a typical bike-fitting session, your trusted Wilier retailer will determine the X and Y values – also known as Accu-Fit-coordinates – based on the biomechanical values of the distance between the bottom bracket and the middle of the hand rest on the bars. Unlike conventional reach and stack measurements, this system takes into account the actual contact points between rider and bike. By using different combinations of cockpits and spacers it is possible to obtain up to 35 Accu-Fit points for each frame size.
Wilier Zero SLR DURA-ACE Di2 – our test bike
Drivetrain Shimano DURA-ACE Di2, 2×11, 50/34T
Cassette Shimano DURA-ACE 11–28T
Brakes Shimano DURA-ACE Hydraulic mit SM-RT900-Rotoren 160/140 mm
Wheels Wilier Triestina ULT38 KT Carbon mit CeramicSpeed-Lagern
Tires Vittoria Corsa Tubular 700 x 25C
Seatpost Zero SLR Carbon Custom Made, 0 mm Versatz
Handlebar Zero SLR Carbon Integrated
Stem Zero SLR Carbon Integrated
Weight 6,6 kg in size M
Price € 11,100
Size XS, S, M, L, XL, XXL; Testgröße: L
Color Vlvet red matt
Available now
Wilier Zero SLR DURA-ACE Di2 II
Drivetrain Shimano DURA-ACE Di2, 2×11, 50/34T
Cassette Shimano DURA-ACE 11–28T
Brakes Shimano DURA-ACE Hydraulic mit SM-RT900 Rotoren 160/140 mm
Wheels Fulcrum Racing Zero Carbon
Tires Vittoria Corsa Graphene 2.0 700 x 25C
Seatpost Zero SLR Carbon Custom Made, 15 mm Versatz
Handlebar Zero SLR Carbon Integrated
Stem Zero SLR Carbon Integrated
Weight 6,7 kg in size M
Price € 11,100
Size XS, S, M, L, XL, XXL
Color Black/White matt
Available now
Wilier Zero SLR mit RED eTap AXS
Drivetrain SRAM RED eTap AXS HRD, 2×12, 46/33T
Cassette SRAM RED XG-1290, 10–28T
Brakes SRAM RED eTap AXS HRD mit Centerline XR-Rotoren 160/160 mm
Wheels Fulcrum Racing Zero Alu
Tires Vittoria Corsa Graphene 2.0 700 x 25C
Seatpost Zero SLR Carbon Custom Made, 15 mm Versatz
Handlebar Zero SLR Carbon Integrated
Stem Zero SLR Carbon Integrated
Weight 6,9 kg in size M
Price € 11,100
Size XS, S, M, L, XL, XXL
Color Navy blue glossy
Available now
The Wilier Zero SLR geometry
| Size | XS | S | M | L | XL | XXL |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Seat tube | 430 mm | 460 mm | 490 mm | 520 mm | 540 mm | 560 mm |
| Top tube | 511 mm | 525 mm | 541 mm | 556 mm | 572 mm | 587 mm |
| Head tube | 102 mm | 118 mm | 136 mm | 153 mm | 172 mm | 192 mm |
| Head angle | 70.5° | 71.7° | 72.2° | 72.7° | 72.8° | 73.1° |
| Seat angle | 75.2° | 74.6° | 74.0° | 73.5° | 73.0° | 72.6° |
| Chainstay | 407 mm | 407 mm | 408 mm | 410 mm | 411 mm | 412 mm |
| Wheelbase | 977 mm | 979 mm | 988 mm | 996 mm | 1008 mm | 1017 mm |
| Reach | 376 mm | 381 mm | 386 mm | 391 mm | 397 mm | 402 mm |
| Stack | 503 mm | 519 mm | 536 mm | 554 mm | 572 mm | 591 mm |
Testing the Wilier Zero SLR Dura-Ace Di2
From the very first moment we liked the discreet look of the Wilier. While most Italian bike manufacturers have a strong penchant for loud, imposing frame designs, understated look of the Zero SLR is simply refreshing. The cable routing is beautifully solved and allows for an unrestricted steering angle. The quality of workmanship, finish and paintwork of the frameset are clear evidence that the Italians enjoy their work and know exactly what they’re talking about. The only visual blemish is in the seat clamp integration, which doesn’t blend in with the otherwise harmonious overall picture.
We were lucky enough to test the new Wilier in one of Italy’s legendary cycling spots, the windy roads of Monte Grappa. To take some of the drama out of the steep climbs, we asked Kitto, Wilier’s Asian-Pacific sales manager, to borrow his very stylish furry-bunny hat. After just a few crank-spins, the Zero SLR puts a massive grin on your face. Whether you’re setting off from a standstill or sprinting out of corners, the Wilier accelerates eagerly and always feels agile. On the flats, however, it can’t fully play to its strengths. Whilst Wilier made an effort in optimising the aerodynamics of the frame tubes, their main focus was on weight efficiency. As a result, the Zero SLR requires a lot more effort than its aero-cousin when riding on the flats at high speed.
The Wilier is a lively bike you can playfully throw from one corner into the next. And yet, this liveliness is pleasantly balanced, well-distributed between the front and rear end – just the front-end could be a more accurate. Hard braking manoeuvres in hairpin turns and frantic steering inputs at the limit, make the front-end feel twitchy. In all other situations the Wilier inspires tons of confidence and conveys a pleasant feeling of safety. Having said that, the tubular tires of our test bike did not fully meet our expectations. While the grip is extremely good, modern clincher tires with latex inner-tubes and market-leading tubeless setups provide just as much cornering action and comfort. Once again, the combination with a 160 mm front- / 140 mm rear- rotor proves to be a great choice. As usual, the Dura-Ace R9170 Di2 groupset delivers outstanding shifting performance, modulation and braking power.
The fully-integrated cockpit convinced us with good damping qualities and compelling ergonomics. The compliant frameset and flexible seatpost ensure a high overall level of comfort. In other words, nothing stands in the way of long rides in this respect! Due to the compact main frame, the riding position is rather compact and centred. Riders with relatively short upper bodies can use the 0 mm seatpost to move even further forward over the bottom bracket.
Here are some impressions of our time at the Wilier HQ and the brand new Zero SLR from Francis Cade’s YouTube channel.
Conclusions
With the Zero SLR, Italian cult-brand Wilier introduces a modern all-rounder with a lively character and strong inclination for mountain roads. If you want to be the first of your riding buddies to sip on a fluffy cappuccino at the mountain-top café and you’re already planning to use an electronic groupset, the lively character and consistent integration of the Zero SLR may be just what you’re looking for. For Wilier, the Accu-Fit system is a logical step towards improving the riding comfort of their bikes for as wide clientele as possible. Only a thorough test will show how the Zero SLR performs in a day-to-day routine and how it fares against its strong competition.
Wenn ihr mehr über den italienischen Traditionshersteller erfahren wollt, findet ihr hier unseren Artikel zum Hausbesuch.
If you want to know more about the traditional Italian bike manufacturer, check out our factory tour article.
For more information head to wilier.com
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Words: Photos: Wilier, Benjamin Topf
