With the Filante SLR, Wilier aim to bring the spirit of Italian racing tradition into the modern era, promising to deliver the perfect blend of elegance and high-tech. From its aggressive geometry to the tricolour detail on the fork, the Filante SLR is designed not only to turn heads in our review but also to shine in the Rari Racing Club.
The Wilier Filante SLR has earned its place in the pro peloton with two World Tour teams and was none other than Mark Cavendish’s bike of choice as he made history as the Tour de France’s record stage winner. As a true speed all-rounder, this bike aims to deliver both speed and precision. Lightweight and aerodynamic yet balanced, it promises to strike the optimal balance between speed and versatility – and not just on paper. But how versatile is the Filante SLR in our comparison test when it faces off against the competition?
Classic Italian DNA, modernly interpreted: The bike in detail
The Wilier Filante SLR aims to embody the essence of Italian racing tradition and distinguishes itself as an aerodynamic all-rounder. This is meant to set it apart from the newly introduced 2024 Wilier Verticale SLR, which is more aerodynamically efficient, though this comes at a slightly higher system weight. The historic Venetian brand incorporates an aerodynamic, forward-stretched cockpit and a notably wide-set, low-slung seat stay design, which are both meant to improve aerodynamics. The asymmetrical fork design is intended to absorb braking forces while keeping weight down.
The seatpost clamp sits deep within the frame, making it a bit tricky to access. Precision is key here to avoid scratching that beautiful paintwork.
Wilier’s in-house Kleos RD wheels, with their 50 mm rim depth, hit the test-field average for aerodynamic performance and balance, offering a reliable mix of speed and precision.
The Ceramic Speed bottom bracket boosts power transfer, bringing the Filante SLR’s efficiency to a level worthy of a true Italian stallion.
The finish is unmistakably Wilier: refined and crafted with attention to detail, featuring an effect paint similar to that of the Canyon Aeroad CFR, which shimmers in different colour tones depending on the light. The low seat post clamp is a bit tricky to reach, so care is required during adjustments to avoid scratches on the top tube. This high-quality design, paired with a CeramicSpeed bottom bracket, makes for a striking presence and turns heads at the café.
The narrow, aggressive cockpit pulls the rider into a low, aerodynamic stance, perfectly complementing the Filante’s sleek silhouette.
The low, broad seat stays are designed to enhance aerodynamics, giving the Filante SLR a balanced mix of comfort and efficiency without compromising stability.
The red anodised thru-axles add subtle, stylish accents, round off the bike’s elegant design.
| Size | XS | S | M | L | XL | XXL |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Top tube | 515 mm | 530 mm | 543 mm | 556 mm | 570 mm | 583 mm |
| Seat tube | 432 mm | 462 mm | 482 mm | 502 mm | 522 mm | 542 mm |
| Head tube | 104 mm | 119 mm | 135 mm | 154 mm | 166 mm | 181 mm |
| Head angle | 70.8° | 72.0° | 72.5° | 73.0° | 73.0° | 73.5° |
| Seat angle | 75.2° | 74.5° | 74.0° | 73.5° | 73.0° | 72.5° |
| Claystrap | 407 mm | 407 mm | 408 mm | 410 mm | 411 mm | 411 mm |
| Wheelbase | 981 mm | 984 mm | 990 mm | 997 mm | 1002 mm | 1006 mm |
| Stack | 505 mm | 521 mm | 538 mm | 555 mm | 571 mm | 587 mm |
| Reach | 380 mm | 384 mm | 388 mm | 391 mm | 395 mm | 399 mm |
Elegance meets high-tech performance: The specs of the Wilier Filante SLR
When it comes to the components, the Wilier Filante SLR stays true to its roots: almost all parts come from the homeland of the Rari Racing Club – except for the German Continental GP5000 tubeless tires and the American SRAM groupset. With its aggressively aerodynamic cockpit and shaped drops, the Wilier is built for aero performance, although at 38 cm wide, the handlebars are noticeably more compact than the ones of the Lapierre, Cervélo, and S-Works. The Filante SLR also has an 11 cm stem, which ensures a stretched, streamlined position. Racey!
The Miche Kleos RD wheelset with 50 mm rims is slightly heavier than the lighter Bontrager or Campagnolo alternatives in the test field, but they pair superbly with the 28 mm Continental GP5000 tires, providing perfect cornering grip and solid puncture protection.
Just as eye-catching are the red anodised centre-lock rings and matching thru-axles, which round off the design. Our test model in size L comes equipped with the new SRAM RED groupset and, at just 7.0 kg, is the second lightest competitor in our test field just behind the S-Works Tarmac SL8. The gearing with a 10–36 cassette and 46/33 chainring suggests good climbing qualities, although at the expense of sprinting potential. A larger chainring setup would likely be the choice of Mark Cavendish and would also give us a bit more top-end speed on sprints. The ergonomic brakes round off the overall package, providing reliable deceleration and good modulation.
WILIER FILANTE SLR
€ 12,500
Specifications
Seatpost WILIER FILANTE CARBON CUSTOM MADE D-Shaped 15 mm
Brakes SRAM RED AXS HRD 160/160 mm
Drivetrain SRAM Red AXS 2x12
Stem Wilier Filante Bar 110 mm
Handlebar Wilier Filante Bar 380 mm
Wheelset Miche Kleos RD 50
Tires Continental GP 5000 S TR 700 x 28c
Cranks SRAM RED AXS DUB 172,5 mm
Cassette SRAM RED XG-1290 10-36
Technical Data
Size XS S M ML L XL
Weight 7.00 kg
Specific Features
Sporty narrow cockpit
Italian components
Ceramic Speed bottom bracket
The Ferrari of race bikes: Wilier Filante SLR review
The Wilier Filante SLR rides like an Italian sports car on two wheels. With its low centre of gravity, it practically clings to the road and remains precise even at high speeds – like a Ferrari that barely slips in corners. The lightweight frame ensures quick acceleration, though the rear end gives a bit under hard sprints. Here, the Filante SLR lacks the extreme stiffness of competitors like BMC and Canyon. Still, it holds speed efficiently and feels aerodynamic and controlled.
The Filante’s aggressive, stretched geometry echoes the DNA of a sports car, pressing the rider into a low, aerodynamic position – perfect for fast, modern races. However, this riding position can be demanding on longer mountain stages. Riders with shorter legs might find the compact geometry of the smaller frame sizes pleasantly sporty, while taller riders will appreciate the low centre of gravity on fast descents.
The long cockpit and sharply angled hoods deliver sporty handling that shines in sprints, especially when gripping the drops. The Filante SLR also shows its strengths on high-speed descents: it remains stable and calm, yet allows for precise control when cornering tightly – almost like taking a lap on a racetrack.
Despite the flattened seat stays that provide vertical flex and a bit of rear-end comfort, the bike is on the stiff side. The front end transmits impacts directly, though the handlebar tape provides some cushioning. This makes it well-suited for flat, fast sprints, while the Wilier Verticale SLR might be the better choice for intense climbing sections.
The Wilier Filante SLR clings to the road like the Rari – low, direct, and always ready for speed!
What race type is the Wilier Filante SLR made for?
The Wilier Filante SLR is made for ambitious racers who value speed and Italian style. With its aggressive riding position and precise handling, it’s perfect for experienced riders looking to get the most out of fast-paced races and launch across the finish line like a Ferrari in a sprint.
Its lively character also performs solidly on climbs – as long as you don’t have to get out of the saddle too often. The forward-oriented centre of gravity makes it less ideal for these situations, where the Wilier Verticale SLR might be a better choice. For beginners, the highly sporty geometry is rather unsuitable. While it may look like a sprint specialist, it’s comfortable in a variety of race situations, proving a lightweight all-rounder.
Conclusions about the Wilier Filante SLR review
With the Filante SLR, Wilier combine Italian charm with race performance: the powerful acceleration thrives in sprints, while the precise handling makes it easy to corner and spontaneously change direction. However, despite its lively character, the aggressive geometry might be demanding on long mountain stages. Still, the Filante remains a lightweight, responsive all-rounder that will also appeal to design enthusiasts – even if it falls slightly behind the top dogs in this test field.
Tops
- slim and ergonomic cockpit
- CeramicSpeed bottom bracket
- Stunning effect paint finish
Flops
- Seat post clamp difficult to access
- Impacts are transmitted directly through the stiff front end
More information at wilier.com.
The test field
This bike was tested as part of the 2024 race bike comparison test – an overview of this comparison test and all other tested race bikes can be found here:
All bikes in review: BMC Teammachine R 01 | Canyon Aeroad CFR | Cervelo Soloist | Falkenjagd Aristos RSR | Lapierre Xelius DRS 9.0 | Specialized Tarmac SL8 | Trek Madone SLR 9 | Wilier Filante SLR
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Words: Jan Fock Photos: Jan Richter
