CISON DI VALMARINO – Wilier officially launches the second generation of the Filante SLR and now adopts the ID2 suffix (just like the latest version of the Rave SLR). One of the most versatile aero bikes ever, light, harmonious in shape and elegant, has been updated without distorting its DNA.
What has changed compared to the previous generation? What are the details and technical aspects to consider? How did the collaboration with the Team Groupama-FDj to the development of the new bike? These and other questions. We go into detail also thanks to the contribution of the Wilier Product Manager, Claudio Salomoni and with the considerations of Thierry Cornec, General Manager of the transalpine team.
Wilier Filante ID2, developed for the pros
«The new Filante SLR – explains Salomoni – was born from the requests of professionals and is designed for riders. We started from the cornerstones of the old project, namely lightness and rigidity. To be more precise, the optimal relationship between the two factors: one of the key points of Filante, a absolute benchmark and we started from that point. It was necessary – continues Salomoni – to improve the aspect of aerodynamic efficiency, which has evolved a lot in the last 2/3 seasons, trying to study the athlete/bike package as a whole.
«The great challenge – concludes Salomoni – was to make the 5 primary steps of the development base coincide. New CFD models and 3D models. Finalize the testing in the Silverstone wind tunnelRepeat the tests and confirm them and make changes if necessary bringing other solutions. Last but not least, we have ovensto the bike to a selected team of riders to validate the testOnce on the road, the CFD simulation data was confirmed and even improved."
A small group of athletes
«The first road testing phases of the new Wilier Filante – explains Thierry Corbec – were conducted with a small and super select group of riders. The bike was provided to those who showed sensitivity. A excellent reading and technical interpretation of the medium, attention to detail, such as the young Romain Gregory. For a WorldTour team today, the technical partnership, the close collaboration and development done hand in hand with the same company are as important as sponsorship. The technical means can make a big difference, it is a working tool that cannot be ignored."
The aesthetic impact of the Filante SLR ID2
Overall and at first glance, The Filante ID2 immediately shows some differences, but the juxtaposition between the two generations (at least in terms of visual impact) is possible. The pipes are born from the concept NACA, but the design of the chainstays and fork is completely different, as is the entire steering area. The latter closely resembles the Supersonic Chrono and with the due proportions the know-how created by the time trial bike itself it helped a lot.
There is an obvious flare created for optimize the combination with the integrated F-Bar ID2 handlebar and for completely hide the fastening hardware. The rear down tubes have slim dimensions when viewed from the front, they have a wider steering column connection with a completely changed angle (inclined inwards by 2,5°). It has been Improved and more efficient integration of through axles, with a seat that almost “hides” the pin heads and the blind window on the opposite side.
In collaboration with Elite the compartment for the two bottle cages (the Aerokit) has been developed, perfectly integrated into the oblique and vertical. Elite has also created the specific water bottles (1100 milliliters capacity), but the compatibility with traditional water bottles is real. The seat post is completely new, full carbon and specific (two available setbacks, 0 and 15 millimeters), but it has forced to move the Di2 battery to a housing positioned between the bottom bracket and the seat stays of the rear triangle. Behind the chainrings there is a seat for the Shimano power meter magnet.
Il derailleur mount can be removed (in single chainring perspective) and chainrings can be mounted up to 56 teeth. For the rear there is the UDH solution. In terms of geometric development the new Filante SLR ID2 is inspired by the Wilier Verticale SLR, in our opinion a significant added value considering the goodness of the geometry of the Verticale SLR.
For numbers and data freaks
The use and theAerokit integration, one of the headache-inducing challenges for Wilier engineers, has allowed them to lower the overall drag of the bicycle/cyclist combination by a good 4,5 percentage points.
Different tests, conducted at an average speed of 40 and 50 kilometres per hour, with standard bottles and bottles specific for the Aerokit, have shown a wattage saving of 11,51 and 14,15, which become 24,55 and 28,80 with the highest average. On a 70-kilometer test, compared to the first-generation Filante SLR you can save up to 1'45 ".
Other details to consider
The declared weight of the frame is 860 grams for the medium size, in line with the previous one, but with a decidedly more rigid central box. The center of gravity has been lowered. This means better stability, precision, and handling. They can be mounted tires up to 34 mm in section, which also leads to an adjustment of the usability of wheels with wide internal channels.
The lcarbon fiber of the new Wilier is the result of a blend (T800 and T1100, as well as M46JB) obtained in collaboration with Toray and the new Filante SLR ID2 is a monocoque.
Sizes and configurations
There are 6 sizes available (from XS to XXL), but in total there are 420 available configurations, including the possibilities offered by the integrated handlebar. There are 5 color combinations. There are 8 assemblies in total and the frame kit is also added (frame, fork and headset, F-Bar ID2 with device support, Aerokit), the list price of the latter is 5.800 euros.
The package with the new Campagnolo Super Record 13 and wheels Miche Kleos RD 50 It has a list price of €13.100, while with the Sram Red AXS drivetrain it drops to €12.900. Three options are available for Shimano Dura Ace, with or without a power meter and always with the Miche Kleos RD 50, at €12.700 and €11.900 respectively. The price drops slightly with the Miche Kleos 50 wheels, at €10.900. The Sram Force AXS with or without a Quarq meter, Shimano Ultegra, all of which are the builds that come with the Kleos 50 (non-RD). The list prices are €10.300 and €9.900 respectively, closing at €9.700.
