Wilier Zero SLR Road Bike Frame

Wilier Zero SLR - The Ultimate Aero Lightweight Disc Brake Racing Bike

We’ve all had a lot of fun feeling the free speed on aero road bikes; we’ve all felt the effect a super light bike can have on our climbing times; we’ve all been impressed how disc brakes can help us descend faster with confidence. How many of us have had the chance to have all these rushes at the same time in one bike? Now it is possible with the Wilier Zero SLR, one of the lightest, fully integrated disc brake racing bikes available.

The first thing that will strike you about the Zero SLR is how lean it looks. Aren’t aero bikes supposed to be all overbuilt and wavy framed? Not a bit of it! Wilier has applied its deep knowledge in what makes a bike aero and then added their lightweight recipe into the mixture to give use this classic looking frame with incredible performance in all areas. They set out to make a lightweight, aero bike that is not only stiff but comfortable as well. Doesn’t everybody? Perhaps, but few succeed like Wilier has.

To get a disc brake bike as light as this, you have to have some pretty advanced materials and the know-how to make the most of the layup. In this case, Wilier has used carbon which they are calling the highest quality found on any of their bikes, and impregnating it with a liquid crystal polymer designed to reduce vibration. The mixture not only improves overall rigidity but keeps it comfy and of course super light. That’s one reason why the profile of the bike is so classic: they haven’t had to use any material beyond what is absolutely necessary to give it the stiffness a pro level bike requires. And the quality of the carbon means that they have shaved it where they could to reduce weight without compromising the overall performance.

Looking to optimize the aero advantages, Wilier has given the frame nicely truncated Kamm tail tubing shapes, but at least as importantly, they have fully integrated the cockpit and cable routing. To accomplish this, they have produced their own monocoque, lightweight cockpit that is available in five size combinations. Through it, the cables are internally routed from the hoods through the stem into the downtube. Not only does it look very sleek, it is a huge improvement in aerodynamics and reduced drag compared to a typical setup with exposed cables. Wilier has also had the foresight to make the headset spacers in two pieces so that you can change the stack height of your bars without having to mess around with the hydraulic brake cables. Big sigh of relief from all mechanics there.

With the inclusion of disc brakes into the design, Wilier knew that they would have to beef up certain areas of the lightweight frame in order to withstand the braking forces. That’s one reason that in spite of the fact that this is a very light frame, it’s not actually the lightest they make. Of course, comparing rim brake and disc brake bike weights is really apples and oranges. And when you are roaring down your favorite descent until a pickup truck turns right in front of you, you’ll be so super happy they have taken the trouble to make this a durable disc brake climbing bike. So things like the brake side of the fork and the chainstays have been noticeably built up. Thanks to the use of disc brakes, they have also given the fork legs a pleasingly wide aero shape, which helps smooth airflow through that usually drag-heavy region.

Aero-Optimized Seatpost and Mavic Speed Release in the Zero SLR

The seatpost is not ignored in terms of aero optimization. It has a truncated Kamm shape as well and a fully integrated seat clamping system. That’s thhe little bulge you see protruding out of the top tube-seat tube intersection. A beautifully minimal design, it’s super lightweight. Compatible with a Ritchey 1-bolt saddle clamp, it’s also very easy to use. The seat post itself comes in two configurations: 0mm setback and -15mm setback. Wilier has also been clever in using the Mavic Speed Release through axle quick release design for this frame. It means that you can remove the wheel without having to pull the axle out entirely. It makes wheel changes so much faster, which matters not only to the pros in the middle of a race, but also us normal folk who hate having to mess around endlessly screwing the axles in and out. Five quick turns of the lever, and the wheel is free. That’s better than a regular rim brake QR.

Available in six sizes and six colors, the Wilier Zero SLR weighs just 780 grams in a size medium (with the black paint job). The fork is just 345 grams, making this one of the lightest disc brake bikes on the market. The level of integration and cool design language make it one of the most beautiful. Add it to your collection and it will likely make you a very happy cyclist in all situations.

Also check Bianchi Road Bikes.