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FEATURES: 2012 PREVIEW: WILIER UNVEILS TWO NEW BIKES
Press Release
September 6, 2011
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Italian bike maker Wilier will be introducing two new bikes for 2012 that at first appearance are definitely worth talking about. Until we see them at the Interbike show in Las Vegas next week, here's what Wilier says about the bikes....
2012 Twinfoil TT Bike
Our approach to aerodynamic design consists of seeing wind and airflow as allies. Our Twinfoil respects the nature of airflow and seeks to manage it at every opportunity in order to maximize efficiency by diminishing air turbulence and resistance.
Chainstays, seatstays and fork legs have a wider profile in order to distance them from turbulent air generated by spinning wheels. Our Aerobrake design likewise widens the structural profile of calipers to remove them from the path of rotational air turbulence. The rear Aerobrake is positioned below chainstays and housed within a carbon shell to hide it entirely from the flow of air.
The rear dropout system enables precise positioning of the rear wheel via four adjustment bolts to establish ideal wheelbase and alignment of cogset in relation to the rear derailleur, including during wheel changes.
The Twinfoil also boasts an integrated seatpost binder assembly housed within the top tube. This expansion assembly securely anchors the airfoil seatpost within the aero seat tube while preserving seamless aerodynamics. Internal routing also minimizes exposure of brake and cable housing.
Our orbital front derailleur adjustment bolt ensures proper positioning of the front derailleur. These features facilitate optimal orientation in relation to chainrings across all prominent drivetrain systems for easier setup and optimal shifting performance.
The most visually dramatic aspect of the Twinfoil is its front end, which features another Wilier Triestina exclusive destined to change the way aero bikes are designed: the Twin Fork. This component of the Twinfoil provides a new level of stability in the front end, as well as setting the standard in airflow management. The fork legs act as flow stabilizers to minimize turbulence, while their Integration with handlebars diminishes structural deformation and flex.
BUT WAIT, THERE'S A NEW ROAD BIKE AS WELL....
Boasting a frame weighing less than 800 grams, composites technology that takes carbon fiber to the next level, and a new bottom bracket system that maximizes efficiency. The Zero.7 is the lightest bike Wilier Triestina has ever produced, and it was created with one goal in mind: to set a new standard for the most sophisticated race bikes.
The introduction of our Zero.7 also marks the first implementation of an exclusive Wilier technology: S.E.I. (Special Elastic Infiltrated) Film. The injection of a proprietary viscoelastic film between the layers of carbon fiber increases vibration absorption and impact resistance, making the frame stronger and safer, and its ride more comfortable. S.E.I. has also enabled Wilier to shave weight, as the presence of this film reduces the need for intermediate modulus carbon.
Zero.7 takes full advantage of BB386EVO, a new integrated bottom bracket designed by Wilier in collaboration with FSA. The box containing the bottom bracket is wider and has a larger diameter than the traditional standards. The result is increased stiffness while enabling weight savings, which equates to better power transfer and efficiency.
The Zero.7’s tapered steerer tube (from 1 1/8” to 1 1/4”) further enhances front end stability, providing the perfect balance of lateral stiffness, comfort and precision handling. The combination of all these features makes for one thing: speed.
The Zero.7 utilizes the same 60 Ton carbon composition, ZnO nano resin technology and LIT bladder molding process as the Cento1 Superleggera for maximum material compaction and integrity.
The Zero.7 will initially be available in unique black carbon with red highlights, including customized component graphics. New Zero.7-specific geometry comes in six sizes, XS-S-M-L-XL-XXL. Weight: 799 grams, size M.
About S.E.I. FILM
S.E.I. (Special Elastic Integrated) Film, an exclusive viscoelastic material we insert between the Zero.7’s carbon layers, improves vibration dampening properties while making the frame more impact resistant.
In order to maximize efficiency through lateral stiffness, we utilize high modulus T60 carbon. At the same time, our frames must provide comfort to prevent vibration-induced fatigue. Wilier’s proprietary S.E.I. Film implementation has enabled us to preserve stiffness and efficiency while dampening vibration.
The use of viscoelastic film in carbon composites is already a proven technology in racket sports at the highest level, as well as in the aeronautical and automotive industries. The Zero.7 is evidence, once again, that a bike can be super-lightweight, laterally stiff and responsive, while providing all-day comfort to help riders of all levels perform at their very best.
About BB386EVO
Innovation in the bicycle industry has been marked in recent years by fuller integration and improved standards. The company’s Cento1 and Cento1 Superleggera models, used by WorldTour ProTeam Lampre-ISD, have featured a proprietary 93mm-wide oversize bottom bracket for enhanced lateral stiffness while providing integrated compatibility with all prominent cranksets.
Wilier Triestina has built on that original innovation through its development efforts with component manufacturer Full Speed Ahead (FSA), resulting in new bottom bracket standard BB386EVO. Wilier had once again sought a bottom bracket solution that would offer compatibility with the industry’s most prominent cranksets, while also facilitating integration of BB386EVO’s new oversize spindle design.
“The most significant benefits that BB386EVO have enabled in the design of the Zero.7 are a 30% increase in lateral stiffness while enabling a drastic reduction in weight,” explained Founder and President of Wilier Triestina USA, Angelo Cilli. “This is our lightest frame ever. The result is optimal pedaling efficiency and power transfer with “zero” wasted energy – hence the name,” he concluded
Wilier’s bottom bracket shell design is 86.5mm wide and boasts a diameter of 46mm. FSA’s crankset utilizes a 30mm-diameter alloy spindle which is now longer to satisfy the wider oversized bottom bracket shell.
Press-fit polymer bearings are utilized for precision installation of the crankset to ensure exact tolerances.
This FSA crankset offers maximum stiffness and function for the new Wilier bottom bracket system. However, as with our Imperiale, Cento1 and Cento1 Superleggera BB93 system, all major cranksets will be compatible with the Zero.7 via adapters. The FSA crank can also be used with a traditional 68mm-wide bottom bracket in conjunction with threaded cups.
“Results yielded in testing surprised even us,” explains Michele Gastaldello, head of research and development: “In the laboratory, stiffness in the Zero.7 bottom bracket area proved at least 30% superior to all of the standard BB30 systems we analyzed. The frame itself weighs less than 800 grams, so we are proud to announce the creation of a bike that will absolutely empower riders to conquer whatever challenges come their way.” |
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