Wilier claims that its new Supersonica SLR time trial bike was 16 per cent more aero than its previous time trial bike, the Turbine, when it tested the new bike at 50km/h wind speeds in the Silverstone Sports Engineering Hub wind tunnel, where Cyclingnews has tested aero road wheels and road helmets.
The new bike has been developed alongside Swiss time trial champion Stefan Küng of the Groupama-FDJ pro team. The whole project has taken just nine months, including over 50 hours of CFD computer simulations, 30 hours of testing of 3D printed mock-ups in the wind tunnel, and the production of two prototypes. The Supersonica SLR has also been let loose in the Tissot Velodrome in Switzerland and on the roads of Belgium.
It’s the first bike that’s been developed by Wilier together with Groupama-FDJ since it took over from Lapierre as the team’s bike sponsor, although it’s clear that the change of bike provider to the team was in the works long before the official announcement in December 2023. Wilier has also been supplying Astana-Qazaqstan with its bikes since 2020.
Developments from the Turbine include an updated geometry, greater rigidity and an updated bar design, Wilier says. It doesn't provide any raw data to back up its aero claims.
Non-pro riders can have their extensions customised to their measurements just like the pros, with Wilier offering a service based on an optical scan of the rider’s forearms. They can then choose between carbon or 3D-printed titanium extensions. The frame is also compatible with Profile Design aerobars.
Other features of the new bike include an integrated seat mast with adjustable saddle rails, 28mm tyre clearance, a removable front mech hanger and a bayonet-style fork mount with 1 1/8in bearings and an anti-rotation system. The frame is UCI legal.
Options and prices
The Wilier Supersonica SLR is available to buy as a frame kit priced at €9,000. A Dura-Ace build with Miche lenticular disc rear wheel and tri-spoke front with Profile Design ACS PRO extensions is priced at €20,500. Add on custom extensions and the price is €27,400.
For the moment, the bike is only available in size L/XL, as it’s built to fit Küng, but Wilier promises that two more sizes, XS/S and M, will be available in early 2025.
The bike’s first outing is planned for the opening stage 4.8km time trial at the Tour de Suisse today.
