Product Information
Wilier Izoard XP Centaur. Save $1600!
- Italian flair without the price tag
- Sensational carbon frame with matching fork
- Campagnolo Centaur components for reliability
- 20 speed gears for all terrains
- Ride it. Race it. Love it.
Wilier and Campagnolo are both fiercly proud Italian companies and are near neighbours in the area of Vincenza in the cycling heartland of northern Italy. Both companies share a passion for style, innovation and perfection and so it is no surprise that a combination of a Wilier frame and a Campagnolo groupset is such an exquisite match. This is a collaboration that has seen Wilier riders from the Lampre team victorious many times, in the worlds biggest events such as the World Championships, the Giro d Italia and the Tour de France.
The advantage companies like Wilier have over many others is their ability to draw upon the experiences of these professional riders. To change this, to tweak that, to continue the evolutionary progression of the carbon road bike, with a flair and passion that just isn't present in many corporations where the bottom line is more important than the finish line.
Thanks to a strengthened Australian dollar corresponding with a price reduction from the factory, the Izoard XP is now a bike that can be seriously considered by riders who previously may have had to settle for something a little less exotic. Something beige. Going out to buy a bike with a mere $3,000 would usually see you going home with a Shimano 105 equipped bike, maybe Ultegra, but probably something just like half the other guys on the road out there. You probably wouldn't even consider it possible to obtain an iconic Italian brand, equipped with Campagnolo Centaur on such a beautiful carbon fibre frame.
Wilier, founded in 1906, has embraced the latest frame building materials and techniques to produce road racing frames that are equal to the best anywhere. A quick look at Wilier’s history will show that it has been a mainstay in professional racing, with Team Lampre, riding Wilier racking up an impressive line of victories on all types of terrain over the years.The Izoard weighs around 8kg all up, is well balanced, has very predictable handling and is comfortable to ride.The Izoard started life in 2009, and has had minor developmental improvements to make the 2011 model that little bit better. But, basically there was little to improve, so Wilier has been wise enough “to leave good enough alone.”
As you would expect from an Italian bike designed to be ridden under a wide variety of conditions, the Izoard has an impressive ability to combine speed and agility, yet provide a degree of comfort that less competitive riders will really appreciate. This has been achieved through a combination of frame lay-up, together with curved rear stays, designed to soak up much of the road impact. While it may not be the ideal choice if you want an armchair ride, if you are looking for a bike that you can ride for hours, without coming home feeling destroyed, yet still be competitive when your mates get a gleam in their eye, this is a great choice.
The 8kg weight helps here. The bike is not so light, that it feels twitchy and unstable, yet it is not heavy or sluggish. Wilier seem to have come up with a handling combination that impresses everyone. The top bar is shorter than most, but combined with a longer stem, it gives a nice balance. It certainly works very well, especially on longer rides. The steering responds well, and is always predictable, and the confidence it inspires will assist to produce quicker cornering times.
There is a Shimano Ultegra version at a few hundred less for those that prefer, but this bike is fitted with the renowned Campagnolo Centaur group-set with Campagnolo Scirocco G3 wheels. Centaur works really well. The changes are precise with positive levers and good, progressive braking. Campagnolo always produces long lasting equipment, but you will be pleased with how well it changes.
The Campagnolo Scirocco G3 wheels add to the great feel of this bike. The wheels have no noticeable flex, and again while there are lighter wheels out there, they add to this brilliant package, at a mere fraction of what you would expect to pay. Scirocco’s weigh around 1800grams, and are a very robust wheel set, due to Campagnolo’s G3 system. Normally a rear wheel , is never as strong as the front wheel because of the offset required for the cassette. Simply stated, with the G3 system, the rear wheel has twice as many spokes on the cassette side as the off-side to equalize the forces on the rim, and prevent buckling. The wheels are then fitted with standard high quality industrial bearings, which reduce friction and are inexpensive to replace. While the Scirocco’s are a good practical choice, there is also the side benefit that they look and feel superb.
So while the looks and heritage of the Wilier will draw admiring glances, and invite questions at most stops, it is going to be the ride that wins you over.
|
Size
|
L
|
H
|
C/C
|
A
|
H1
|
L1
|
A1
|
|
XS
|
51,50 |
47 |
41,6 |
74° 50' |
11 |
40,5 |
72° |
|
S
|
52,46 |
50 |
45,08 |
74° 50' |
11,5 |
40,5 |
72° |
|
M
|
53,80 |
53 |
47,04 |
74° 50' |
14,5 |
40,5 |
73° |
|
L
|
55,68 |
55 |
49,31 |
73° 50' |
16 |
40,5 |
73° |
|
XL
|
57,00 |
58 |
52,92 |
73° |
19,5 |
40,5 |
73° |
|
XXL
|
58,50 |
61 |
55,45 |
73° |
20 |
40,5 |
73° 50' |
| Colors |
White/Silver - White/Red |
| Fame data |
Carbonio Monoscocca |
| Frame weight |
1170 g |
| Fork |
Carbon |
| Fork weight |
490 g |
| Sizes |
XS-S-M-L-XL-XXL |
|
Wilier Monocoque System
Wilier Monocoque System: Wilier Triestina leverages the latest in carbon monocoque technologies to eliminate vulnerable areas and create frames that are lightweight, efficient and compliant
THE GEAR OF THE YEAR
The Izoard is one of the best bikes for the money - period. You get much more than you pay for, as evidenced by its prestigious award as Outside Magazine’s Gear of the Year. The Izoard is a performance machine that will give any rider more confidence in corners and on descents. One of the nicest things about the Izoard is that it looks as good or better than most bikes costing twice as much.
