The recently launched Wilier Filante SLR ID2 has stirred excitement in the cycling community with claims of being the “fastest in the WorldTour landscape.” Launched in March 2025, the bike is touted as the pinnacle of Wilier’s racing technology. While the brand’s assertion that it represents the “ultimate evolution” of their racing bikes seems plausible, the challenge lies in verifying its speed against leading competitors.
Wilier claims that the Filante SLR ID2 outperforms five top-tier WorldTour bikes by an average of 2.42%. However, the specific competitors remain undisclosed, raising questions about the validity of this claim. Notable rivals include the Cervélo S5, Colnago Y1Rs, and Canyon Aeroad, all of which are established in the aero bike segment.
Despite its aerodynamic features, including a truncated aerofoil down tube and integrated aero bottles, the Filante’s design is more understated compared to its more aggressive competitors like the Ridley Noah Fast and Factor One. The visual aspects of the bike are modest, with a one-piece F-Bar ID2 cockpit and relatively standard 50mm wheels, leading some to question whether its performance will indeed match its bold claims.
To put the bike’s assertions to the test, the Cyclingnews tech team utilized the Silverstone Sports Engineering Hub wind tunnel to conduct rigorous evaluations. The tests involved comparing the Filante SLR ID2 against a benchmark bike, a 2015 Trek Emonda ALR, which has previously been assessed alongside other competitive models.
Testing Methodology and Results
The wind tunnel tests adhered to strict protocols established in previous studies, ensuring consistency and reliability. The Filante SLR ID2 underwent multiple tests, both with a rider and without, while maintaining a baseline measurement with the Trek Emonda ALR.
Each bike was assessed at a speed of 40 km/h across seven yaw angles, allowing for a comprehensive analysis of how they performed under varied wind conditions. Results indicated that the Filante SLR ID2 achieved a 34.54-watt saving against the Trek, placing it mid-table compared to industry competitors. Notably, it finished third in the rider-on-bike test, trailing only the Cervélo S5 and Factor One, while outperforming the Colnago Y1Rs and Specialized Tarmac SL8.
The results also highlighted that when paired with premium wheels, the Filante’s performance improved marginally, indicating that wheel choice can influence overall speed. The bike performed 1.04 watts better with the upgraded Enve wheels, suggesting that cyclists looking to enhance performance should consider their wheelset alongside the frame.
Conclusions on Performance and Market Impact
The data collected from the wind tunnel tests presents the Filante SLR ID2 as a competitive option in the high-performance cycling market. Although it did not decisively claim the title of the fastest bike in the WorldTour, its respectable third-place finish against formidable competition cannot be overlooked.
The implications for professional cyclists like David Gaudu and emerging talents such as Romain Grégoire could be significant, potentially influencing their performance in upcoming events. As the cycling community awaits further testing of other bikes, the Filante SLR ID2 demonstrates that speed does not always require dramatic design features, challenging traditional notions of what makes a bike fast.
In summary, while the Wilier Filante SLR ID2’s claims may be ambitious, its performance in controlled tests suggests it is a serious contender in the competitive cycling landscape.
