Wilier Twin Blade W604IED (2015)

Our approach to aerodynamic design consists of seeing wind and airflow as allies. Our TwinBlade 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.Our proprietary Twin Fork was born of research and wind tunnel testing which have taught us that aerodynamic design is about much more than a bike’s frontal area. It’s really all about airflow management: developing a frame and fork capable of directing airflow through and around body parts as well as components and wheels.The most advanced aerodynamics and fluid dynamics studies have led us to measure turbulence in terms of resistance. That is why we chose to name the two airfoil elements that comprise the fork as “flow stabilizers”, each of which boasts an aerodynamic profile that diminishes air turbulence and directs passing airflow in an efficiently linear trajectory. Imagine a diver entering the water while attempting to generate as small a ripple effect or splash as possible. We’ve applied the same concept to frame and fork design, as well as to the combined bike-rider aerodynamic footprint. As a time trialist or triathlete penetrates the wind, the goal is to create as little turbulence as possible. Another benefit of our Twin Fork is the superior responsiveness and lateral stability it lends to the front end of the bike. By integrating handlebar and fork we can diminish the structural deformation and flex inherent in other, more conventional designs. Since a race against the clock or bike split can come down to the millisecond, every watt of power generated by an athlete must be efficiently transferred to the bike, especially when the rider stands on the pedals at the start, out of a corner, or on a climb. The Wilier Triestina Twin Fork represents the most advanced combination of stability and aerodynamics, with extremely low drag and low energy dissipation coefficients.We designed our TwinBlade brakes to be invisible to the wind. The front caliper adopts the profile of the fork itself, being assimilated into its aerodynamic footprint. The rear brake likewise assumes the aerodynamic lines of the frame, positioned below the chainstays at the bottom bracket. It is housed in a carbon cover which encases the caliper and cables, hiding the complete assembly from the wind. Both calipers are of the “V-brake” variety for smooth, powerful and modular braking.

In contrast to horizontal dropouts implemented in the design of many time trial and triathlon bikes, like those utilized for track bikes to fine-tune chain tension as well as tire distance from the seat tube, the TwinBlade boasts vertical dropouts. In working with ProTeam Lampre-ISD, we made the important decision to opt for vertical dropouts like those utilized on standard road bikes for ease of use, dependability and quick wheel changes.

In order to facilitate precise positioning of the front derailleur, we’ve designed an adjustment bolt accessible on the left side of the frame that enables orbital orientation. This means that not only can the front derailleur be adjusted to accommodate chainrings of various sizes; it can also be rotated and oriented around its own axis. By adding another element of adjustability, Wilier encourages the seamless use and integration of any type of crankset, chainring or rear derailleur, while promoting the smooth and precise functioning of these key components. This includes the use of oval chainrings.Our unique and proprietary seatpost binder assembly is fully integrated and housed within the frame, hiding it completely from the wind for optimal aerodynamics.