What a blast: The Wilier Rave SLR ID2 in the TOUR test

​The Rave SLR, first unveiled to the public in 2021, was originally an exceptionally high-quality and remarkably sporty gravel bike. It was designed to perform equally well on both tarmac and gravel, and in a sense anticipated today’s trend of applying technology from professional road cycling to off-road riding. However, the concept of using a single bike for multiple scenarios did not quite pan out. The Rave was available with both 32-millimetre road tyres and 40-millimetre-wide off-road tyres. With the wide tyres, the bike handled, to put it mildly, in a rather idiosyncratic way. At the same time, the maximum tyre clearance of 40 millimetres was, even back then, severely limited compared to its competitors. With the new Rave SLR ID2, Wilier has now systematically addressed these criticisms. The bike is designed specifically for professional gravel races; its development was guided by the Dutch track and road cyclist Ivar Slik, who won the two most famous gravel races of 2022 – the Unbound and the Traka – on the first-generation Rave SLR. The objective can be summarised as follows: aerodynamics drawn from road cycling, optimum off-road capability and maximum riding enjoyment.

Sports car with tractor tyres

Visually, therefore, the new model bears little resemblance to its predecessor. The first thing that catches the eye are the thick tyres; the new Rave comes fitted as standard with 50-millimetre-thick tyres and, compared to the first generation, no longer looks like an elegant all-road bike with slightly wider tyres, but rather like a sports car with tractor tyres. The tube shapes have been aerodynamically optimised using CFD simulations, resulting in a striking resemblance to Wilier’s professional racing bike, the Filante – were it not for the monstrous wheels. Particularly striking is the aerodynamically shaped down tube; furthermore, the aero water bottles already familiar from the Filante are part of the design. However, they are sold as optional extras, and anyone who can do without them should give them a miss: with their narrow opening and lack of a base, the bottles aren’t really practical.

Low-set seat stays and a specially shaped seat tube are also designed to improve aerodynamics. The riding position undoubtedly classifies the Rave as a sports bike; the ‘comfort option’ offered by the previous model, which featured a special gravel cockpit, is no longer available. The upper body is stretched out, and the handlebars are narrow, so that your riding position is hardly any less sporty than on a professional road bike. That said, the riding position isn’t too extreme, and fit cyclists will feel comfortable even over long distances. With the 40-tooth chainring and the standard 13-speed cassette, there’s also a low gear ratio for steep climbs on board; the range is perfectly suited to amateur cyclists. Nevertheless, the Rave SLR ID2 is quite clearly a road bike designed for short, fast rides, rather than a comfort-oriented adventure bike. There are threads for a small top-tube bag and for a tool box under the down tube, but there is no storage compartment or mounts for attaching luggage.

Thrilling driving dynamics

Despite its opulent, aerodynamic frame design and generous tyre volume, the bike is still relatively light. Admittedly, the frame has put on a bit of weight – 120 grams, as the manufacturer admits – but the top-of-the-range spec of our test model, featuring SRAM Red 13-speed groupset and new Miche carbon wheels, more than makes up for it. Weighing just under eight kilograms, it isn’t one of the lightest, but it is certainly among the lighter gravel bikes of the current generation. At least when it comes to comparable tyre sizes, no competitor has so far been able to beat the Wilier. In terms of the other measurements, the Wilier sits firmly in the middle of the pack; the measured comfort of the frame set is good, but is more or less masked by the thick tyres. The frame’s stiffness, whilst not outstanding, should be a minor issue given the bike’s intended use. Beyond the test figures, however, some bikes simply surprise you with their excellent handling – and that’s exactly how we feel about the Wilier.

Naturally, the low weight really comes into its own off-road, particularly when there are frequent changes of pace and the bike needs to be handled with confidence. Above all, the carbon wheels – which are quite light by gravel bike standards – deliver a riding experience unlike anything we’ve encountered before. The Miche Graff Aero wheels, with 48-millimetre-high rims, have been specially developed for gravel racing; the 27-millimetre-wide hookless rim profile harmonises perfectly with the extra-wide Vittoria T50 tyres. Although we reduce the pressure to well below 1.5 bar, the tyres sit firmly and don’t feel squishy at all when cornering. At the same time, they absorb everything wonderfully; the tyres simply swallow up roots and stones, almost like a full-suspension bike. We find it remarkable that the bike can still accelerate so effortlessly and manoeuvre around or over obstacles with such ease. With its narrow handlebars and well-balanced riding position, the Rave always feels nimble despite the wide tyres. Wilier has also struck a good balance between agile handling and good straight-line stability at speed. It’s absolutely brilliant – it’s hard to imagine a more enjoyable ride. The bike also handles surprisingly well on tarmac. The tyres roll reasonably well, and the bike doesn’t feel sluggish at all when accelerating; it’s surprising how stable the tyres remain despite being slightly under-inflated.

Lots of fun, high prices

The Rave SLR ID2 is available in ten different specifications. Prices start at 4,400 euros, although the mechanical 12-speed GRX groupset from Shimano and basic aluminium wheels hardly do justice to the frame set. The weight of the entry-level model is stated as 9.5 kilograms. That said, there are no differences in frame quality, so there is scope for customisation. Electronic shifting becomes a reality with the GRX 1x12 Di2 from 4,900 euros, whilst the Miche carbon wheelsets are available from 6,600 euros. The top-of-the-range model features Campagnolo’s Super Record X 1x13 groupset and costs just over 10,000 euros. Overall, these are relatively high prices compared to the competition, especially as the power metre fitted to the test bike also comes at an extra cost. On the other hand, traditional Italian brands have always been a bit more expensive. And somehow it’s easier to accept when the bike is as well-made as it is in this case.