Contrary to the current trend in the bike industry of focussing on more suspension travel and downhill capability, Wilier Triestina has opted for a classic race hardtail. In terms of handling and weight, the Wilier USMA SLR is aimed at athletes who actually want to use the MTB in competition - or at least imagine doing so. According to the manufacturer, the frame of the USMA SLR weighs 850 grams - a considerable figure when compared with the current Cube C:62 frame which already weighs 1254 grams.
Wilier USMA: Lightweight carbon frame - but stiff?
Wilier states that the carbon fibre used in the USMA SLR - called HUS-MOD carbon - is the same as that used in its high-end road bike series. Stiffness is undoubtedly one of the most important criteria there. BIKE test of the Wilier URTA marathon fully On the other hand, we noticed that the twisting of the frame was a real minus point. Wilier at least states in its announcement of its new race hardtail that the USMA SLR frame was developed "with special attention to the tube crossing points" and that these have been reinforced. We will see if there has been any further development here.
The geometry of the Wilier USMA SLR has the following values in the specs: The 75° seat tube is designed to bring the rider into a position for constant propulsion. The steering angle is 67.75° - the reach for size M is 430 millimetres. In combination with a low bottom bracket, this should result in a central position on the bike and a low centre of gravity.
The rear triangle is kept short, with 425 mm chainstays, but with a wheel clearance that can accommodate tyres up to 2.4" (60 mm). The geometry of the Wilier USMA SLR is matched to a fork with 100 mm travel - which is a Fox 32 SC Float Factory in all model variants.
As with the Wilier Fully URTA SLR, there is an integrated handlebar/stem unit made of monocoque carbon from the more expensive XTR or XX1 equipment. On the one hand, the cockpit looks nice and clean. On the other hand, the frame appears to have a very visible empty opening on the head tube, while the shift and brake cables run together into the frame.
In terms of price, the Wilier USMA SLR is rather high-end
The cheapest version of the Wilier USMA SLR starts at 5100 euros and is equipped with a Shimano XT 12-speed drivetrain. A Sram GX AXS is available from 5900 euros. Both models have Miche 966 wheels. As all models are supplied with the same Fox suspension fork, they only differ in terms of the wheels (Miche 966, K4, K1) and the drivetrain: Shimano XT and XTR as well as Sram GX and Eagle XX1 - both as electronic AXS. From 6700 euros, the integrated handlebars are added to all of them.
The race hardtail will be available in two colours: glossy black with silver and the blue and matt black version shown in our pictures. We are not yet aware of the final weights or availability. More information on the new Wilier USMA SLR marathon hardtail can be found on the Website of the manufacturer.
Marc Strucken
Editor
