Wilier

Wilier Cento10NDR Disc Brake Road Frameset

On modern road framesets, performance and comfort are starting to go more hand-in-hand. It used to be if you wanted to go fast, comfort took a back seat but look at how wider tires, and the wheels that go with them, have revolutionized the ability to go faster with less rolling resistance, no aero penalty, and offering a way smoother ride. TT bikes are no longer torture devices. Sure the positions are still aggressive, but materials, tube shapes, and integrated suspension systems have all made these bikes easier to ride faster and for longer. The engineers at Wilier take a crack at this more comfort = more speed approach with the 2018 Cento10NDR Disc Road Frameset. Its most notable feature is the new Actiflex system designed to take the edge off bumps and smooth out vibrations providing much-needed comfort on longer rides over rougher terrain.

The performance-oriented cyclist is always looking for a stiffer (laterally at least) and lighter frameset. To a certain extent, most newer frames achieve this stiffness to weight ratio quite well and now we are seeing comfort-oriented elements added to framesets to keep riders riding fresher for longer. Willier is urging riders to "ride faster and ride further" with the Cento10NDR and with the Actiflex rear suspension we think this frameset achieves the perfect balance of race performance and comfort.

The heart of the Actiflex system lives in the connection between the seattube and seatstays. Wilier engineered a strut that consists of an aluminum pivot and technopolymer damper. Aluminum is used to house the bushings that allow the movement and provide enough torsional stiffness so the rear end doesn’t flex under power. The technopolymer insert allows the strut to compress a few millimeters to soak up road imperfections. The frame is customizable with two other separately sold technopolymers. The frame ships with the medium insert, but the option of a softer or firmer version make it easy to adapt the suspension to your weight, terrain, and desired ride quality.

Wilier reckons you'll be riding this bike for long periods at a time so for the geometry, it focused on creating comfort here too with a slightly shorter and more upright riding position relative to other out-and-out race bikes. Please don't think this frameset can't be raced though. We wouldn't be surprised in the least if the Wilier Triestina - Selle Italia team led by Filippo Pozzato is riding this frameset during the cobbled classics.

Suspension aside, the other unique feature you'll notice on the frameset is the ability to work with both rim and disc brake systems. Got a perfectly good rim brake group and brakes but interested in maybe going disc later? Build up this frame now and source some wheels and disc brakes later when the funds or desire allow. Both frame and fork can accommodate flat mount disc calipers with up to 160 mm rotors as well as direct-mount rim brakes. The frameset comes set up for thru-axle us and quick-release dropouts are available separately. The Cento10NDR can handle wider road tires too, 28 millimeters when using rim brakes and 30 millimeters with discs.

Much like the Cento10AIR, this frame is all about integration as well. When using electronic shifting and hydraulic brakes and the Barra and Stemma cockpit, up to 3 pieces of housing can be routed directly through the stem and into the frame. This gives the front end an extremely clean look and provides superior aerodynamics.

Speaking of aerodynamics, Wilier didn't skimp out on giving the Cento10NDR some aero touches. The 10NDR mirrors the same Kamm tail design used on the 10AIR. The aero tube profile creates less turbulence letting you go faster with less effort, but unlike older aero designs, the rear sections of the tubes are truncated making it lighter, stiffer, and better able to cope with the wind at more yaw angles.

Even with all the tech, the Cento10NDR frame comes in at a very respectable 1,190 grams. This frameset comes in 6 sizes from XS-XXL, includes a Ritchey 27.2mm seatpost, and in the colors Blue/Red and Black/Red. It's ready for your existing parts or a fresh build.