After numerous delays due to supply issues, Wilier is introducing the latest model to its carbon fiber road bike lineup. Known as the GranTurismo SLR, the bike will be positioned as Wilier's endurance road bike.

However, unlike the brand's Filante SLR, a fully aero bike, or the Zero SLR, an all-rounder race bike, the new Granturismo SLR does not fit perfectly into the predefined "endurance bike" mold. Instead, Willières is attempting to blend features from elsewhere to carve out a new niche.

In recent months, many brands have done something similar by positioning their endurance bikes as "all-road" - the most recent example being Ridley Griffen - but Wilier has surprisingly taken the GranTurismo SLR in a completely different direction. Wilier describes the bike as "a racing bike designed for maximum performance and comfort."

With 32 mm tire clearance, the geometry is suited for endurance riding, but the use of high modulus carbon fiber and the emphasis on stiffness and responsiveness are the same as on the bikes used in racing.

The brand asks: "How many times has a cyclist ridden a pure racing bike with centimeter-long spacers on the head tube?" [9 Whether this is rhetoric or not, Willier thought the GranTurismo SLR was a better solution, giving it race-ready characteristics with a higher stack and shorter reach than the Zero and Philante. In Willier's words, this would "minimize postural stress" and "look more harmonious, well-rounded, and balanced while maintaining the racing character."

The heart of the new bike is a decoupler and elastomer called Actiflex 2.0. As its name suggests, this is the second iteration of the Actiflex previously featured on the Cento10 NDR; according to Wilier, it can provide up to 5 mm of vertical travel.

This works by connecting the seatstays to a pivot system built into the top tube. This position is new on the Actiflex 2.0, moving it forward from behind the seat tube to prevent splashing from the rear wheel. As before, it relies on chainstay flex, four bearings in the pivot system, and elastomers to dampen movement. On most models, this elastomer is a solid viscoelastic material, but the higher-end models with Dura-Ace, Super Record, and Slam Red will use a 3D-printed version that is 20 g lighter.

The race-oriented design of the GranTurismo SLR incorporates plenty of aerodynamic cues. However, aerodynamics is an important factor for racers and endurance riders. As a result, the GranTurismo SLR uses the Philante tube profile and also features Zero's integrated cockpit.

There is only one GranTurismo SLR frame available in a variety of specifications. As a result, this price range is far from inexpensive.

The entry-level model of this bike comes with a choice of Vision Trimax wheels and Sram Force AXS or Shimano Ultegra Di2 for €7,400; upgrade to Wilier SLR38KC wheels and the price jumps to €8,400 The price jumps to €8,400.

The price for the same Vision wheels on a Dura-Ace Di2-equipped frame is €9,300, while the equivalent model with Slam Red AXS wheels costs €10,200. Stepping up to Willières wheels would cost €10,200 and €11,200, respectively.

The top-of-the-line Campagnolo option, with Super Record EPS and Willières wheels, is a hefty €11,700.