Wilier Triestina: Cento1 SR Carbon

At a certain price, nearly every carbon bike is stiff, fast, and lets you slice turns. But with so many great bikes, it can be difficult to tell one model from its peers. So we wondered if the Cento1 (pronounced “Chento uno”) would be memorable. It was.

Wilier claims that the Cento1’s redesigned frame is 55 grams lighter (995 grams) and stiffer than the previous version. The bike is built from 60-ton carbon, which is lighter, letting designers increase the size of most frame tubes. The fork and seat tube both have truncated Kamm-tail shapes that Wilier says improve aerodynamics ­(although it did not back this claim with data). The frame has internal routing for mechanical or electronic groups. The geometry also became racier.

On the road, the Cento1 revealed an intriguing personality that’s rooted in its skeletal minimalism. There’s a sensation of stored energy; the bike prowls down the road like a cat, ready to pounce or flee at the slightest provocation, and it’s surprisingly fluid on rough pavement, thanks to a fork that’s just slightly softer than the frame. That did mean steering was less precise than on some models, but it all combines to lift the Cento1 far above the average.

The bike has an eye-catching shape, but I wished there were fewer decals calling out design details.

The bike comes built with Campagnolo’s Chorus 11 group—whose performance is indistinguishable from the much pricier (and lighter) Record or Super Record—a set of smooth-riding Fulcrum aluminum clincher wheels, and a solid cockpit, all for $5,600 dollars. As mature as carbon bikes have become, the Cento1 shows that there’s still room for personality.

Product Features

• Sizes: XS, S, M (tested), L, XL, XXL
• Frame: Wilier carbon monocoque, tapered head tube, internal cable routing, electronic ready, BB386EVO
• Fork: Wilier carbon monocoque
• Component Highlights: Campagnolo Chorus levers, derailleurs, brakes, cassette; Fulcrum Racing 4 wheels
• Info: wilier-usa.com
• Buy it if: You’re looking for a fast bike with a distinct identity.