REVIEW.
It's hard to say categorically how successful each of these other attributes is, but there's no denying it's a very elegant frame. The top tube flows organically into the seatstays, which in turn gracefully sweep through carbon dropouts into the curved, asymmetrical chainstays. The front end is much more boxy and industrial looking, but equally attractive all the same.
Structurally, Wilier uses a more advanced moulding process - termed LiT - for the Superleggera frame, setting it apart from its previous best Cento Uno. Using highly pressurized silicone bladders in the moulding process maximises compaction and greatly reduces imperfections in the internal tube structure which, basically translated, means greater control over wall thickness, facilitating lighter weight while increasing strength.
frame : Super High Modulus 46 and 60 ton Monocoque Carbon.
Fork : Custom Wilier Monocoque.
Headset : Wilier Integrated.
Seatpost : Ritchey Stubby - Integrated Mast.
Front Derailleur : Braze-On Required.
BB Type : BB94.
Frame Weight (appr.)
. xEOL .920 grams.
Identical to the Cento1 in form and technical characteristics, Wilier has utilized the potential of carbon materials to reduce the weight of the Cento1 Superleggera while ensuring the ride quality, efficiency and durability of a bike capable of taking both gold and silver medals at the World Championships.
CARBON 60 TON.
The carbon fiber composition of the Cento1 SL is all about optimal balance to achieve optimum performance. By studying the areas of a frame that experience the highest levels of stress, Wilier implemented the use of T60 carbon which has the capability to withstand 60 tons of pressure per square millimeter! Then they used slightly more pliable carbons T46 and T30 in the remaining areas of the frame to ensure vertical compliance. Wiliers predominant use of T60 and T46 enabled us to use less material to save weight while preserving ideal characteristics of strength and lateral stiffness.
NANOPARTICLE ZnO RESIN.
What Wilier commonly refer to as" "carbon" is in actuality a composite of fibers and epoxy resin. The resin's function is to join and bond the fibers, as well as protect the overall structure from external forces. In order to strengthen the potential points of weakness that exist in the micro-spaces in between the fibers, Wilier utilizes an ultra low density nanoparticle Zinc Oxide resin. This results in a frame with higher impact resistance with no increase in weight.
CARBON 3D SPECIAL WEAVE.
Wilier calls the Cento1 SL's final woven layer of "skin" Carbon 3D Special Weave, which consists of a three dimensional carbon fiber weave that increases the frame's ability to dampen vibrations. This increases comfort, especially over longer distances, balancing the frame's stiffness characteristics provided by T60.
CNC OVERSIZE BOTTOM BRACKET.
In order to minimize the weight of their high-precision integrated bottom bracket, Wilier has more elaborately CNC-machined the internal alloy sleeve, reducing its weight by 18 %.
xBL.IN-MOLD CUPS.
Wilier has reduced weight at the head tube by substituting aluminum cups with "in-mold" carbon cups with no bonding or joints.
MICRO THIN CLEAR COAT.
Wiliers quest for minimal weight led to the implementation of a micro-thin clear coat to show off the beauty of the Cento1 SL's "skin" while providing a uniform and resilient layer of final protection.
The result of all this R&D? All the performance you expect from a Cento1... minus 130 grams! .
xBL.SWING-ARM INTEGRATED DESIGN.
The construction of the rear triangle is now more fully integrated, taking advantage of the capabilities and characteristics of this kind of high modulus prepreg carbon fiber. Chainstays and seatstays are now continuous ; instead of conventional conjoining of stays at a sharp angle, with dropouts serving as the point of contact, the Cento1 stays curved at a more gradual angle to dampen and dissipate road surface impacts and vibrations.
ASYMMETRICAL CHAINSTAYS.
The chainstays are asymmetrical, with the drive side stays differing from the non-drive side based on the forces applied to a frame during power transfer.
INTEGRATED DROPOUT.
Carbon dropouts now extend from the continuous stays, as if suspended from above, and the seatstays are joined behind the seat tube for additional rear triangle stability.
INTEGRATED SEATMAST.
The Cento1 boasts an integrated seatpost (or seatmast) to be used in conjunction with specially designed Ritchey seat clamp. Benefits of this system include an extremely responsive overall ride, where the rider feels connected to the frame, encouraging that "oneness" with a bike that every cyclist seeks. A unique feature of the Cento1's system is the internal diameter of the extended seatpost, making it possible for a qualified mechanic to retro-fit the seat tube to work with a conventional 31.6 mm diameter seatpost by cutting it down to a more traditional height.
BB94 OVERSIZE BOTTOM BRACKET.
One of the salient features of the Wilier Triestina Cento1 is its oversized bottom bracket shell. Their design does away with the need for externally-mounted bearing cups, integrating seamlessly with the most popular cranksets. Campagnolo and Fulcrum crank assemblies fit right into the bottom bracket shell, while compatibility with other prominent brands is accommodated by bearings, which install right into the frame. Bearings for Shimano are provided as part of the frameset kit. Bearings for SRAM and FSA (non-ceramic bearing models only) can be purchased separately for a modest price.
HEAD TUBE AND MAIN TRIANGLE.
Building on the tubing innovations of its most recent carbon designs, the Cento1's top and down tubes draw stability from oversized, thin-walled tubing that is squared at the head tube and gradually rounded as it extends toward the seat tube and bottom bracket. The Cento1's head tube is round at the top, and then gently squared at the bottom to interface with the proprietary fork crown, which as pointed out in previous discussions, has been bulked up and squared off for increased stiffness. That stiffness enhances steerability, as well as stability when climbing or sprinting out of the saddle.