Wilier

GTR Team Disc Ultegra Complete Road Bike - 2016

The 2016 Wilier GTR Team Disc Ultegra Complete Road Bike elevates the capabilities of endurance geometry to the point that we're comfortable labeling it equal parts race and recreation. While some of Wilier's more aggressive frames are stiffer or lighter than the GTR Disc, we're hard-pressed to think of one that's such a blast to ride in so many different situations. In addition to the upgrade to disc brakes and clearance for up to 28mm tires, the bike is powered by a Shimano drivetrain that's almost entirely composed of the latest Ultegra kit, rolls smoothly on a set of DT Swiss D24 Spinline hoops, and is blanketed with a matte, monochromatic colorway that's stealthily eye-catching.

We know that tossing around the word "endurance" in reference to frame geometry often conjures images of upright, boardwalk cruising or weekend charity sportives punctuated with frequent dismounts for trail mix and orange slices at volunteer-staffed rest stops. The GTR Team is happy to dabble in those more passive pastimes, but its take on "endurance" geometry actually falls between the comfort-focused machines produced by most manufacturers and the aggressive, stem-slammed race bikes populating criteriums the world over. The GTR geometry manages to feel at home in everything from circuit races to hill climbs to coffee shop loops, making it one of the most versatile endurance frames.

Compared to its lighter cousin, the GTR SL, the GTR Team Disc uses a slightly lower grade of carbon, with Wilier opting for a mix of 46/30t carbon fiber instead of the 60/40t blend found in the SL. That means the GTR Team requires a bit more material to hit the strength and stiffness numbers that we expect from the Italian firm, so the Team model's frame compromises a bit on weight but makes up for it with a significant reduction in cost.

In a signature Wilier design move, the GTR Team's head tube is built up with a squared shape for greater resistance to flex under hard torque and impeccable handling during fast, sweeping descents. Wilier calls the design Easy Drive, an appropriate title considering that the GTR Team practically feels like it's on auto-pilot while descending, sticking intuitively to lines through corners as though it's the one doing the driving. That precise front end is paired with a surface-smoothing, asymmetric rear triangle, which manages the torsional forces of braking and smooths out road noise to reduce rider fatigue while still boasting an oversized bottom bracket and chainstays for responsive power transfer.