The first mullet TT bike?

This competition is now closed

Wilier has revealed the Turbine SLR, a prototype lightweight time trial bike that combines the front end of its Turbine time trial bike with a road bike-like rear end. This new design is said to cut 300g from frame weight compared to the outgoing frame.

As a result of this weight saving, Wilier claims the bike is “much faster on roads with slopes and continuous changes of direction”, such as those found in the 2022 Giro d’Italia’s two time trials.

Wilier says “less weight means greater acceleration” and notes this is a characteristic its sponsored WorldTour team, Team Astana – Qazaqstan puts a lot of emphasis on.

The front end of the Turbine SLR remains almost unchanged compared to the existing Turbine, with an aerodynamic hinged fork and a large, truncated aerofoil downtube.

The same impressively clean cockpit is also featured on the new bike, though the pictured rider, Vincenzo Nibali, makes use of what appear to be custom made carbon fibre time trial extensions.

These are almost certainly not something we can expect to see specced as a stock on consumer bikes.

The rear of the frame sees significant changes, however.

The seat tube, seat post, seat stays and chainstays have all been significantly slimmed down.

The small, truncated aerofoil tube shapes found on this end of the bike are similar to those on Wilier’s Filante SLR aero road bike.

Pictures also show the Wilier Turbine SLR shod with tubular versions of its Corima wheels. This runs contrary to the wider trend towards using tubeless tyres across the professional peloton, but is presumably a decision based on further minimising the overall weight of the bike.

Interestingly, the specification and pictures given by Wilier also show an aerodynamically optimised version of the CeramicSpeed OSPW system, with a carbon fairing covering the pulley wheels section of the rear derailleur cage.

Simon von Bromley is a senior technical writer for BikeRadar.com. Simon joined BikeRadar in 2020, but has been riding bikes all his life, and racing road and time trial bikes for over a decade. As a person of little physical talent, he has a keen interest in any tech which can help him ride faster and is obsessed with the tiniest details. Simon writes reviews and features on power meters, smart trainers, aerodynamic bikes and kit, and nerdy topics like chain lubricants, tyres and pro bike tech. Simon also makes regular appearances on the BikeRadar Podcast and BikeRadar’s YouTube channel. Before joining BikeRadar, Simon was a freelance writer and photographer, with work published on BikeRadar.com, Cyclingnews.com and in CyclingPlus magazine. You can follow Simon on Twitter or Instagram.

Pre Order the Official Tour De France Race Guide 2022

From £10.99 including free delivery to any UK address*

*Offer is available for UK residents only

Get a pair of Madison Flux shorts when you subscribe

Plus, save 25% off the shop price! 

Sign up to receive our newsletter!

Thanks! You've been subscribed to our newsletter.

Already have an account with us? Sign in to manage your newsletter preferences

By entering your details, you are agreeing to BikeRadar terms and conditions and privacy policy. You can unsubscribe at any time.

Get a pair of Madison Flux Shorts when you subscribe to Mountain Biking UK today!

Special Spring Savings | Get 6 issues for just £9.99, saving 67%