Wilier Gran Turismo 2013 - opinions wanted

Ahh, completely understandable. Hope the insurance settlement comes through for you!! Keep us updated!

In general I think the components on it are up to the level of the bike. This might just have been mine, but I got the older (better) Ultrashift Athena shifters instead of the up to date ones which are only Powershift which was a nice bonus.

I'm afraid I can't comment on the wheels. Originally I was planning to buy a frame and build a bike so I had already purchased a set of Ksyrium Elites which went straight onto it and I sold the Fulcrum R3s. However, I think a lot of people would see that as a sidegrade (there's a lot of threads on the net comparing them). Likewise, can't comment on the tyres, but that's something that needs changing on a lot of stock bikes...

Aside from that the only component I've changed so far is the saddle (I really don't get on with anything without a cutout) and there I have no plans to change anything else. I've done about 600k so far.

Have you managed to ride it?

Hi there,

I know I've commented on your previous post about this bike, but since I own the 2013 GT I thought I'd add some more here that could help you decide.

When I was trying to decide which bike to buy I test rode the Izoard XP (can't remember which groupset) as my LBS couldn't get hold of a GT in my size for me to test and I'd agree very much with what Niall says. The ride on the Izoard is smoother. However I wouldn't say it's harsh on the GT. I did 100 miles on it last weekend on the north east's dodgy roads and didn't notice it by the end. The tradeoff with that extra stiffness is that there's great power transfer. The bike just wants to go, and if you attack short sharp hills you just fly up them. If you believe Strava, I'm definitely finding I ride faster on this bike than I thought I could.

When I was buying it the guy at the bike shop was telling me how he'd had a Trek Madone and had changed to a GT as he thought the frame and the handling was better. I presumed this was just sales talk until I realised that the Madone he was talking about was a far more expensive bike so he was actually talking himself out of more money!(although my heart was already set on the Wilier by this point)

The only real complaint I've had so far is that the internal cables do tend to rattle when you are in the slackest position on the shifter. However, I've not tried to fix this yet, and I'm pretty sure with some well placed rubber donuts or some cable sheathing it shouldn't be too hard.

Others may disagree but in my view it fulfils both of your "fast and good handling" criteria. Happy to help if you have any specific questions.

Hello - I work in a bike shop and have done for many a year, putting me in a lovely position to try out some cracking bikes, so like to think I'm pretty clued up as to what makes a nice bike... or at least a bike that I like.

Anyway - long story short... I wanted to try something Italian, a bit different and beautiful looking whilst having my first foray in to Campag so earlier this year I traded in my Focus Izalco Pro for a Wilier Izoard XP with carbon Centaur.
All I can say is that it's bloody lovely and a Wilier would be among my first recommendations for anyone who came to me with the criteria you've got.

It's all about the frames with Wilier - the Izoard has been perfect for what I wanted... something that was snappy, tracked corners well when going quick and was comfy enough to chuck some long rides in on (sad to say I haven't achieved many!). It also just looks the nuts and gets comments left-right-and centre.
Gran Turismos are that bit lighter and stiffer to ride, noticeably at the BB but also (and somewhat unfortunately) in the rear stays translating to a bit of a more uncomfy ride than what I'd come to love form the Izoard. Still a winner of a bike though and they just look awesome!

I'm actually about to put mine up for sale as it's time to change (I'm going to be going with another Wilier infact - one of the new Zero9s) so if you'd be interested in a beautifully looked after Izoard XP with carbon Centaur that's well under 1 year old then let me know. My Twitter handle is @NiallRussell if you want to check I'm a real human being - otherwise drop me an email at nug8321 [at] hotmail.com.

Best of luck!
Niall