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Whether you’re after a high-end aero race bike, a gravel racer, or an endurance bike – or just like looking at some seriously expensive bikes – our reviewers have been testing some of the latest models from Wilier, Merida, Specialized, BMC, and 3T. Here’s what we’re riding right now, with full reviews coming soon…
Wilier Filante SLR ID2 SRAM Red AXS (€12,900)
Wilier has turned up the aero performance with its new Filante SLR ID2, claiming a 13.6% reduction in drag compared with the top-level Filante SLR.
The bike gets a redesigned frame and fork, an updated bar/stem, and a new bottle-and-mount system said to “function as a veritable spoiler”. Wilier has also slightly lengthened the rear triangle, with space for tyres up to 34mm.
We have this SRAM Red AXS build in for review, in a striking colourway, equipped with Miche Kleos RD 50 wheels. As you’d expect from an aero-focused machine, weight savings weren’t the main goal and our complete bike comes in at 7,240g.
3T Racemax2 Italia (£8,763)
3T’s Racemax2Italia is built for gravel racers, featuring the brand’s Jazz Carbon frame with integrated storage and a UDH-compatible dropout.
This high-end build pairs Shimano GRX Di2 12-speed 2x with 3T’s Discus 45|40 LTD carbon wheels and Schwalbe G-One RS 45mm tyres.
Finishing touches are mostly 3T, including the Aeroghiaia Integrale LTD bar, More stem with bike computer mount, and Racemax seatpost with integrated light. Available in four colours and four sizes (S–XL), check back soon for Stu’s full review.
Merida Mission 9000 (£5,000)
We have another gravel bike in for testing and this time it’s from the German brand Merida. Confirmed by Matej Mohorič ahead of its launch, the Mission was designed for faster, “European-style” gravel racing.
The Mission 9000 has the SRAM Force XPLR 13-speed groupset with powermeter and Zipp 303 XPLR wheels, though the Mission range starts at £2,250.The frame accommodates tyres up to 40mm, which isn’t as generous as Merida’s Silex gravel bike, but makes sense given the Mission’s focus on speed.
Specialized Tarmac SL8 Comp Di2 (£3,599)
After testing the Specialized Tarmac SL8 Expert earlier this year, we now have the lower-tier Tarmac SL8 Comp Di2 in for review. Like the Expert, the Comp uses 10R carbon, with the main differences lying in the groupset and wheels.
If chasing every gram isn’t a priority, and coming in only around 500g heavier than the Expert model, the Comp is eqipped with Shimano 105 Di2 12-speed and DT Swiss R470 aluminium wheels. Liam’s full review will be up on the site soon.
Buy from Specialized for £3,599
BMC Roadmachine 01 Three (€7,999)
It’s been a while since we’ve reviewed a BMC road bike and Stu is now testing the Roadmachine 01 Three, which the Swiss brand says combines speed, comfort, and all-road versatility.
The Roadmachine 01 comes in four levels, with the flagship as level one and the lower tier asfour. All frames use the same premium 01-grade carbon but there are differences in the wheels, groupset and cockpit.
Our test bike features a SRAM Force AXS groupset with power meter, CRD-321 Carbon wheels, and BMC’s ICS2 | Integrated Cockpit System. It also includes downtube storage and an integrated rear light.
For all the latest full test reports on road.cc, head over to our reviews section. For more advice before splashing the cash you can check out our buyer’s guides, and head over to road.cc Recommends to find all our top-rated products in one place.
1 thought on “Aero race bikes, gravel races bike and endurance bikes! Five cool things coming soon from Specialized, BMC, Wilier, Merida and 3T”
That Merida Mission looks
That Merida Mission looks like the perfect winter bike. Mudguard mounts, sporty but not too aggressive geometry, ample tyre clearance and in-frame storage! Sensible 27.2mm seatpost, fully internal cabling. The lowest spec is £2250 and has the same frame as the top model. It’s actually pretty good value too.