We test the Wilier Usma SLR: extreme lightness to enjoy the most original MTB
In recent years, Cross Country full suspension bikes have evolved so much that they seem to win the eternal battle against hardtails, but suddenly, a model like the Wilier Usma SLR appears and makes us rethink the question.
A modern hardtail camouflaged under classic lines. We had the opportunity to thoroughly test one of the lightest and fastest bikes on the market.
Wilier Usma SLR: 850 grams of the finest carbon fiber
Wilier has developed its Usma SLR model with the premise of achieving extreme lightness, and they have certainly succeeded. The brand announces a weight of 850 grams for the frame, in size M and painted.
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For the construction they have relied on HUS-MOD carbon fiber, which is the same carbon they use in their renowned high-end road range. It consists of a blend of the highest quality fibers combined with multi-directional fibers that provide high strength.
With the specific stresses of an MTB in mind, the tube joints have been reinforced.
In an attempt to improve the weight-to-stiffness ratio as much as possible, all tubes have been designed with rounded shapes. This does not mean that they are completely round, as each tube has its own specific shape depending on its task, but they lack edges, showing smooth lines all along the frame.
But this is not just a lightweight frame. It has other attributes that make it special.
This is a legendary Italian brand with more than 100 years of history, which may lead us to think that it will be a conservative bike in terms of geometry and advances, but nothing could be further from the truth. Its geometry is one of the most modern we can find today in a hardtail.
Based on the 100 mm travel fork, it has a head angle of 67.75°, which indicates that it is not only intended to be a good climber.
Its saddle angle is 75°, in line with the latest trend of placing the rider well above the bottom bracket to improve power transmission.
The reach measures 430 mm in size M, a generous size too, in line with what is currently seen, but it does not get to radical values as we see in some pictures.
Where an effort has been made is in shortening the rear triangle as much as possible, in search of greater agility. They have managed to leave the size at 425mm, which is quite an achievement considering that this was a fairly standard size for a 26" wheel. In addition, they have done so leaving enough wheel clearance to use tires up to 2.4", like those mounted on the standard model.
The above measurements result in a long wheelbase, but more restrained than other bikes with modern geometries. In size M the length is 1120 mm.
Looking at the lines of the frame, we see that to make room for the rear wheel, the down tube is flattened and curved slightly at the bottom. It gives us the feeling that it may have a dual purpose, also seeking some flex to absorb irregularities. In addition, the 27.2 mm diameter for the seatpost offers advantages in the same sense.
Otherwise, the frame has sleek lines and follows the latest standards, such as the flat mount rear brake system, used on the road but increasingly common on cross country bikes. It also uses the Sram UDH derailleur hanger, which ensures future compatibility and makes it easier to find a replacement in case of breakage.
The cable routing is internal, as it could not be otherwise, but they have not been complicated looking for the entry through the stem, rather they enter through the area of the head tube. In our case only one brake hose runs through the frame, but it is prepared to guide even the cable of a dropper seatpost if we decide to mount it.
As for the bottom bracket, although many brands have returned to the threaded system, the Wilier Usma still relies on the Press Fit.
Luxury construction in the pursuit of lightweight and performance
Wilier has paired its Usma SLR frame with the most exclusive components in an effort to keep weight as low as possible, but without compromising reliability and performance.
The first example of this is in the fork, as the chosen one is the Fox 32 StepCast Factory Kashima.
In times when it is increasingly common to equip XCO bikes with very robust (and heavier) forks, the Fox 32 StepCast is still the perfect choice if you want to keep the weight down, and there is no loss in performance, as its stiffness is more than adequate for an XCO and its performance is among the best on the market, with efficient adjustments and outstanding sensitivity and absorption.
The wheelset mounted on the Wilier Usma SLR is the most luxurious. It is the Miche K1 Carbon. They have striking hubs with the central part of the body made of carbon fiber, straight pull anchoring for the spokes (24 both front and rear), and asymmetrical construction carbon rims with an inner width of 27mm. These wheels combine a very light weight, under 1400g, a striking aesthetic and high reliability, proven in competition.
On the Miche K1 Carbon are mounted Pirelli Scorpion XC RC Lite tyres, in 2.4" size. And it has caught our attention the standard mounting of a rim protector on the rear wheel, from the Andreani brand.
Continuing the Usma's exquisite set-up, we have the most exclusive groupset on the market today. The Sram XX1 Eagle AXS is mounted on the entire drivetrain, with its eye-catching 10-52 Rainbow-finish cassette combined with a 32-tooth chainring. On this type of race-oriented bike we would have chosen a 34 chainring and 10-50 cassette, which in our opinion has a better stagger.
Braking is entrusted to Shimano XTR brakes, whose reliability and efficiency are more than proven, as well as their light weight.
On both wheels it mounts 160mm discs, with the intention of saving a few grams with respect to the use of a 180mm front disc, which is currently more common in MTB.
In the cockpit we find another of the most attractive components of the Usma SLR. This is the Wilier Urta integrated handlebar and stem set, made of carbon fiber and with striking shapes that give a great aesthetic appeal to the bike. In addition, the top of the headset and the spacers have the same shape as the stem, giving a look of maximum integration.
We liked the fitment of silicone Esi Grips, which are lighter and much more comfortable than the typical lock-on grips that come standard on most bikes. Rounding out the setup are a Ritchey carbon seatpost and a Selle Italia X-LR saddle.
In addition, a side-entry carbon bottle cage, manufactured by Elite and customized for Wilier, is mounted on the bike.
Testing the Wilier Usma SLR
Used to full suspension, with more or less complex systems, it is always a breath of fresh air to return to the simplicity, however apparent, of pure MTB and to realize once again that no matter how much suspension systems evolve, hardtails will continue to have something to say.
Being a classic Italian brand, we expected a lot of sobriety in its lines, and although it does not have any groundbreaking details, it does have some striking shapes. What most caught our attention was its seat tube. Its shape seems to be designed both to leave space for the rear wheel and to allow some absorption. In its lower part it flattens laterally and makes a slight curve.
The top tube is also flattened where it meets the seat tube and becomes quite flat. The 27.2 carbon seatpost also favors the absorption, to the point that putting our weight at a standstill, we clearly observe a slight flex, which augurs comfort on the move.
Despite having 425mm chainstays and 2.4" tires, it has a fairly loose wheel arch, especially at the top of the tyre. Between the sides and the chainstays there is not so much space, but it seems to us enough and, in fact, during our tests we had to check it, since we had quite muddy days and we did not have the slightest problem.
Its low weight was something that also impressed us a lot. We expected it to be light, seeing how it was assembled, but when we lifted it, it exceeded our expectations. We quickly put it on our scales and, without pedals, it weighed 8.69kg. An extraordinary figure, especially considering that it has a rim protector mouse on the rear wheel.
After making the basic adjustments we got on the Wilier Usma SLR to see how it felt.
As for the position, we found it to be quite balanced. Its reach is not exaggerated, but it does not mount a stem as short as it is currently seen, its integrated cockpit has an angle of -17º and, although its stem size is 75mm, the shapes of the set are equivalent to a traditional stem somewhat longer, which makes us go in attack position.
The 75° seat tube angle positions us well forward but not too much. That makes us ready to face any climb with the feeling that we will be able to transmit all our strength in the most efficient way, but without harming the natural position to flatten.
At the beginning, riding on asphalt, we could see how incredibly reactive it is. This is not only due to its lightness, but we could see that in areas where stiffness is required, the Wilier is well served.
The Fox 32 Factory comes with a two-position remote and full lockout. We couldn't help but make countless accelerations, as this bike is a pleasure to ride. It transmits every watt we bring to the wheel without leaving anything behind. Also the wheels, in this section, contribute a lot to these sensations, thanks to their combination, once again, of lightness and stiffness.
The fastest Wilier is a winner on all terrains
When we left the asphalt and got onto more or less uneven trails, the Wilier Usma really started to surprise us. There is a clear feeling of shock absorption. This is due to the frame, its 27.2 seatpost, and the generous ballooning of its tyres. Everything together offers us a comfort that we did not expect, to the point of being able to keep pedaling in areas where with other hardtails we would have to get out of the saddle.
Riding on trails we can reach high speeds and maintain them with very little effort. Our position on the bike and the extreme lightness and reactivity make it an easy task.
The 2.4" tyres, once again, prove their effectiveness. The thought that a narrow tyre and high pressures were the best for riding is a thing of the past. The combination of a rim with sufficient internal width, accompanied by a tyre with a rolling tread and generous ballooning, provides a comfortable and easy ride using low pressures, and on the Wilier we can confirm this once again.
The Wilier Usma SLR stands out the most on uphills. In these circumstances it brings out its full potential, its lightness gains prominence and its pedaling effectiveness propels us to a speed that surprises us ourselves. Even on somewhat uneven terrain it defends itself really well thanks to the aforementioned absorption.
When the climbs are on very broken terrain we do notice that we do not have the same traction as with a full mountain bike, but its agility and lightness compensates to some extent.
But a Cross Country also has to defend itself well on all kinds of downhills and the Usma has a geometry that seeks to improve this aspect.
Going down at high speeds we felt very confident on the Usma. Its steering is very stable and it gives us the feeling of having a fairly low center of gravity and also the tyres give us the necessary confidence, despite having a very rolling tread.
On more technical trails is where we can find limitations in the Usma with respect to more downhill full mountain bikes, but even so it defends itself quite well thanks to the launch of its steering and the absorption of the Fox 32 that, although with only 100mm of travel, its performance is very good and gives us confidence.
In very twisty areas plays in its favor a not too long wheelbase. This fact, coupled with its tremendous lightweight, facilitates the entry into each curve and with a small gesture is enough to place the bike.
As for the performance of the components there is little to say that we have not said in many other tests. The Sram XX1 AXS has a flawless performance and the absence of cables seems to us a great advance, we would only have chosen the 10-50 cassette instead of the 10-52 that mounts, as it seems to us a better option, and perhaps a 34 chainring thinking that this bike is designed for competition or demanding use.
The Shimano XTR brakes offer excellent reliability and power, although a 180mm disc on the front wheel would offer a little more bite at the cost of a few grams.
Final conclusion
During all the time we have been able to enjoy the Wilier Usma SLR, we have once again found the pleasure of riding a hardtail, with all that entails in terms of sensations. But one of the biggest surprises that the Usma has given us is the comfort it has offered us on the road, to the point that we see it as an excellent candidate for Marathon events, where it is usually thought that a full is preferable because of its duration, but in the Wilier Usma SLR we have spent hours pedaling without discomfort or greater fatigue than those of the effort in pedaling. So, for anyone looking for a very efficient, super-light, yet reliable bike. The Wilier Usma SLR is a candidate to take into account.
The Usma SLR is offered in a multitude of set-up combinations, with a choice of the Fox fork we tested or the top-of-the-line Rock Shox range. There's also a choice of Sram or Shimano groupsets and three Miche wheel options. In total there are 20 versions, in addition to the single frame.
The version we tested is the most exclusive and is priced at €9,700. The entry price to the range is € 5,100 and mounts a Shimano XT groupset and Miche 966 wheels and the option to choose the Fox fork tested here or the SID SL Ultimate.
The frame can be purchased separately for a price of €2,800.
Wilier Usma SLR E330BCKK version: specifications, weight and price
- Frame: Usma Carbon Monocoque HUS-MOD
- Fork: Fox 32 StepCast Factory Kashima, 100mm
- Handlebar: Wilier Urta integrated carbon bar
- Wheels: Miche K1 Carbon
- Tyres: Pirelli Scorpion XC RC Lite 29x2,4”
- Rear derailleur: Sram XX1 AXS
- Shifter: Sram XX1 AXS
- Cassette: Sram Eagle XX1 10-52
- Chain: Sram Eagle XX1
- Crankset: Sram Eagle XX1 32T
- Brakes: Shimano XTR BR-M9100
- Seatpost: Ritchey Carbon
- Saddle: Selle Italia X-LR
- Weight: 8.69kg
- Price: €9,700
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