Wilier Rave
Best Suitable For:
Category Performance Ratings:
Expert Reviews of the Wilier Rave:
Expert Rating: 9.5 ( 3 Reviews )
9.4
GCN Tech
Sep 27, 2023
The Wilier Rave is praised for its versatility, with a single frame set that can be configured for both road and gravel riding.
9.7
David Arthur - Just Ride Bikes
Sep 27, 2023
The Wilier Rave SLR series is positioned as a top contender in the gravel race category, offering a blend of speed, aerodynamics, and handling performance
9.3
Lawrence Carpenter
Sep 27, 2023
The Wilier Rave SLR is presented as a versatile bike that caters to racing enthusiasts, combining elements of speed and race design with a gravel-specific setup. While it may lack some bikepacking-specific features, it's positioned as an excellent choice for riders seeking a fast and responsive gravel bike.
After watching three Youtube videos from the experts, here’s what I learned about the impressive Wilier Rave. Let me break it down for you.
Weight
First off, the Wilier Rave boasts a lightweight construction. This bike is designed with speed and gravel racing in mind, and its weight reflects that focus. The Wilier Rave SLR, in particular, is engineered to be relatively lightweight and race-ready, making it an ideal choice for riders seeking that perfect balance between agility and performance.
Aerodynamics
While versatility is a key focus of the Wilier Rave, it doesn’t compromise on aerodynamics. The bike’s design incorporates aerodynamic elements inspired by road race bikes like the Zero SLR and Filante SLR. This means that the Wilier Rave isn’t just quick; it’s race-focused with aerodynamic considerations in its design, ensuring you get the most out of your efforts on the road or gravel.
Pedaling Efficiency/Frame Stiffness
The Wilier Rave is a bike that excels in both road and gravel riding. Its frame geometry is thoughtfully adjusted to provide stability and control while still delivering a responsive feel. The frame itself is engineered for speed and racing, emphasizing pedaling efficiency and stiffness. With a geometry reminiscent of high-performance road bikes, you can expect the Wilier Rave to be both responsive and efficient.
One notable aspect is its stiffness and lightness, which is akin to a road bike setup. The frame’s carbon layup even takes cues from Wilier’s high-performance road bikes, further solidifying its racing pedigree.
Design
The Wilier Rave’s design is sleek and fast-looking, perfect for road riding, but it also showcases versatility for gravel adventures. The bike offers options for different handlebar setups, giving you the freedom to customize it to your preferences. The Wilier Rave SLR is particularly admired for its clean and seamless design, complete with internal cable routing. It even comes with an out-front mount for accessories and features a carbon monocoque one-piece handlebar, providing a road-bike-like setup.
Comfort
Despite its racing prowess, the Wilier Rave hasn’t forgotten about rider comfort. Adjustments have been made to the geometry to enhance rider comfort, such as a higher stack height and wider handlebar tops for improved hand comfort. This means you can enjoy the thrill of fast riding without sacrificing comfort, especially on smoother gravel and well-maintained gravel roads.
The J-bar handlebar deserves a special mention here. It not only enhances comfort but also offers added compliance and control, making your rides even more enjoyable.
Handling
The Wilier Rave is designed to offer stable and controlled handling across various terrains. It achieves this through differences in geometry and handlebar options, allowing you to fine-tune the bike to suit your riding preferences. The bike’s handling is described as neutral and confidence-inspiring, making it easy to carve into corners and maintain stability on different terrains.
In fact, the handling is well-suited for fast riding on the race circuit, with riders praising its performance through four corners on a one-kilometer course.
Overall Notes
The Wilier Rave shines for its versatility. It features a single frame set that can be configured for both road and gravel riding, making it a fantastic all-rounder. The Wilier Rave SLR series, in particular, positions itself as a top contender in the gravel race category. It offers a delightful blend of speed, aerodynamics, and handling performance, making it an excellent choice for those who demand nothing less than the best from their gravel bike.
Curious to see how the Wilier Rave bike compares to others? Explore our comprehensive guides for an in-depth analysis of top-quality bicycles designed to meet various cycling requirements and preferences. Inside these guides, you’ll encounter a diverse array of excellent options tailored to your liking, along with helpful resources to support you in making a well-informed decision.
So, what do you think about the Wilier Rave? Leave your own review and enlighten us!
John