LONGMONT, Colo. (BRAIN) — Wilier Triestina is celebrating the 100th anniversary of the Giro d'Italia with a special custom painted edition of the Cento10AIR road bike. The special edition features the brand's famous cromovelato ramato (chrome plated copper) finish. The bike is being ridden by Filippo Pozzato in the first stages of the Giro.
Wilier pioneered the chrome-plated painting procedure in 1947. The brand said the use of a galvanizing process was a first for the bike industry, and also required the first use of a clear coat on a bicycle to protect the finish. The original bikes were finished with gold decals painted by hand using a fine horsehair brush. The special finish was seen again in 2016 with the release of the retro inspired Superleggera lugged steel bike.
The Cento10AIR launched in early 2017 as an aero bike designed for all-around riding. The company said it uses aero-shaped tubes to cut air drag by 8 percent compared to its first aero bike, the Cento1AIR. The frame also is 200 grams lighter than its predecessor and can accept 28mm tires.
"Maintaining famed Wilier handling characteristics was a priority in the development of the bike, with road trials always balancing the computational design. The result is a bike that can navigate the demands of a group sprint, while also feeling responsive and stable on the best descents in the Dolomites," the company said.
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The Superleggera, released last year, also has the cromovelato ramato finish.
