 |
 |
 |
Wilier Bikes
Even though this bicycle brand may be unfamiliar to you, its history began more than a century ago in Italy, and flourished for nearly 50 years in that country to one of the premier bicycle makers with an eventual worldwide following. Wilier bikes are known for their high quality and Italian workmanship. As a manufacturer, Wilier (pronounced Vee lee air) has a passion unsurpassed for the creation of bicycles, whether for competition or pleasure.
Production continued nonstop from the beginning of the twentieth century until about five years following the end of World War II when eventually scooters and other motorized vehicles hit a chord with people. At one time, the firm manufactured 200 Wilier bikes, employing 300 individuals.
Team Wilier
By 1947, the company sold its bicycles as far as South America, where a small team of professional cyclists earned dozens of races with them. And by 1949 and 1950, these bikes had captured first place in both the Tour de France and the Tour of Flanders.
It was in 1950 during the Italian reconstruction that people put aside their bikes and bought scooters and motorbikes instead. Bike sales, regardless of the brand name, plummeted dramatically, Wilier included. This change in demand necessitated a closing of the company by 1952.
But the Wilier name was too strong and too well known to be out of the cycling business for very long. Thankfully, it was only a temporary closing and by 1969 the company was bought and re-established to its former glory.
If you're wondering why you haven't heard of this brand sooner, it's because it just recently made the trans-Atlantic trip to the United States. It wasn't until 2007 that Wilier bikes came to America with the help of a very special partnership. Today you can experience firsthand the Wilier quality and durability.
Complete Lineup of Road Bikes
Today Wilier bikes boast a complete lineup of road bikes, including such models as Zero7, Centoi Superleggera Racing, Centoi Supere Leggera, and Centoi. In the same lineup you can find the Imperiale, Gran Turismo as well as the Izoard Xp and the Tri Crono.
If road biking doesn't suit you, then turn your attention to Wilier's selection of time trial bicycles which include the Blade and the Twinfoil. For those of you who are weekend cyclists, there's a Wilier for you too -- the Citadella and Toni Bevilacqua.
You're a weekend racer? Of course there's a vehicle you. Check out the La Triestina. You just may fall in love with its quality build.
Of course, Wilier bikes also sell accessories, especially handlebars. They are available in three styles, the Piega FSA Plasma Integrata (in some very cool colors), the Peiga FSA Wing Pro Compact and the Piego FSA Gossamer. In this way you can create your own unique cycling experience. And that's a good thing.
If cycling is your passion, then there are choices among Wilier bikes for you. Check out their lineup carefully, choosing the specific type and model that fits your personal needs. If you're cycling, then you should be cycling on a bike that you love because . . . life is not a spectator sport.