Bought a Wilier GTR 105 2015

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jonny jeez

Legendary Member
Hi all

I appreciate the accepted convention is to seek advice prior to purchasing...anyhoo...

I got myself a Wilier GTR today from my LBS via the ubiquitous C2W. I've been out on it twice today, nothing strenuous as I've not ridden in 25 years, but so far it feels good and feels right.

A knowledgeable colleague felt there were better options at my price point that offered more / better kit, but during testing the Wilier felt as good as the Ridley and Giant that I tested, so I went for it ! TBH I probably would have been happy with any one of the three I've tried over the last week or so.

Planning to ease myself in gradually then join up for some club rides once I have a reasonable level of fitness.

Have to say I'm proper chuffed with the bike, just wish I'd rediscovered cycling sooner !

2015-07-18%2012.28.13_zpsnikyg5nr.jpg
Good choice.
 
A knowledgeable colleague felt there were better options at my price point that offered more / better kit
He's right. But spec level is not what makes one love one's bike, generally speaking. And at the level of cycling the likes of me and you do 105 vs Ultegra is unlikely to make a jot of difference to riding feel/performance. Frame and wheelsets make a big difference, the other bits that bolt on - not so much. If the Wilier was your favourite then you've made the right choice. It's certainly much prettier than the ubiquitous Giants and Spesh out there :tired:

but my word it was like sitting on a razor blade after a while
If you can find a decent LBS (usually a high-end type) they might have trial saddles that you can borrow for a week at a time. Be worth having a chat with them and trying out some other options. In the meantime, you could get one of these to ease yourself in. I found one in the street and washed it. Not the most glamorous of accessories and I don't use it much but I packed it on my recent London to Paris ride and by day 3 boy was I glad to strap it on!
http://www.sportsdirect.com/dunlop-...gclid=CMn9yIPV_cYCFQ3ItAodiFQBbg&gclsrc=aw.ds
Cheers, Andy
 
OP
OP
Chip Shoulder

Chip Shoulder

Regular
Location
East Yorkshire
Thanks Andy. No regrets about getting the Wilier and yeah it has a lovely paint job. I wasn't interested in getting hung up on spec for the very reason you state.

My butt is almost broken in now thankfully, but at that price I'll deffo buy a strap on (gel seat) handy for my longer rides. Cheers!
 

vickster

Squire
Those gel seats are generally bad for longer rides as they shift around and chafe
Better to get high quality padded shorts worn next to the skin of course
 
Those gel seats are generally bad for longer rides as they shift around and chafe
Better to get high quality padded shorts worn next to the skin of course

This is true, but in my experience when your backside feels like someone's been at it with a hot poker, popping a gel seat cover on feels almost as good as reclining into a bath of chamois cream. Good quality, well-fitting padded shorts are a must, but if and when things get too much the gel seat can ease your pain in a way that no pair of shorts will. As I said, not something I would use generally but for long multi-day rides I'd always pack one just in case.

My butt is almost broken in now thankfully, but at that price I'll deffo buy a strap on

Sometimes I have to feel glad that the missus doesn't see the kinds of conversations I find myself getting into on here - I'm not sure she'd understand....!
 
I had a GTR with 105 for a while (a month before it was stolen) and all I can say is the standard saddle was poor! I gave a 1000miles and could not get on with it so I put a charge spoon on that I know fits me. I now have the older GT frame which is a bit lighter than the gtr and not as harsh a ride. I have racked up nearly 10000miles on it in the year or so I have been riding it and I really love it. Every time I use one of my other bikes and get back on the GT, it is like a comfortable armchair! I cant see anything I would rather have. I may upgrade bits on it over time, but it does everything I want of it, whether that be commuting to work or 200 mile rides.
 

Goobs

Veteran
Location
East Yorkshire
I've tried gel saddles, comfort saddles, Charge Spoon (road and mtb) and the best saddle for comfort for me was the original Giant Defy 1 saddle.
Pair of padded bib shorts (stops pants working their way down) and I'm good for 50+ miles.
Of course everyone is different but it took me 5 years and 6 saddles before I found what works for me.
 

vickster

Squire
Do you wear pants under your shorts? Lose them and comfort will increase. Padded shorts are meant to be worn commando against the skin :smile:
 
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