We managed to pursuade Wilier to let us have this Le Roi bike to test and there has been a crowd around it since it landed at RCUK HQ. Our test bike comes with the natural carbon look and a copper flash that looks the cat’s pyjamas. A full Record gruppo is complimented with finishing kit from ITM and Selcof and we finally get a chance to have a go on the Fulcrum Racing 1 wheels.

Wilier bikes are big news in Italy but have been a rare sight on UK roads. Marco Pantani’s final season was aboard a Wilier and his endorsement meant a lot to the Italian bike-buying nation. He boosted Wilier in a similar way to the sales success that he rekindled in Bianchi. Wilier will be a much more regular sight as they now have a good distributor for the UK market.

Top UK road pro Bradley Wiggins must be rubbing his hands with glee as he will be riding a Wilier team bike for next season when he starts riding for his new outfit, Team Cofidis. As will the all the swanky Italians in the ‘Squadra’ at Team Lampre.

Wilier can build you an off the peg frame with just about any spec you care to mention, or alternatively frame and fork packages we’ll let you know how it rides in a month or so… oh yes, it weighs-in at 16lbs.

• Sizes: S, M, L and XL (c/t) sloping geometry. Custom available – 6 weeks delivery
• Colours: Natural ‘Fat weave’ carbon, Team Cofidis or Team Lampre
• Price: £2195 for Frame, fork Ritchey WCS Aheadset.
• Complete bike packages with Record (Dura Ace also available) from £4k
• www.atb-sales.co.uk

• Telephone: 01424-753566
• e-mail

Full Italian spec.	ITM’s latest egro creation
The paintwork is very tasteful	Record cranks ‘à la Boonen’
Fat weave is the ‘in’ look for 2006	Mirror stickers – nice
BB reinforced for added umpf	The detailing is excellent