Wilier Izoard XP

Wilier’s carbon fibre road range starts with the Izoard XP, available in a Shimano Sora build for £1,099 for model year 2015.

The Izoard XP used to occupy a spot in the middle of Wilier’s range but, owing to the introduction of the GTR, now takes up a more affordable position. The Izoard’s tube profiles are subtle, with gently curving seatstays which are said to improve comfort and a downtube which flares from the headtube to the bottom bracket.

“While on the face of it the XP is a relatively cheap bike, it’s a frame which is also well worthy of upgrading. Shimano Sora is a really good groupset now that it has proper STI levers but when it wears out you could put 105 or Ultegra on this frame.”

Besides a Shimano Sora groupset (save for the Tektro R312 brakes), the 2015 Izoard XP comes equipped with Shimano Claris wheels, Promax finishing kit and a Selle San Marco Era saddle.