Petacchi demonstrates once again that he is one of the world's most powerful sprinters, taking another of his numerous Giro stage wins.
Young Diego Ulissi takes a dramatic stage 17 win in the three-up sprint between the remnants of the breakaway.
Giro TT Sees First Use of New Wilier TwinFoil TT Bike by
ZachOverholt - May 9, 2011
http://www.bikerumor.com/2011/05/09/giro-tt-sees/#more-31475
Excerpts:“What is different about the TwinFoil?
“Possibly the most visually striking element of the TwinFoil would be the way in which the rear stays attach to the seat tube… The idea behind the wide stays is that the spinning wheel causes turbulence so by moving the stays farther away, the turbulence can be avoided.
…
“Continuing down from the seat tube, the rear brake is decidedly aero, as like many TT bikes the brake is tucked up and under the chainstays just behind the crankset. The brake itself appears to be a new model from TRP, as it is basically a Mini-V whose arms when at rest add to the aero profile of the frame. From a mechanic’s perspective, the Mini-V Aero is a huge improvement over the current crop of chainstay mounted brakes, as it offers easy access to all adjustment bolts without removing any covers or plates, along with a standard V-Brake release for easy wheel changes.
“… it does offer a unique sort of hump on the top tube which stops just short of the steerer tube.
In order to ensure ease of adjustment and to guarantee the adjustments stay that way, the TwinFoil offers both an integrated seat post clamp, and a 4 bolt dropout adjustment. … the TwinFoil sports a 4 bolt sliding dropout system that looks more similar to a mountain bike than road. However, for anyone who has ever had the experience of an inline adjuster moving around on you, the additional security of the bolt on system will be welcomed.
…
“Overall, for Team Lampre ISD, the new Wilier TwinFoil was worth a 6th place finish in its first team trial, only 24 seconds down of the leader.
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Giro first look: Wilier Triestina TwinFoil TT bike By Caley Fretz, Published May 8th 2011
http://velonews.competitor.com/2011/05/giro-ditalia/giro-first-look-wilier-triestina-twinfoil-tt-bike_171802
Excerpts:
“The bike is designed with a wide set fork and rear stays, with the goal of providing maximum clearance between the frame and wheels. Wilier says this minimizes air turbulence and drag caused by the frame’s interaction with spinning wheels.
“…the frame makes good use of TRP’s integrated aero brake, placing it on the chain stays under the bottom bracket to completely hide the rear brake from the wind. The slick integrated seat post binder, and smart brake cable routing through the top tube are a nice touch as well.
“Wilier also uses a sliding vertical dropout, adjustable using four mounting bolts. This allows for a consistent gap between tire and frame, regardless of tire size, as well as consistent positioning of the cassette in relation to the rear derailleur."
Wilier Triestina TwinFoil Aero Bike to Debut at 94th Giro d’Italia
ProTour Aerodynamics
Wilier Triestina announces the release of its new ProTour time trial bike, the TwinFoil, to be ridden by Team Lampre Isd at this year’s Giro d’Italia.
Innovative Solutions
The TwinFoil was created to overcome the three fundamental challenges in aero bike design: material deformation, mechanical inefficiency, and – of course – aerodynamic inefficiency. Wind tunnel testing demonstrates that the most significant obstacles in bicycle aerodynamics are a rider’s mass, position and movement. Reducing frontal area is important, though the key to speed is the efficient redirection of airflow around all parts of the bike and rider. This emphasis makes the TwinFoil unique in both appearance and function.
The Aerobrake Difference
Aerobrakes are positioned with maximum clearance from air turbulence generated by spinning wheels while providing optimal braking power and modulation. The rear Aerobrake caliper is positioned beneath the chainstays, tucked behind the bottom bracket cluster and hence “hidden” from the wind.
Fork and Stays Minimal Interference
The same principle of maximum clearance has been applied in the design of Wilier’s proprietary TwinFoil fork, seatstays and chainstays, minimizing air turbulence and drag generated by rotating wheels. In other words, Wilier has sought to eliminate power transfer and airflow inefficiencies inherent in conventional designs.
Adjustable Dropouts
Wilier’s innovative rear dropout system enables custom and precise positioning of the rear wheel via four adjustment bolts. This unique solution offers mechanics and riders the ability to establish ideal wheelbase. It also facilitates identical positioning of the cogset in relation to the rear derailleur, including during wheel changes, to ensure optimal drivetrain performance.
Integrated Seatpost Binder
The TwinFoil boasts an integrated seatpost binder assembly housed beneath the surface of the top tube. This expansion assembly securely anchors the airfoil seatpost within the aero seat tube while preserving seamless aerodynamics.
Adjustable Front Derailleur Braze-on
Wilier has implemented an orbital front derailleur adjustment bolt, as well as adjustability in the braze-on itself, to ensure proper and exact positioning of the front derailleur. These features facilitate optimal orientation of the front derailleur cage in relation to chainrings across all prominent drivetrain systems for easier setup and enhanced shifting.
