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Can you tell it's an e-bike? Wilier launches Filante Hybrid e-road bike with all new miniature motor

The button and display of Mahle’s new iWoc interface have been hidden into the stem of the integrated aero handlebars

Wilier has launched the Filante Hybrid electric top-end racing bike with what is claimed to be the “lightest pedal assist system in the world”, the new X20 motor by Mahle. Improved battery management and greater integration for better aerodynamics are claimed to have resulted in energy savings of 8%. 

2022 Wilier Filante Hybrid 2

Wilier says the new Filante Hybrid was designed with a very specific objective, “to help you go faster while minimising strain”.

> 10 of the best 2021 electric road bikes — get powered aid on the sly 

“By combining the new Mahle X20 system with everything we know about aerodynamic efficiency and by using composite materials, we have raised even further the performance of the Cento10 Hybrid,” Wilier explains. 

The Filante Hybrid closely resembles the Filante SLR that’s used by Astana’s pro riders.

2022 Wilier Filante Hybrid 3

The battery is integrated in the downtube of this top end e-road bike, and it has a capacity of 250Wh. An additional bottle-shaped battery can add 185Wh to the system. 

The Filante Hybrid has a geometry that’s similar to Wilier’s endurance models, though. When it comes to tyre clearance, you’ve got space for up to 32mm wide tyres.

Lightweight motor and rear thru-axle design

The Filante Hybrid features a new miniaturised motor, the X20, that delivers 40Nm of torque despite the complete system weighing just 3.5kg.

2022 Wilier Filante Hybrid 6

The wheel that houses the new Mahle X20 motor can be assembled and disassembled quickly, just like on a traditional thru-axle racing bike, Wilier points out. 

There are no cables to be connected or disconnected. “It’s all done when you insert the wheel”, Wilier puts it simply. 

2022 Wilier Filante Hybrid 5

The rear dropout has a slider with a built-in electrical connector which, according to Wilier, ensures the hub positions itself directly in contact with the battery, quickly and with no risk of misalignment. 

For easy maintenance or replacement, Wilier also points out the body can be removed easily from the motor casing.

Power sensor

Wilier has introduced a new bottom bracket with a torque (power) and cadence sensor. 

“The system reads the 'pedalling power' to modulate the assistance delivered to give the cyclist a natural pedalling experience with no jerks, sudden accelerations or loss of assistance,” Wilier explains. 

The power sensor also has new firmware and is claimed to optimise battery consumption, “since the power provided by the motor is much more sensitive and proportionate to the power delivered by the cyclist,” Wilier says.

Computer

2022 Wilier Filante Hybrid 4

The Filante Hybrid comes standard with the Pulsar One cycle computer which has a compact 2.1” screen. This device connects via ANT+ to the X20 system and to other sensors including a cadence sensor, external power meter sensor and heart rate monitor. 

> How to use an e-bike to improve your fitness

The Pulsar One displays electrical system data along with other standard metrics, and allows riders to modify the level of pedal assistance if necessary.

Integration 

The integrated monocoque carbon handlebars house the derailleur cables and electrical system controls, while mimicking the aerodynamic design of the Filante SLR bars.

2022 Wilier Filante Hybrid 9

The stem of the Filante Hybrid is different though as it also includes the button and display of the new iWoc, which is the interface that gives access to the pedal assist system and changes mode. 

Riders can select one of four assistance levels - automatic, eco, sport and boost - without having to remove their hands from the tops of the handlebars. Mahle has also improved this interface to help ensure riders are able to see at a glance how much battery capacity remains and which assistance mode is selected.

We're checking prices and availability with Wilier, and will update this article when we have more info... 

What'd you think of the looks of this new top end e-bike option? Let us know in the comments as always.

wilier.com 

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6 comments

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Guyz2010 | 1 year ago
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Very slick. It appeals to me particulary, being 58 years young and dodgy knees (broken kneecap years ago) the strain of the westcountry hills is causing me endless grief. I have been comtemplating giving up pure pedalling for electric but this is the possible answer! Great

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ktache | 1 year ago
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Difficult to tell just by looking at it, but does it still make a sound like an ebike?

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Miller | 1 year ago
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These ebikes with motors in the wheel, how does the hub resist the torque from the motor?

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jaysa replied to Miller | 1 year ago
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By tightening the thru axle enough smiley The tube and dropout are reasonably strong and peak torque not that high, so its a workable solution I guess?

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Secret_squirrel | 1 year ago
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Nice.   The worst part appears to be the cycle computer.  I assume its removable without breaking anything?

Its also not clear whether the power sensor is a fully fledged power meter or something more basic?  I assume the latter.

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AidanR replied to Secret_squirrel | 1 year ago
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I would assume that the power sensor is only to gauge the level of electric assist required, and is not a proper power meter.

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