New Wilier Verticale SLR: the lightest bike in its catalog

At a time when most brands choose to unify qualities and opt for aerolight bike models, Wilier presents the new Verticale SLR which decisively opts for a purely climbing model that surpasses its predecessor 0 SLR by improving its weight by 10%. A machine that will be the weapon of Groupama-FDJ and Astana in the imminent 2024 edition of the Tour de France.

Wilier continues to bet on climbing bikes with its new Verticale SLR

Wilier remains true to its roots by presenting a 100% climbing bike. A Wilier Verticale SLR with which the brand aims to offer not only the lightest bike but also the maximum responsiveness and excellent handling capability.

To achieve this, Wilier has used carbon of the highest quality in the manufacturing of this Verticale SLR. Specifically three types of carbon: T800, T1100, and M46JB, all provided by the prestigious manufacturer Toray which are arranged in a studied lamination of more than 400 pieces. In addition, Wilier contributes to the manufacturing process a kind of heat treatment that consists of adding different materials to the mold during the curing process to reinforce the qualities of the resins and carbon.

Regarding its structure, this Wilier Verticale SLR stands out for details such as the frame dropouts molded directly with the rest of the rear triangle and the use of a derailleur hanger system similar to the UDH that SRAM proposes to implement as standard. The derailleur attachment is also modified to no longer be riveted and now offers several positions to allow the use of chainrings from 50/34 up to the increasingly common 55 or 56 in professional races.

Compared to the 0 SLR, this Verticale SLR also receives the modification of the seatpost clamp, which moves from the top to be located in the gap between the top tube and the seat tube. Finally, Wilier has modified the geometry of this Verticale SLR to allow for a better fit for a greater number of cyclists, resulting in better handling capability, a quality highlighted by cyclists like David Gaudu "you control perfectly in very technical descents and at high speeds. And that is a very important factor, because a professional cyclist must fully trust his bike".

Also related to the structure, we find the asymmetric design of the fork legs, aiming to maintain a homogeneous behavior when acting forcefully on the front brake in addition to achieving maximum integration between the fork and the frame.

Needless to say, the bike's wiring is completely internal, with the hoses being routed through its new integrated V Bar handlebar. It is a monocoque handlebar weighing only 310 grams and, following the trend, it has a slight flare but achieved in a very peculiar way to maintain the correct alignment of the levers widening already below the anchoring area of these. However, the result is the same, with a 30 mm difference in width between the bottom and the top.

Wilier will have 7 builds of this Verticale SLR in addition to the option to purchase the frame kit separately. The top one equips Campagnolo Super Record WRL, with a price of up to €13,400. Below, we find builds in the new SRAM Red AXS and Shimano Dura-Ace Di2, both with a power meter, priced at €13,000, while opting for the Dura-Ace build without the power meter lowers the price to €12,200.

At slightly more mundane levels, we find the Ultegra Di2 build for €9,900 and two options in SRAM Force AXS. With a power meter for €10,400 and without it for €9,900. These last ones share wheels, using Miche KLEOS 36, while the builds with Red, Dura-Ace, and Super Record mount Miche KLEOS RD 36.