Wilier has launched the new Verticale SLR, which it claims is its lightest bike ever, replacing the Zero SLR model. The total claimed weight of the frame, including fork, handlebar/stem, seatpost, thru axles and other hardware, is 1,651g, compared to the Zero SLR’s 1,798g, a weight reduction of just under 10 percent.
The Verticale SLR is the lightweight bike that the Wilier-sponsored Groupama-FDJ and Astana Qazaqstan WorldTour teams will use for the mountain stages of the upcoming Tour de France. It has already been successfully used by Groupama-FDJ’s Lenny Martinez, who Mercan’Tour Classic 2024 Driving a prototype version of the Verticale SLR.
Martinez says: “The Verticale is a great bike, especially for me as I’m a climber. It’s lighter than the Filante SLR and responds very well when the road goes uphill. As soon as you step on the pedals, it responds very well, as we saw in the Mercan’Tour Classic, which I won with this bike in its prototype version.”
We tested a vertical SLR for several weeks and you can read our detailed test report here.
Significant losses
Wilier states that the Zero SLR’s frame weight is 118 g lower and the fork weight is 24 g lower. (Image credit: Wilier)
The main reasons for the new bike’s weight reduction compared to the Zero SLR are the frame, fork and handlebar/stem combination. Wilier claims a frame weight of 648g and a fork weight of 296g, compared to 766g and 320g respectively. Our test bike in size XL weighed exactly 6.8kg, some assume that the UCI weights are illegal for smaller sizes.
The new frame is made from a mix of three Toray carbon fibre types: Toray 800, Toray 1100 and M46JB, including the top-of-the-range T1100. In the fork, the fibres are twisted to better manage the load and the fork blades are asymmetrical to compensate for the different loads from the disc brakes.
No more Lego bricks. The seat post clamp on the Verticale SLR is located on the bottom of the frame (Image credit: Wilier)
There’s a new seatpost clamp mechanism that tightens from below the top tube rather than above, creating a triangular connection between the top tube and seat tube instead of the Zero SLR’s clamp housing, which we compared to a Lego brick glued to the frame when we tracked the Verticale down at the recent Critérium du Dauphiné.
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The seat post has also been redesigned to save weight. At 152 g, it is 10 g lighter than the Zero SLR. It also includes two screws for attaching a race number or the rear light specially developed by Wilier.
Wilier has changed the design of the derailleur eyelet. It can now be mounted in two positions. This suits the 50/34t and 52/36t cranksets used by mere mortals, but allows the pros to mount a crankset with a 56t chainring.
The frame geometry is almost unchanged from the Zero SLR and has the same stack, although the reach decreases on smaller frames and increases on larger ones compared to the Zero SLR.
Lighter one-piece handlebar
The 30 mm wide handlebar extension helps maintain a more aerodynamic position on the handles (Image credit: Wilier)
As for the new carbon monocoque V-bar handlebar/stem, Wilier claims a weight of 310g for a 100x40mm bar size, versus 339g for the Zero SLR. The new handlebar design includes a widening at the grips, which puts the arms 30mm closer together when riding than in the drops.
It’s an increasingly common aerodynamic design feature, seen on the likes of the Trek Madone. Wilier has also tweaked the Zero SLR’s handlebar geometry, with revised reach and drop and a different angle on the tops. A revised clamp mechanism is designed to distribute loads more evenly across the steerer and stem, and the hose routing has been updated, making replacement easier. The handlebar is also compatible with Wilier’s other premium bikes.
Wilier offers the V Bar in six sizes: 90 mm or 100 mm stem length with 400 mm width at the drops and 110 mm, 120 mm, 130 mm and 150 mm stem length with 420 mm width at the drops.
Specifications and prices
A replica of the Groupama FDJ team is one of four colours used at the Astana launch, along with Hulk Green. (Image credit: Wilier)
Wilier will sell the Verticale SLR in seven builds and as a standalone frame. All builds will be fitted with Miche wheels that Wilier now owns: either Kleos 36 or Kleos RD 36.
Six frame sizes are offered, from XS to XXL, while the Verticale SLR is available in four colors: black with copper accents, Velvet Red, Groupama-FDJ team replica and a new Hulk Green, which will be Astana Qazaqstan’s climbing bike in the upcoming Tour de France.
Complete bikes start at £9,000 ($12,000, €9,900) for the Ultegra Di2 spec, with the top UK spec featuring SRAM Red AXS with power meter costing £12,500 ($15,300, €13,000).
There is a bike in the Campagnolo Super Record WRL specification that costs $15,700 in the US and €13,400 in Europe, but this model will not be available in the UK.
