Four days before the Grand Depart of this year's Tour de France, Wilier has officially lifted the curtain and presented the Verticale, a completely new competition bike. The lightweight machine replaces the Zero SLR, which the Italians had in their range for tough mountain stages. The new bike has already made its racing debut, but the Verticale is likely to be used rather rarely by the Astana Qazaqstan and Groupama-FDJ teams. After all, with the Filante SLR, both teams can rely on an all-rounder that can be used in the TOUR test with its low weight and good aerodynamics.
Wilier Verticale SLR: The most important facts
- Weight frame set: 1663 grams (size M)
- Stack/Reach/STR: 541/387 millimetres/1.40 (size M)
- Frame sizes: XS, S, M, L, XL, XXL
- Prices: 9900 to 13400 Euro
The Verticale SLR, on the other hand, is comparatively one-dimensional and is mainly defined by its lightweight construction. Wilier specifies 1663 grams for the frame set (frame, fork, handlebars and seatpost) in size M. Compared to the Zero SLR, which we had on the scales with an old Shimano Dura-Ace and wheels from Corima weighing 6.8 kilograms, it should save 156 grams. This should make complete bikes under the UCI weight limit possible.
Among other things, a new moulding process is responsible for the dream weight. In this process, the resin-soaked carbon fibre mats are placed around a foam "that adapts during the curing process". 400 pieces of the so-called pre-pregs are required for a frame; Wilier uses three types of carbon fibres (T800, T1100, M46JB) with different tensile strengths from the Japanese specialist Toray.
Overall, the frame geometry is sportier than the Zero SLR. While the actual frame height (stack) has remained almost unchanged according to the manufacturer, the actual frame length (reach) has increased. For the medium frame size M, this results in an STR value of 1.40 - an extremely race-like riding position even for more trained riders.
The Italians have not provided any information on aero performance. Despite a new carbon cockpit, which is designed to put the rider in a more aerodynamic position, you can't expect a big leap compared to the Zero SLR (220 watts). The gap to the fast Filante SLR (214 watts) therefore remains. To put this into context: Comparable lightweight bikes such as the Bianchi Specialissima RC (222 watts), Canyon Ultimate CFR (222 watts) or Storck Aernario.3 Platinum (220 watts) are similar in size to the Zero and Verticale.
The handlebar/stem unit is also characterised by a wider contact surface on the narrow top bar (370 or 390 millimetres) and new cable routing. Other new features include the seat post, which now has mounts for the rear light and race number holder, as well as a UDH derailleur hanger.
Wilier Verticale SLR: Equipment and prices
The Verticale is available in seven equipment variants and six frame sizes. All models come with electronic shifting groupsets from Campagnolo, Shimano or SRAM and are optionally equipped with a power meter. For the wheels, Wilier relies on versions from its subsidiary Miche. The top models are fitted with the new Kleos RD 36, which weigh 1390 grams according to the manufacturer. The rear light for the seat post and a holder for the computer are part of the standard equipment.
In view of the high price level, however, this is to be expected, as the Verticale SLR with Shimano Ultegra or SRAM Force already costs 9900 euros. With the top groupsets Dura-Ace, Red AXS and Super Record WRL the prices are between 12000 and 13400 euros. It is not yet known whether Wilier will also include cheaper SL variants in its portfolio, such as the Filante or Zero.
Julian Schultz
Editor
