First Ride: The new Wilier Verticale SLR

With the Verticale SLR, Wilier have committed to lightweight construction and stylish design. The bike combines classic elegance with innovative technology having one goal in mind: to conquer the hardest climbs. We have thoroughly tested the new Wilier Verticale SLR and reveal how it performs in its specialty discipline and, of course, how this climbing specialist fares on flat terrain.

The Verticale SLR is Wilier’s latest climbing bike, aiming to set new standards not only in climbing but also visually with its striking Hulk-green paint job and matching cockpit. The name says it all, the Verticale strives for peak performance and, according to Wilier, it’s optimized accordingly. True to its tagline “Lighter than Light,” the Verticale has shaved off about 10% of its weight compared to the 0 SLR, boasts improved frame ergonomics, and has become even more expensive. An integrated taillight rounds off the overall package.

The Wilier Verticale SLR in detail

First of all, a note for lovers of Italian craftsmanship. Apart from the groupset, which you could theoretically replace with a Campagnolo Super Record when you buy it, the Wilier Verticale relies exclusively on Italian components.

Above all, it’s the frame of the Verticale that’s new. New technologies and materials are said to provide improved stiffness while reducing the weight by almost 10% compared to the 0 SLR. Wilier’s active molding system uses foamed polymer molds to make the carbon frame more resistant and to ensure a more even distribution and alignment of the fibers. This allowed them to further reduce the weight. The carbon mix is new, too, and is sourced from Toray, the market leader in carbon fibers from Japan. By using three different fibers and a specific arrangement, the tensile strength, elasticity, and torsional stiffness are said to have been improved.

The Verticale’s intended use should be pretty clear by now. But if you don’t want to fight your way through the Alps with a 39:23 gear ratio like Marco Pantani, you’ll find a new front derailleur mount on the Verticale. This allows two configurations from the factory, easily accommodating small, large, and professional chainrings with up to 55 teeth. In addition, the seat post clamp on the Verticale has been optimized, which is now positioned diagonally, unlike on the 0 SLR.

Right on time for the start of the Tour, the launch of the Wilier Verticale doesn’t just serve as a presentation of the new team bike for teams like Astana or Groupama FDJ, but also introduces the new Hulk-Green livery of team Astana Qazaqstan! But is the color alone enough to get Mark Cavendish through the mountain stages?

The Italian dream? The components of the Wilier Verticale SLR

We weighed the size L Verticale on site, tipping the scales at 6.82 kg. That makes it the lightest Wilier to date. And thanks to the almost 10% lighter frameset (compared to the 0 SLR), it comes in just under the UCI weight limit of 6.8 kg. At 310 g, the new cockpit weighs about 50 g less than before, and it also looks fantastic thanks to the new, fully integrated computer bracket. The new Verticale also follows the current trend towards flared drops, which measure about 30 mm wider than the tops.

In our office, we took a closer look at the € 12,200 version of the Verticale SLR, equipped with a Shimano DURA-ACE groupset and Wilier’s in-house, 1,410 g Miche Kleos RD 36 wheels. The most expensive version of the Verticale comes equipped with a Campagnolo Super Record groupset and costs € 13,400. As standard, the Verticale rolls on tubeless Vittoria Corsa Pro tires featuring tan sidewalls. Wilier also rely on an Italian brand for the saddle, Prologo, which is the choice of many successful pro teams.

The geometry of the Wilier Verticale SLR

The Verticale SLR has a new geometry compared to the previous 0 SLR. Although the stack remains almost unchanged, the new Wilier is said to have been optimized in terms of reach, particularly for climbing ability and sportiness. The reach has been adjusted accordingly for smaller and larger frame sizes. Wilier also places great importance on their own measurement standard, called ACCU-FIT. This describes the distance between the bottom bracket and the handlebar grips.

Due to the increased complexity of modern frame geometries, which is further emphasized by the monocoque handlebar, it has become more difficult to optimize road bike geometries to fit the racers. With ACCU-FIT, Wilier promises an adaptable bike fitting to meet all the needs of racers.

Size	XS	S	M	L	XL	XXL
Top tube	509 mm	527 mm	543 mm	559 mm	576 mm	589 mm
Seat tube	450 mm	480 mm	500 mm	520 mm	540 mm	560 mm
Head tube	105 mm	121 mm	138 mm	155 mm	172 mm	189 mm
Head angle	70.6°	71.5°	72°	72.5°	73°	73.5°
Seat angle	75.2°	74.5°	74°	73.5°	73°	73°
Chainstay	405 mm	407 mm	407 mm	410 mm	412 mm	412 mm
Wheelbase	974 mm	981 mm	990 mm	999 mm	1009 mm	1017 mm
Reach	373.5 mm	380 mm	386.5 mm	393 mm	400 mm	408 mm
Stack	505 mm	523 mm	541 mm	559 mm	577 mm	595 mm

First ride with the 2024 Wilier Verticale SLR

Even though the freehub sound of the Miche wheels doesn’t make the bike stand out, the new paint job certainly does! Wilier calls it Hulk-Green. True to its name, the eye-popping paint job hits you like a punch when you first unbox it, and the matching cockpit delivers a one-two combo. But after the initial shock, we grew to love the very high-quality, shimmering paint and the equally painted cockpit. The Verticale SLR is undeniably a bike that screams performance and turns heads, sparking bike talk at every café stop. However, even after several weeks, we just can’t warm up to the Vittoria Corsa Pro tires with their ultra-bright tan walls. They scream for attention and don’t play well with the already bold paint job.

Tuning tip: Black tires or very dark tan walls.

The Wilier Verticale SLR is a showstopper, not just for its striking Hulk-Green paint job but also for its impressive weight and top-notch craftsmanship. From the first lift, it’s clear this bike means business, putting an instant grin on the faces of weight weenies. Despite its featherlight 1663 g frame, it feels solid and durable, not fragile. The high-quality construction and premium paint contribute to its solid impression, alongside the absence of creaks and its excellent torsional stiffness.

Once in the saddle, these advantages become even more apparent. The frame flexes just in the right places to provide comfort but remains stiff enough to generate immense forward thrust. Whether you’re climbing, sprinting from a standstill, or out of a corner, the Verticale SLR accelerates with ease and joy, making every ride a climbing delight. The Miche Kleos RD 36 wheels’ performance is solid, but their slightly higher weight means they don’t climb as effortlessly as the rest of the bike.

When the road turns steep, the Verticale SLR shows why it’s named after vertical challenges. The central riding position, direct power transfer, and agile handling make alpine passes and KOM hunts feel like home turf. Here, it shines, pushing you to personal bests.

Summit reached? KOM secured? Time for the descent! Unlike other climbing bikes that can be tricky on fast descents, the Verticale SLR stays controlled and precise. It’s nimble enough for tight corners and stable enough to let you confidently ease off the brakes. Here the flared drops help with better control.

With a reach-to-stack ratio of 1.42, the Verticale SLR’s geometry is sporty but not extreme. While it’s not a speed demon on fast flats and rolling hills, it performs surprisingly well for a climbing specialist. Its balanced handling and unexpected comfort for a race bike make it a high-performance all-rounder for those not obsessed with high-speed flatland performance.

Who is the Wilier Verticale SLR for?

Alpe d’Huez, Mont Ventoux, and Col du Galibier on your bucket list? Then the Verticale SLR is the right bike for you. But even away from epic climbs, the Wilier impresses with smooth riding, strong forward thrust, and a good level of comfort – for a race bike. Let’s be clear: the Verticale SLR is not for leisurely rides, but a true Italian racer with ambitions for the mountain stages. If you value comfort more, the Wilier GranTurismo SLR is the right bike in the Wilier lineup.

Conclusion on the new Wilier Verticale SLR

With the Verticale SLR, Wilier combines high-quality craftsmanship with innovative features, appealing not only to climbing specialists. With its balanced handling, nimble acceleration, and good comfort, the Verticale SLR is for anyone looking for a lightweight, high-performance race bike that has no problem with elevation. The high-quality finish, premium components, and uncompromisingly bold paint job impress and meet the high expectations one might have at a price of over € 12,000.

More information can be found at wilier.com.

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Words: Jan Fock, Jan Richter Photos: Antonia Feder, Mike Hunger