Wilier has launched the new Vertical SLR, which it claims is its lightest bike ever and replaces the Zero SLR model. Claimed full frame weight, including fork, handlebar/stem, seatpost, thru-axles and other hardware is 1,651 grams, versus the Zero SLR’s 1,798 grams, representing a weight reduction of just under 10 percent.
The Vertical SLR is the lightweight bike that Wilier’s sponsored Groupama-FDJ and Astana Qazaqstan WorldTour teams will use for mountain stages in the upcoming Tour de France. It is already being used to good effect by Lenny Martinez of Groupama-FDJ, who runs the Mercan’Tour classic 2024 riding a prototype version of the Vertical SLR.
Martinez says, “The Verticale is a great bike, especially for me because I’m a climber. It’s lighter than the Filante SLR and responds very well when the road starts to climb. As soon as you step on the pedals, it responds very well, as we saw at the Mercan’Tour Classic, which I won with this bike still in the prototype version.”
We have been testing a Vertical SLR camera for several weeks and you can read our extensive review here.
Marginal losses
Wilier claims a 118 gram drop in frame weight and a 24 gram drop in fork weight versus the Zero SLR (Image credit: Wilier)
The main sources of the new bike’s weight loss, compared to the Zero SLR, are the frame, fork and handlebar/stem combination. Wilier claims a frame weight of 648 grams and a fork weight of 296 grams, compared to 766 grams and 320 grams respectively. Our size XL test bike weighed exactly 6.8kg, some expect UCI illegal weights for smaller sizes.
The new frame uses a mix of three Toray carbon fiber grades, Toray 800, Toray 1100 and M46JB, including the top specification T1100. Inside the fork, the fibers are twisted to better manage stresses, and the fork blades are asymmetrical to compensate for the different stresses of the disc brakes.
No more Lego blocks. The seat post clamp of the Vertical SLR is located on the bottom of the frame (Image credit: Wilier)
There is a new seatpost clamping mechanism that tightens from underneath the top tube instead of from above. This results in a triangular connection between the top tube and seat tube, rather than the clamp housing of the Zero SLR, which we likened to a rogue Lego block glued to the frame when we tracked down the Verticale at the recent Critérium du Dauphiné.
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The seatpost has been redesigned to save weight as well. At 152 grams, it is 10 grams lighter than the Zero SLRs. Two bolts are also supplied which can be used to attach a racing number or Wilier’s specially designed rear light.
Wilier changed the design of the front derailleur hanger. It can now be mounted in two positions. This accommodates the 50/34t and 52/36t cranksets used by mere mortals, but allows the pros to fit a crankset with a 56t chainring.
The geometry of the frame is virtually unchanged from the Zero SLR, with the same stack, although the range decreases versus the Zero SLR on smaller frames and increases on larger frames.
Lighter one-piece handlebars
The handlebar’s 30mm flare helps maintain a more aerodynamic position when sitting on the hood (Image credit: Wilier)
As for the new carbon monocoque V Bar handlebar/stem, Wilier claims a weight of 310 grams for a handlebar size of 100 x 40 mm, compared to 339 grams for the Zero SLR. The new handlebar design includes a flare at the hoods, which places the arms 30mm closer together when riding than in the drops.
It’s an increasingly common aero design feature, seen for example on the Trek Madone. Wilier also tweaked the Zero SLR’s bar geometry, with revised reach and drop and a different angle to the tips. A revised clamping mechanism is designed to more evenly distribute stresses on the steerer tube and stem and there’s an updated hose routing, making replacement easier. The handlebar is also compatible with other Wilier premium bikes.
Wilier offers the V Bar in six sizes: 90mm or 100mm stem length with 400mm width at the drops and 110mm, 120mm, 130mm and 150mm stem length with 420mm width at the drops.
Specifications and prices
A team replica of Groupama-FDJ will be one of four colors at launch, along with Hulk Green, to be used by Astana (Image credit: Wilier)
Wilier will sell the Vertical SLR in seven build specifications, as well as only as a frameset. All full specifications are equipped with wheels from Miche, which Wilier now owns: the Kleos 36 or Kleos RD 36.
Complete bikes start at £9,000 / $12,000 / €9,900) for the Ultegra Di2 specification. The top UK spec comes with SRAM Red AXS with a power meter and costs £12,500 ($15,300, €13,000).
There is a Campagnolo Super Record WRL spec bike that costs $15,700 in the US and €13,400 in Europe, but this model won’t be on sale in Britain.
