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 already had the chance to take a closer look at the Verticale, with a detailed test to follow!Wilier Verticale SLR | 6.82 kg (size L) | 12,200 | Manufacturers websiteThe Verticale SLR is Wiliers latest climbing bike and with its eye-catching Hulk Green finish, its not just out to help Cavendish win the sprints, but also set new standards on the climbs. The name says it all, the Verticale strives for peak performance and, according to Wilier, its optimised 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.With the new Verticale, things are looking up. Literally.The Wilier Verticale SLR in detailFirst 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, its the frame of the Verticale thats new. New technologies and materials are said to provide improved stiffness while reducing the weight by almost 10% compared to the 0 SLR. Wiliers active moulding system uses foamed polymer moulds to make the carbon frame more resistant and to ensure a more even distribution and alignment of the fibres. This allowed them to further reduce the weight. The carbon mix is new, too, and is sourced from Toray, the market leader in carbon fibres from Japan. By using three different fibres and a specific arrangement, the tensile strength, elasticity, and torsional stiffness are said to have been improved.Whether Shimano Dura-Ace, Campagnolo Super Record, or the new SRAM RED, the Verticale can be configured with all top-end groupsets.The Verticales intended use should be pretty clear by now. But if you dont want to fight your way through the Alps with a 39:23 gear ratio like Marco Pantani, youll 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 optimised, 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 doesnt 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 colour alone enough to help Mark Cavendish set a new all-time record? We cant wait to find out!Astanas new team livery really catches the eye the Hulk would be jealous.The taillight on the integrated seat post bracket can be swapped out for the starting number in a race: smart!The Italian dream? The components of the 2024 Wilier Verticale SLRWilier Verticale SLR 12,200SpecificationsFork WilierSeatpost WilierBrakes Shimano DURA-ACE Di2 R9270 160/140 mmDrivetrain Shimano DURA-ACE Di2 R9200 2x12Stem WilierHandlebar WilierWheelset Miche Kleos RD 36Tires Vittoria Corsa Pro (Tubeless) 700 x 28CTechnical DataSize XS S M L XL XXLWeight 6,82 kgWe 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.According to Wilier, the new integrated cockpit is said to be around 50 g lighter and weighs just 310 g!We took a closer look at the 12,200 version of the Verticale SLR, equipped with a Shimano DURA-ACE groupset and Wiliers 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 2024 Wilier Verticale SLRThe geometry of the Verticale SLR has been further refined from that of the previous 0 SLR. Although the stack remains almost unchanged, the new Wilier is said to have been optimised in terms of reach, favouring an aggressive climbing position. The reach has been adjusted for the smaller and larger frame sizes accordingly. Wilier also attach great importance to their in-house sizing standard called ACCU-FIT. This refers to the distance between the bottom bracket and the tops on the handlebar.Due to the increased complexity of modern frame geometries, which is further emphasised by the monocoque handlebar, among other things, it has become more difficult to optimise road bike geometries to fit the racers. With ACCU-FIT, Wilier promise an adaptable bike fit that caters to all road riders needs.SizeXSSMLXLXXLTop tube509 mm527 mm543 mm559 mm576 mm589 mmSeat tube450 mm480 mm500 mm520 mm540 mm560 mmHead tube105 mm121 mm138 mm155 mm172 mm189 mmHead angle70.671.57272.57373.5Seat angle75.274.57473.57373Chainstay405 mm407 mm407 mm410 mm412 mm412 mmWheelbase974 mm981 mm990 mm999 mm1009 mm1,017 mmReach373.5 mm380 mm386.5 mm393 mm400 mm408 mmStack505 mm523 mm541 mm559 mm577 mm595 mmFirst impression of the 2024 Wilier VerticaleWhile the freewheel sound of the Miche wheels doesnt make the bike special, the new paint job certainly does! Wilier call it Hulk-Green. But does this bike make you The Hulk? Youll have to wait for our first test ride impressions to find out. Otherwise, the bike is impressively light and boasts clean workmanship. The subtle Wilier decals can be found all over the frame, extending into the cockpit, resulting in a coherent look. Even though it strongly resembles the 0 SLR due to the slightly offset seat stays and simple design with minimal aero features, its not quite as obsessively weight-optimised as, for example, the 6 kg Specialized Aethos.The visibly flared handlebar should also allow the Verticale SLR to excel on the sprints and provide more control on the descents.The optimised cockpit of the new Wilier has also been modified in terms of its geometry. The flared drops mentioned above are currently trending and within the bounds of UCI rules. The wider drops should allow riders to perform better while sprinting. The computer mount is new, too, which slides into the cockpit from the front and is secured to the bottom of the stem with two screws. This seamless integration is said to have provided further, noticeable weight savings. The entire cockpit is beautifully colour matched to the frame, with the Verticale branding extending to the stem.Furthermore, youll find an integrated bracket on the seat post for taillight, which attaches via a 90 bayonet catch and is completely hidden behind the seat post. As such, it shouldnt affect the aerodynamics.Our conclusion on the new Wilier Verticale SLRThe Wilier Verticale combines high-quality craftsmanship with innovative features, and its not just aimed at climbing specialists. The adjustment options of the different sizes should allow you to dial it in for a perfect fit. The extended reach will appeal to ambitious riders, forcing them into a more aggressive riding position. The low weight is impressive and meets the expectations that a price of over 12,000 is likely to raise. Topsintegrated bracket on the seat post for taillight or race numberlightweight and visually matching cockpitfor patriots, enthusiasts & localists: all-Italian build availableFlopsrather heavy wheelsFor more information, visit wilier.com.Der Beitrag First look: The new Wilier Verticale SLR erschien zuerst auf GRAN FONDO Cycling Magazine.