Wilier Verticale SLR assessment: A quick light-weight bike constructed for racing uphill

It’s been an open secret because it was noticed within the peloton beneath the Groupama FDJ staff’s climbers not too long ago, however at this time, Wilier has confirmed it has an all-new bike. 

It’s referred to as the Verticale SLR, it was designed in partnership with the aforementioned WorldTour staff, and as soon as you have laid eyes on it, you may know instantly what its intentions are. It’s clearly geared toward being a light-weight all-rounder, and Wilier has confirmed that it’s going to exchange the Zero SLR.

Though it was designed with enter from the French staff, it’s going to even be ridden by Astana-Qazaqstan’s climbers, as each of the WorldTour groups are sponsored by the Italian model. 

We’ve already introduced you the brand new Wilier Verticale SLR launch story, full with detailed details about the bike, its weight, the pricing, and what Wilier says about it, however right here we’re going to try the way it rides, and the way it stacks up towards the competitors.

Much to Wilier’s undoubted dismay, that competitors is fierce. Over the previous couple of years, light-weight all-rounder race bikes have been having their day. Just final week we noticed the launch of the newest Pinarello Dogma F, the marginally extra endurance-ready Dogma X got here final 12 months, as did the Bianchi Specialissima, the Tarmac SL8, and the Factor O2 VAM. Giant’s TCR got here earlier this 12 months, Colnago has just about overhauled its total vary previously 18 months, and even Trek has a brand new bike on the best way. 

The Wilier Verticale SLR, due to this fact, has plenty of competitors and plenty of noise to chop by if it is to take the crown as one of the best light-weight highway bike, and even characteristic among the many prime picks in our numerous finest highway bikes shopping for guides. 

Design and specification

Visually, except for the putting inexperienced paint job (which I hated at first however has grown on me), the Verticale SLR carries a relatively understated design. The tube shapes are barely ovalised, and there is a softness as they join to one another on the numerous junctions.

Whereas the Colnago V4Rs has sharp aero-profiled edges trailing off the top tube, or the Pinarello Dogma F has wavy forks and angular junctions all through, the Verticale SLR might be the least Italian of the Italian superbikes. Some would possibly name it a bit boring, however I believe it really works as a easy but gorgeous design. 

The solely shaping to essentially discover is a slight angularity to the transition between the top tube and the down tube, however at sure angles, even that is virtually invisible, and the sting blends right into a rounded tube the additional down the down tube you go. There’s one other sharp edge on the seatpost clamp, which fills a small triangle between the seat tube and the highest tube, however that is small, and a marked enchancment from the sq. Lego Brick inset that featured on the Zero SLR.

The roundness to the tubes and the softness of the junctions remind me of the Specialized Aethos, and even the outdated Cannondale SuperSix earlier than they dropped the seatstays. It’s a contemporary race bike in operate, as we’ll get into beneath, however regardless of its one-piece cockpit, the dropped seatstays and its disc brakes, I predict it is a bike that the old-school purists would possibly really take a liking to. 

The solely aesthetic unfavorable I can discover, and that is splitting hairs considerably, is the relatively industrial-looking rear drive-side dropout, on which you’ll be able to see the hex bolt inside. Compared to the remainder of the body’s clean strains, and particularly in comparison with the Pinarello Dogma F, which launched final week with blanked-off ‘blind’ dropouts (an thought it borrowed from BMC), the dropout appears unfinished. 

Functionally, the entire design is all about retaining the burden down. Wilier says the body is 10% lighter than the Zero SLR, which was by no means a heavy factor to start with. 

It was made utilizing three totally different carbon fibre sorts from Japanese model Toray: Toray 800, Toray 1100 and M46JB, with the primary two providing excessive tensile power – thus requiring much less of it to attain the mandatory specs – whereas the higher-modulus latter is used to construct stiffness the place it is required.

That’s not precisely a novel strategy, however the completed product has efficiently achieved the objective as a result of my measurement XL take a look at bike tipped the scales at precisely 6.8kg with out pedals (based on my trusty ParkTool scales). 

That’s actually spectacular, but it surely’s not the lightest in the marketplace, because the Factor O2 VAM squeezed in at 6.7kg (with pedals) in an equal measurement. Interestingly, regardless of their comparable weight and comparable intentions, the 2 bikes have fairly a unique trip really feel, which I’ll get into beneath. 

The cockpit

The clean strains and rounded profiles proceed on the cockpit, which is a brand new one-piece affair from Wilier itself. Called the V-Bar, it is colour-matched to the body, suitable with different Wilier framesets, and it may be purchased in six sizes, all of that are – fortunately – good and slender. With a 90mm or 100mm stem, the out there width is 37cm on the hoods, flaring out to 40cm on the drops. For 110, 120, 130 or 150mm stem lengths, the width broadens barely to 39cm on the hoods, flaring to 42cm on the drops. No, we have no thought what 140mm did incorrect. 

The tops of the bars are ovalised, however with out being so deep you can’t get maintain on them whereas climbing, and the flare is sufficiently subtle in order to not damage the highway bike aesthetic, whereas providing slightly extra leverage for sprinting, confidence when descending at velocity, and helps to make sure they’re secure when riders select to tilt the levers inward. 

At the entrance, Wilier – along with parts model Miche, with whom they share sources as a part of a Veneto-based bike-industry collaboration group – have created a neat aluminium out-front mount. Compatible with all one of the best bike computer systems, it integrates neatly to the within of the stem, with two small screws on the underside retaining it in place. 

The wheels

Miche’s involvement continues with the supply of its Kleos RD36 wheels, full with Aero Blade hub shell. I not too long ago reviewed the deeper Miche Kleos RD50 wheels, so in order for you a extra in-depth take a look at the applied sciences that make these wheels, take a look at that assessment. For those who do not, the headlines for the 36mm choices featured listed here are a 1,390g weight (with XDR freehub, however no tubeless valves), 21mm inside width with hooked beads, CeramicSpeed bearings, a high-flange hub shell full with aero cowl, and a neat spoke lacing that avoids touching. 

As talked about within the assessment of the RD50 wheels, they carry out properly, however there’s nothing about them that significantly stands out. If you purchase the Verticale SLR and it comes with these wheels, there will be little or no cause so that you can wish to improve them, however they are not the wheels I’d purchase as an aftermarket improve. 

Geometry

Compared to the Zero SLR, the Verticale has change into longer, and taller, with a barely steeper head angle. I by no means rode the Zero SLR, so I am unable to say how this has modified the dealing with from one bike to the subsequent. 

On my measurement XL take a look at body, the attain is 400mm, which could be very a lot within the ballpark for many racy highway bikes. For comparability, the Tarmac SL8 is 402mm, the Factor O2 VAM is 401mm, and the SuperSix Evo is 395mm. The stack is the place issues get fascinating although, because the Verticale SLR’s stack is a relatively low 577mm. The identical three opponents measure 591, 597 and 595mm respectively. 

Paired with the inventory 30mm Vittoria Corsa Pro tyres – which not too long ago earned a spot in our purchasing information to one of the best highway bike tyres – the Wilier Verticale SLR is surefooted and secure, and a pure on quick twisting descents. 

Seatpost

I would not often dedicate a piece to the seatpost itself, however there is a novel inclusion right here that must be highlighted as a result of I believe it is a good thought. That is the inclusion of an built-in rear gentle that twists neatly into place. It’s the TL03 from the Taiwanese model Litemove, so you should buy further mounts if you wish to transfer it between totally different bikes. But an tailored model of the magnetic mount is screwed immediately into the rear of the seatpost. 

The mount could be moved up and all the way down to a selection of two mounting holes, however even on the bottom, my Scicon saddle bag would nonetheless knock the sunshine round. I worry it will be sufficient to knock it free all through a protracted trip. 

Interestingly, for racers resembling Wilier’s sponsored groups, the sunshine may also be changed with a race quantity holder. 

The seatpost itself is barely ovalised however with no D-shaped flat rear. It is on the market in two setbacks of 0 and -15mm. 

Groupset

My take a look at mannequin was outfitted with Shimano’s 12-speed semi-wireless Dura-Ace Di2 groupset, which was as flawless as ever throughout my time with the bike. However, as is changing into extremely frequent on new bikes, the selection of an influence meter is non-obligatory, and my choice was specced with out one. 

It’s right here that I’d often say one thing like ‘£11,000 for a motorbike with no energy meter is insane!’ however the extra I give it some thought, the extra I respect manufacturers that give patrons a selection. 

Not all people needs or wants an influence meter. Given the widely-reported accuracy points, there are numerous who would additionally want to not have a Shimano energy meter, or they could merely personal one already, and so providing the selection is an efficient method to let individuals avoid wasting money on the preliminary buy, relatively than simply forcing the tech onto everybody, making the choice of which energy meter they need to have, after which making them pay for the privilege. It’s like paying 1000’s for a motorbike, solely to need to swap out the handlebar and stem, purchase a brand new pair as a result of bike match and promote the outdated ones on eBay. This is an extension of that very same downside and one which manufacturers are slowly beginning to remedy. 

Performance

Straight away, within the first jiffy of my first trip on the Verticale, I used to be reminded of the time I bought to trip across the Monza F1 monitor on one among Ineos Grenadiers’ outdated Pinarello Dogma F10 bikes. It was Luke Rowe’s bike, slammed, with rim brakes and tubs, and it was gentle, quick, and stiff as a board. 

That’s to not say the Verticale seems like a four-generations-old Pinarello, but it surely jogged my memory of using a motorbike that’s dialled, light-weight, slammed, stiff… professional. It felt nice. With its aggressive geometry, lengthy and slender cockpit, and feathery general weight, the Verticale feels just like the bike you’d need should you have been racing up Mont Ventoux. 

The equally light-weight Factor O2 VAM had a comparable stage of eagerness to speed up, however whereas that was a motorbike you could possibly comfortably trip all day within the French Alps at a sedate tempo, the Verticale SLR is stiffer and extra raring to go. I get the sensation it will begin shouting at you – in Italian, in fact – should you tried to have a straightforward day. 

That eagerness to speed up comes through the general light-weight, in fact, but additionally the body’s stiffness. In distinction, the O2 VAM’s acceleration comes extra on account of the Black Inc 28/33 wheels that are a critically spectacular 1,118g for the pair; a full 272g lighter than the Miche wheels discovered right here.

Where the 2 differ, is that the stiffness additionally interprets into pinpoint dealing with. It took me some time to be snug descending on the O2 VAM, whereas the Verticale – like I discovered when reviewing the S-Works Tarmac SL8 – was instantly confidence-inspiring. That is actually helped by the 30c tyres. 

Of course, all of this light-weight focus means should you’re searching for a motorbike for flat-land velocity, others shall be higher suited. Wilier itself has the Filante SLR, which is extra of an aero-first bike and is utilized by the likes of Mark Cavendish (Astana Qazaqstan) when sprinting. 

I’ve not taken it to a wind tunnel to make head-to-head comparisons, so I’ve no empirical information to again this up, however the tube shapes aren’t as clearly aero-profiled as one thing like the brand new Dogma F or the Tarmac SL8, so I might count on a small detriment towards these in empirical checks. 

That does not imply the Verticale is a slouch on flatter terrain, although. It’s properly inside the ballpark of a quick race bike, and completely joyful tearing alongside in a gaggle trip or on lengthy tempo or threshold efforts on the flat. 

Value

Never a straightforward part to finish, the worth of this bike could be thought-about by a number of totally different lenses. 

Unlike the Pinarello Dogma F, which solely is available in Dura-Ace, Red, or Super Record Wireless specs, the Verticale can a minimum of be purchased in lower-spec groupsets. They’re nonetheless a big chunk of money, although. 

A frameset alone shall be priced at £5,500 / $6,900 / €5,800. 

With SRAM Force AXS, will probably be priced at £9,200 / $12,100 / €9,900, with a premium of 500 of the respective foreign money on prime in order for you the facility meter included. Step that as much as SRAM Red AXS, and you will pay £12,200 / $15,300 / €13,000, full with an influence meter. There’s no choice to not spec one right here. 

On Shimano builds, Ultegra is priced at £9,000 / $12,100 / €9,900, with no choice so as to add an influence meter. Dura-Ace will set you again £11,000 / $14,500 / €12,200, plus a premium of £1,200 / $800 / €800 for the Dura-Ace energy meter. 

Only one Campagnolo construct is on the market, and that is Super Record Wireless (no energy). You cannot purchase it within the UK, however the USA and Europeans can get it for $15,700 / €13,400 respectively. 

Through the Joe Public lens, that’s an unimaginable sum of money to spend on a motorbike, and a motorbike a 3rd of the worth will get you plenty of the best way in direction of an identical stage of efficiency. That a lot is true, and just like the S-Works Tarmac, a Factor O2 VAM, or a SuperSix Evo Lab71, the Verticale SLR shall be nothing greater than a dream buy for most individuals. 

For the choose few who can discover such disposable revenue, the worth proposition is fairly properly in step with the competitors. Here within the UK, the worth for the SRAM Red mannequin is precisely the identical because the O2 VAM, and inside £200 of the S-Works Tarmac. 

In the USA and Europe, issues differ as the house benefit performs a component. The American firm Specialized is of course extra aggressive there, with the SRAM Red-equipped Tarmac coming in $800 cheaper than the Verticale. In Europe, Wilier’s house benefit means the Verticale is available in a complete €1,500 cheaper.

These are all big numbers, however within the occasion of wanting the best possible highway bike in the marketplace, the Wilier’s efficiency does not belie its worth. 

Verdict

So far on this assessment, I’ve concluded that the Verticale is a superb bike, with an amazing aesthetic, a surefooted snappy trip high quality, and a excessive (however aggressive) worth. The large query I’m but to reply fully is who’s the Verticale SLR for?

It’s a reasonably quick bike however by Wilier’s personal admission, not as quick as an aero bike just like the Filante SLR. It’s critically light-weight, however as I’ve identified while you take a look at the entire bike package deal, there are others which might be lighter (though should you change in these Black Inc wheels, it’s going to run shut), and it is not the one bike you may hit 6.8kg with out pedals, because the Tarmac SL8 and Giant TCR can do the identical in an equal measurement. 

For most amateurs, aerodynamics is a greater focus in relation to maximising effectivity even when it comes at the price of just a few hundred grams of weight. Most riders could be higher off with one thing just like the Filante SLR (if sticking with Wilier) or one of many extra aero-considered opponents just like the Tarmac. 

In phrases of defining the right buyer, Groupama FDJ’s prodigous French climber Lenny Martinez might be it. Martinez won’t ever discover himself within the wind on the flat, so the aerodynamic deficiencies will not actually matter, however he packs a mighty punch when the highway will get steep, and the impossibly steep inside line of an Alpine hairpin, with the rider throwing down 7w/kg, is the place this bike shall be most at house. 

But as I identified when reviewing the O2 VAM, you do not all the time purchase a motorbike together with your head, you purchase it together with your coronary heart, and I believe the identical applies right here. The Verticale SLR is a contemporary Italian superbike however with biking’s conventional aesthetic at its core. 

It appears improbable; completely mixing the guidelines of a brand new race bike however with out wanting prefer it was designed within the Crystal Maze. It is stiff, with that grin-inducing surge ahead while you stamp on the pedal, and though different bikes are slightly extra forgiving on longer rides, the Verticale SLR remains to be an fulfilling place to spend a whole afternoon. 

If you may afford it, you will not be sad should you purchase it. There are arguably bikes on the market that shall be higher as a instrument, however as a motorbike to make you smile every time you trip it, I’d fortunately personal a Verticale SLR.