Wilier Verticale SLR Dura-Ace Di2 review

The Wilier Verticale SLR Dura-Ace Di2 is a consummate climber’s race bike and feels particularly at home when heading uphill.

The ride position is ideal for long stints on an incline, and its V-Bar handlebar is well-shaped and comfortable to grasp on the tops (where many are likely to spend the majority of their time when climbing).

It’s also great to see Wilier offering free swaps of the handlebar to suit the rider’s fit, while a seatpost change is subject to a “small upcharge” (which is better than needing to buy one outright).

That said, while the Verticale SLR’s stable handling breeds confidence, it doesn’t feel as quick or sharp as some alternatives – especially on the flat.

This model also doesn’t come with a power meter – which some may consider an essential tool – an issue you may have to remedy by buying a more expensive model. With prices roughly comparable to or slightly more expensive than its rivals, that prevents the Verticale SLR being an automatic choice.

Wilier Verticale SLR Dura-Ace Di2 frameset

The Wilier Verticale SLR is the Italian brand’s new flagship climbing race bike, replacing the 0 SLR.

The frame is said to be “almost 10 per cent lighter” than the 0 SLR, with a claimed figure of 648g in a size medium (roughly equivalent to a nominal size 54cm).

This compares to a claimed 685g for a size-56cm Specialized S-Works Tarmac SL8 (albeit the Tarmac is rightfully considered an ‘all-rounder’ race bike and not a pure climber), and a size-medium Canyon Ultimate CFR at 762g (also claimed, but which sizes up a little larger than the Verticale SLR).

The Verticale SLR’s frame is said to use three kinds of carbon fibre, made by Japanese composite specialists, Toray: T800, T1100 and M46JB. As I covered in my news story, Wilier says T800 and T1100 are used for their “tensile strength” properties, while M46JB is chosen for its stiffness.

Wilier isn’t specific on where each type of carbon is concentrated, but it says each frame is made of 400 cut pieces, cured in the mould using its 'Active Moulding' process.

The brand says the process uses foam polymer moulds, which are said to be able to better conform to the desired shape, thereby saving weight.

The headset uses 1-1/4in bearings (upper and lower), with the steerer compatible with third-party stems using an adaptor.

Underneath this, the fork legs are asymmetrical – beefier on the brakeside, with a twist in its profile (relative to the other fork leg). Wilier says this design enables it to optimise the carbon layup in this area, while truncated aerofoil (Kammtail) profiles are seen.

Interestingly, Wilier claims these have been used to improve stiffness and brake feel, but doesn’t elaborate on any aerodynamic efficiencies.

The entire fork is said to weigh 296g (with the steerer cut to accommodate 15mm of stack-increasing spacers), making for a total frameset weight of 944g in a size M.

The frameset’s clearance is officially limited to 32mm tyres, albeit I suspect 34mm-wide tyres could be squeezed in if desired. Wilier has stuck with a press-fit bottom bracket (the same as the outgoing 0 SLR) – contrary to many brands, who have moved to threaded systems.

Wilier Verticale SLR Dura-Ace Di2 geometry

On my size-XL test bike, the Verticale SLR frame has a 400mm reach. That's 2mm shorter than a size-58cm Specialized Tarmac SL8 and 1mm shorter than a size-large Canyon Ultimate CFR (which, remember, is notable for sizing larger than its nominal size suggests).

The stack is 577mm, compared to the Tarmac’s more aggressive (lower) 565mm and the Ultimate’s slightly taller 580mm.

Orbea’s Orca, which is also a climbing-focused race bike, has a similar 398mm reach, but a 13mm taller stack, in a size 57cm.

Wilier’s V-Bar handlebar somewhat compensates for this, though, because it exhibits a relatively tall cross-section (effectively, the tops are higher than they would be on a lower-profile handlebar).

The Verticale SLR’s seat tube angle is a contemporarily steep 73 degrees, all of which comes together to form a ride position that’s aggressive, but not extreme.

The head tube angle is also slightly slacker (at 73 degrees in my size-XL test bike) than all the bikes named thus far, intended to deliver stable handling on fast descents, according to Wilier.

Wilier Verticale SLR Dura-Ace Di2 specification

The model I tested is the fourth-most expensive in the Verticale SLR range, costing £11,000 ($14,500 / €12,200).

As one should expect at this price, the bike is fitted with a top-level Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 R9200 groupset, complete with the latest RT-CL900 brake rotors – which isn’t a given industry-wide.

This comes with a 52/36-tooth crankset and 11-34t cassette, the latter a welcome selection for hauling up steep climbs.

That said, should you want something different, Wilier says customers are able to swap cranksets and cassettes for their favoured sizes at point of purchase. This is subject to availability and any arising surcharges.

A similar policy applies to the proprietary seatpost. A 15-degree setback model is provided as standard, but a zero-setback model can be swapped in, subject to a small upcharge for the alternative unit (when questioned, Wilier couldn’t set a specific figure, but assured me it should only be the cost difference between the two units).

The V-Bar handlebar, on the other hand, can be swapped free of charge for the size best suited to your fit.

My test bike features a 390mm width (centre to centre) and 120mm stem length. There are 110, 130 and 150mm-long versions in this width, plus two that are 370mm wide (with 90 or 100mm stem lengths).

One could argue the size range is limited – you’ll need to look elsewhere if you want a 370mm-wide handlebar with a 120mm stem length, or a 390mm bar with a 100mm stem, for example. However, the choices available are likely to suit the majority of riders.

It’s also worth remembering the steerer can accept a non-integrated cockpit via the use of an adaptor, giving much wider scope for customising the front end.

The Verticale SLR comes with a Prologo Nago R4 PAS saddle with carbon rails, and this model features a Miche Kleos RD 36 wheelset.

The hooked rims have a contemporary 21mm internal rim width (29.4mm external), with a fairly shallow 36mm-deep profile and CeramicSpeed ceramic bearings. Oscar Huckle has weighed an identical set at 1,467g.

My test bike’s only deviation from the standard spec list was the use of 700x28c Panaracer Agilest TLR tyres. Customers will be offered Vittoria Corsa Pro TLR rubber in the same size.

Smaller items included are an out-front bike computer mount and a rear light that fits into a bracket on the seatpost (this doubles as a race number holder).

Wilier also packs in red anodised Miche rotor lockrings and a Miche Integrale bottom bracket with CeramicSpeed bearings.

All in, including one bottle cage, my test bike tipped the scales at 6.88kg.

The size-large Canyon Ultimate CFR I tested was significantly lighter at 6.3kg, however it has a build focused on cutting every last gram – and is arguably less practical in the real world as a result.

Wilier Verticale SLR value versus competitors

Although Wilier offers a refreshing level of customisability without requiring you to pay in full for your replacement parts (and includes some premium kit), it’s priced similarly to some of the best race bikes available.

The £11,000 / $14,500 / €12,200 asking price is $500 more than a Specialized S-Works Tarmac SL8 (£12,000 / $14,000 / €14,000) in the US, albeit £1,000 / €1,800 cheaper in the UK and Europe, respectively.

It’s worth remembering that the Tarmac is an all-round race bike, and includes a dual-sided power meter, while the Verticale SLR here doesn’t – the Dura-Ace Di2-equipped Verticale SLR that does costs £12,200 / $15,300 / €13,000.

A Giant TCR Advanced SL is £11,999 ($12,750 / €12,300), but a Canyon Ultimate CFR costs £9,200 ($10,499 / €10,099). Both also feature power meters and Dura-Ace drivetrains.

The Orbea Orca OMX M10iLTD costs in the region of £12,000 ($11,600 / €11,100), also with a power meter, and a free selection of ideal handlebar sizes, seatpost setback, and chainring and cassette options.

Of course, it’s always worth remembering that no brand offers top bang-for-buck when fitting premium-spec components. Most, if not all, customers will find better value with second- or third-tier drivetrain builds.

Wilier Verticale SLR Dura-Ace Di2 ride impressions

The Wilier Verticale SLR excels on climbs and is easy to handle coming down the other side.

I found the ride position aggressive enough to feel purposeful, but with some sensibility thrown into the mix.

The steering is precise-feeling, but not overly twitchy. I’ve ridden a Canyon Ultimate CFR and Orbea Orca in the relatively recent past, and both felt a little more reactive through the front.

This isn’t necessarily a good or bad thing – those at the end of a long day’s ride in the mountains may well prefer steadier responses, for example, while some might like a sharper-handling bike regardless of how fatigued they are.

Here, though, I found the relaxed handling bred confidence – something I remember feeling (albeit more strongly) with the Lauf Ùthald.

I felt especially comfortable when resting on the top of the handlebar, hands gripping the thick and tacky bar tape.

The V-Bar shape is well suited for long periods of climbing or descending – its ovalised profile serves to create a comfortable shape to grasp (especially on the tops), and the drops are easy to shift to and stay in.

The double-kink profile leading to the drops is certainly distinctive, although I’m unsure if the shape is ‘better’ than any other – whether it offers what you need will probably come down to personal preference.

The overall ride quality feels well-balanced and the bike – as built – filters out road buzz and deals with sudden shocks very well. It's a pleasant surprise considering Wilier didn’t make any claims around compliance at launch.

As one would hope, though, the bike feels taut and stiff, and accelerates quickly when you put the effort in.

That said, it feels slightly less impressive on flatter terrain – likely a combination of the shallow wheelset and the frame’s strong focus on climbing.

A swap to a deeper aerodynamic wheelset largely nullified this sensation. However, the Verticale SLR still felt a little less efficient than, for example, a Canyon Ultimate CFR (a bike positioned as an all-round racer, but traditionally considered a climber’s choice), or a Cannondale Supersix Evo.

Wilier Verticale SLR Dura-Ace Di2 bottom line

The Wilier Verticale SLR Dura-Ace Di2 is a great bike for climbing and is easy to handle on descents too.

Its easy-going nature may appeal to those who enjoy long days out on the biggest climbs and descents their local area offers. Equally, it might also switch off those who prefer a more aggressive-handling bike.

This amounts to personal preference, though, so it should be borne in mind when considering it against similar alternatives, such as the Orbea Orca and Canyon Ultimate.

It’s a shame you need to spend even more to have a build with a power meter, especially considering the relative value Canyon offers. That said, the German direct-to-consumer brand can’t match Wilier’s ability to swap components to your needs.

If the Verticale SLR isn’t a clear winner versus the competition, then, it’s certainly competitive.