Wilier
Urta Max SLRShimano XT Di2 1x12sp Miche 966 SPR Alloy 29" TLR
Introduced for the 2024 model year, the Wilier Urta Max SLR is a dedicated cross-country and marathon racing platform adapted for modern, rougher courses. Moving away from traditional short-travel designs, this generation utilizes 120mm of suspension travel front and rear via a single-pivot, flex-stay rear end. Despite the increase in travel, the bike remains strictly focused on elite-level racing rather than casual trail riding. Wilier designed the frame around a highly integrated, road-inspired aesthetic, routing cables through the headset and offering a proprietary one-piece carbon cockpit. The platform is built for riders who prioritize pedaling efficiency and forward momentum over long distances. It suits competitive marathon racers and cross-country enthusiasts who need a lightweight, highly responsive chassis to maximize power output during extended high-altitude efforts.
Spec sheet.
Every component shipped with this build.
Geometry & fit.
4 sizes published.
The Urta Max SLR is built around a distinctly aggressive, forward-biased geometry that dictates a low and stretched rider posture. Across all sizes, Wilier utilizes a 67.5-degree head tube angle and a 75-degree seat tube angle. While these numbers are a step slacker than older traditional XC bikes, they remain relatively conservative for a modern 120mm platform, keeping the steering quick and the rider’s weight centered over the bottom bracket for optimal power transfer.
Fit is heavily influenced by the optional Urta Max Bar, a one-piece integrated carbon cockpit featuring a severe -27-degree stem angle. This setup forces a dropped, aerodynamic stance that keeps the front wheel weighted on steep pitches but requires significant core strength to maintain over long distances. A 443mm reach on the medium frame provides enough length for high-speed stability without feeling overly stretched. Meanwhile, the consistent 435mm chainstays across the size run ensure the rear end remains snappy, allowing the bike to navigate tight uphill corners with minimal steering input.
Where the handlebar sits relative to the bottom bracket — the single most important fit pair.
01Fit geometry4 values
03Handling geometry3 values
Which size should I buy?
Slide your height to see the recommended size. GearWise's fit algorithm works from the published stack, reach, and ETT — the brand's own recommendation may differ.
→Calculated from GearWise's own stack / reach / ETT algorithm — the brand's size chart may recommend a different size, and a proper bike fit beats any calculator.
The lineup.
13 builds, ranging $7,539 – $11,892.
Wilier offers the Urta Max SLR in a tightly focused range of premium builds, entirely skipping entry-level or mid-tier component groups. The lineup is split between high-end electronic drivetrains from Shimano and SRAM. Shimano configurations feature either XT Di2 or flagship XTR Di2 12-speed groupsets, while the SRAM side utilizes GX Eagle AXS T-Type or the top-tier XX SL Eagle AXS T-Type transmissions. Notably, the SRAM XX SL builds explicitly include integrated power meters.
Suspension specification is uniformly high-end, with most models utilizing RockShox SID Ultimate Flight Attendant forks and SID Luxe Ultimate rear shocks for automated, electronic damping adjustments. A select few builds opt for Fox Factory suspension, featuring the 34 Step-Cast fork and Float SL shock.
The primary differentiator in price and ride feel across the ladder is the wheelset. Base configurations roll on Miche 966 SPR alloy wheels, while the upper tiers upgrade to lightweight carbon options, including the Miche K6, K1 Evo, or K1 RD carbon wheelsets. All builds are equipped with 100mm or 125mm dropper posts and fast-rolling 2.4-inch Vittoria Saguaro or Pirelli Scorpion tires, reinforcing the bike's uncompromising race-day value.
From the press.
1 review from the cycling press.
Reviewers consistently characterize the Urta Max SLR as a highly efficient marathon machine that prioritizes climbing speed over descending capability. On the trail, the bike rewards aggressive pedaling and maintains momentum exceptionally well on moderate terrain. Testers note that the geometry strikes a balance "right in the middle between playfulness and high speed stability" (Bike-test), making it agile enough for tight switchbacks while remaining composed on fast, undulating fire roads.
However, this sharp focus on cross-country efficiency introduces clear tradeoffs when the gradient drops. The aggressive, forward-leaning "sporty riding position" (Bike-test) that makes the bike so effective on steep climbs can feel demanding on technical descents. When pushed into steep, chunky rock gardens or aggressive downhill sections, the bike's rigid chassis and conservative angles show their limits. Testers point out that while the Wilier is undeniably "strong in the uphills" (Bike-test), it can be "left in the dust" (Bike-test) by more gravity-oriented competitors in the 120mm travel bracket. Ultimately, the consensus points to a specialized racing tool that excels at gaining elevation and covering massive distances, provided the rider has the handling skills to manage its taut, race-tuned feel on the way back down.
