The Wilier Verticale SLR is a dedicated lightweight racing platform built specifically for high mountains and steep gradients. Introduced to replace the Zero SLR, this generation strips away excess mass to hit a highly competitive frame weight while retaining the structural stiffness required by WorldTour professionals. Wilier eschews deep aerodynamic tube profiles in favor of a classic, rounder aesthetic, focusing entirely on structural efficiency and power transfer. The resulting chassis is aimed squarely at the traditionalist climber who prioritizes immediate tactile feedback and low weight over flat-land speed maintenance. While it features modern integration—including a proprietary flared cockpit and hidden cable routing—the Verticale SLR remains a specialist tool. It suits riders who want a highly responsive, featherweight machine that excels on alpine ascents and technical descents, rather than a compromised aero-allrounder.
Where to get it.
1 retailer · size S.
Spec sheet.
Every component shipped with this build.
Geometry & fit.
6 sizes published.
The Verticale SLR utilizes a race-oriented geometry that balances an aggressive rider posture with stable descending characteristics. Reach and stack figures place the rider in a low, forward position typical of the WorldTour, but the steering geometry leans slightly toward stability rather than nervous agility. By pairing a slightly slacker head tube angle with a lengthened wheelbase on larger sizes, Wilier ensures the bike remains composed during fast, fatiguing alpine descents.
A defining element of the fit is the proprietary V-Bar integrated cockpit. The bar features a narrow stance at the hoods to reduce the rider's frontal area, combined with a distinct 30mm flare to the drops. This wider lower position provides crucial leverage for out-of-the-saddle sprinting and enhances control through high-speed corners.
Riders looking at the smallest frame sizes should note a specific handling quirk. Because Wilier uses a single fork offset across the entire size run, the trail figure increases significantly on the XS frame. This slackened front end prevents toe overlap but can cause the steering to feel slightly floppy when standing and pedaling on steep gradients.
Where the handlebar sits relative to the bottom bracket — the single most important fit pair.
01Fit geometry5 values
02Component geometry1 values
03Handling geometry4 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.
8 builds, ranging $12,100 – $15,700.
The Verticale SLR is positioned as a premium superbike, and its build ladder reflects that top-tier pricing. The range opens with Shimano Ultegra Di2 and SRAM Force AXS configurations, establishing a high baseline for electronic shifting and hydraulic braking. From there, the ladder steps up to flagship groupsets, offering Shimano Dura-Ace Di2, SRAM Red AXS, and Campagnolo Super Record Wireless.
Wilier provides options with and without power meters on the Force and Dura-Ace tiers, while the Red AXS build includes a power meter as standard. Across the board, the builds prioritize climbing utility, outfitting the bikes with wide-range cassettes and compact or semi-compact chainrings to suit steep mountain terrain.
Nearly all builds roll on Wilier’s in-house Miche Kleos RD 36 carbon wheels, with higher-end models featuring CeramicSpeed bearings. While the frame clears 32mm tires, the stock builds are equipped with high-volume Vittoria Corsa Pro tires that provide a crucial layer of pneumatic suspension. The proprietary V-Bar cockpit and a narrow, custom carbon seatpost—available in zero or 15mm setback options—are standard across the entire lineup, ensuring the core aerodynamic and ergonomic features remain consistent regardless of the chosen drivetrain.
From the press.
6 reviews from the cycling press.
Reviewers consistently praise the Verticale SLR for its highly reactive, traditional climbing feel. The frame’s stiffness translates into a "pulsating surge forward" (Cyclist Magazine) under hard pedaling, rewarding out-of-the-saddle efforts with immediate acceleration. Rather than feeling brittle, the chassis manages to filter out harsh road buzz effectively, with testers noting it feels surprisingly "planted and smooth" (Bike Rumor) over broken tarmac.
Downhill performance is a standout trait. The bike tracks predictably through high-speed, technical corners, possessing enough front-end stiffness to "hold the line without faltering" (Escape Collective) even on rough, off-camber exits. However, this climbing and descending prowess comes with a clear tradeoff on the flats. Without deep aerodynamic tube shapes, the bike requires more effort to maintain high speeds in the valleys compared to modern aero-allrounders.
The primary criticism across multiple reviews centers on the stock Miche Kleos wheelset. Several testers found the wheels slightly heavy for a premium climbing bike, describing them as "underwhelming for the price" (Cyclist Magazine) and noting they lack the lively sensation present in the frame itself. Despite this, the consensus remains that the frameset is an exceptional, highly focused tool for the mountains.
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