Wilier Triestina lightest bike ever
Lightness must be controlled. Making a lightweight frame is relatively simple, but making a lightweight one with top-notch performance and riding qualities requires a strong legacy.
The Verticale SLR is the best example of what we have been, and of what we do best: a racing bike that has improved weight over the Wilier 0 SLR - the previous climbing model made by Wilier - by almost 10% (9.73% on the kit comprising frame, fork, handlebars, and Seatpost).
1623 g for the Verticale SLR, 1798 g for the 0 SLR.
Lighter weight, greater responsiveness, improved performance levels.
The Verticale SLR is today the best calling card for Wilier, the new generation of the best Italian bicycle manufacturers.
Outstanding carbon
When we address the frame of a climbing bike, the first aspect we need to consider is the raw material used. Using the highest quality composite materials is the starting point to give rise to a project that focuses fully on top-level performance.
For the Verticale SLR, we specifically used 3 types of fibres produced by Toray, a Japanese multinational and leader in the carbon fibre market, especially T800, T1100, and M46JB.
New integrated V-Bar
The handlebar is in carbon monocoque and features a brand-new design weighing approximately 310 grammes.
The first thing that strikes you is the special shape with differentiated handlebar width. If you look at it from the front, the high grip on the controls is narrower at the bottom. This particular shape was devised to provide concrete solutions to the needs of professionals, who season after season scout for optimum aerodynamic solutions which comply with the rules and standards set by the UCI.
There is a trend to narrow it while nevertheless having a wider low grip to guarantee better handling, which is a key requirement when sprinting. The delta between the top and the bottom is 30 mm.
V-Bar, like the other monocoque handlebars in the Wilier range, is also compatible with our other premium bikes. It is available in 6 sizes, 2 with a width of 37/40mm, with 90 and 100mm stems, 4 with a width of 39/42mm, with 110, 120, 130 and 150mm stems.
Brake sheath routing
We also worked on the high part of the grip, particularly as regards the routing of the brake sheaths.
The contact surface has been increased to improve the passage of the sheath inside the handlebar.
Integrated cyclo-computer mount
The pursuit of a reduced overall handlebar weight has led us to develop a purpose-designed cyclo-computer mount stick, made entirely of aluminum which, unlike its predecessors, fits entirely in the handlebar.
It is secured thanks to two through holes which have enabled us to optimise weight further compared to previous models.
At the rear, in the fork-sleeve handlebar stem area, you can see that the tightening system is different. The screws tighten on two aluminum inserts, a solution that makes replacement easier in the tightening part, while also improving the distribution of force on the composite part.
The rear of the stem is finished with a rubber insert to prevent dirt and sweat from penetrating the handlebar, thereby preserving its reliability in the long run.
Seatpost with light or integrated number
We redesigned the seatpost with two possible setbacks: 0° and -15°, both are equipped with two special holes for the installation of a rear light or to affix race numbers.
New seatpost clamp system
We fine-tuned the fastening device which no longer fastens from the top but diagonally from the bottom.
This tightening system has allowed us to lighten the weight at that point of the frame with respect to the 0 SLR.
New derailleur coupling
Another major and fundamental new feature is the front derailleur coupling, which for the Verticale SLR is no longer riveted to the frame and has become repositionable.
This is how we succeeded in cutting down the weight of the coupling and having two possible configurations allowing the mounting in one case of a 50-34 or 53-39 compact crankset and in the other an oversized crankset with up to 55-56 teeth as required by our World Tour teams.