Uploaded August 2026 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
Enter the raffle on Raffal.com here: ENDS 16th August
raffall.com/426390/enter-raffle-to-win-68kg-wilier-vericale-slr-hosted-by-mapdec
It’s time to say goodbye to the Wilier Verticale SLR. Before we give this £10,000 dream build away, I wanted to take it for one last ride and share the honest lessons we learned from this project.
We set out to build a "fundamentals first" climbing bike—investing heavily in the frame and wheels while being strategic with the groupset and upgrades. From the controversial carbon-spoked DT Swiss wheels to the 4-pot Hope brake calipers, we tested what actually makes a difference when the gradient hits 20%.
In this video, we cover:
• The Build Strategy: Why we chose Ultegra over Dura-Ace.
• The Upgrades: What worked (Hope calipers) and what didn't (Galfer rotors).
• Aero vs. Lightweight: Why the "spaceship" bikes are taking over the pro peloton.
• The Ride Feel: Does a 1kg weight saving actually matter once you’re in a rhythm?
Specs:
Handlebar 38cm with 100mm stem
Gears. 34/50 cranks on 170mm, Cassette is 11-32.
Want to win this bike? The raffle is now live! It's £5 a ticket and we'll deliver it anywhere in the UK (and most of Europe).
Chapters:
00:00 What we learned from this project
01:10 The Frame: Climbing bike vs. Aero bike
02:53 Wheels: DT Swiss Arc 1100 & Carbon Spokes
04:39 The Groupset: Why Ultegra is the sweet spot
05:42 Performance Upgrades: Brakes, Rotors & Drivetrain
08:47 The AliExpress Carbon Crank Debate
10:55 Final Setup: Saddle, Tape & Tires
12:55 Looking ahead to 2027 (New Dura-Ace?)
13:59 The Last Ride: How it actually climbs
17:16 How to enter the raffle
#WilierVerticale #DreamBuild #CyclingTech #RoadBike #ClimbingBike #CyclingReviews #Mapdec
Enter the raffle on Raffal.com here: ENDS 16th August
raffall.com/426390/enter-raffle-to-win-68kg-wilier-vericale-slr-hosted-by-mapdec
It’s time to say goodbye to the Wilier Verticale SLR. Before we give this £10,000 dream build away, I wanted to take it for one last ride and share the honest lessons we learned from this project.
We set out to build a "fundamentals first" climbing bike—investing heavily in the frame and wheels while being strategic with the groupset and upgrades. From the controversial carbon-spoked DT Swiss wheels to the 4-pot Hope brake calipers, we tested what actually makes a difference when the gradient hits 20%.
In this video, we cover:
• The Build Strategy: Why we chose Ultegra over Dura-Ace.
• The Upgrades: What worked (Hope calipers) and what didn't (Galfer rotors).
• Aero vs. Lightweight: Why the "spaceship" bikes are taking over the pro peloton.
• The Ride Feel: Does a 1kg weight saving actually matter once you’re in a rhythm?
Specs:
Handlebar 38cm with 100mm stem
Gears. 34/50 cranks on 170mm, Cassette is 11-32.
Want to win this bike? The raffle is now live! It's £5 a ticket and we'll deliver it anywhere in the UK (and most of Europe).
Chapters:
00:00 What we learned from this project
01:10 The Frame: Climbing bike vs. Aero bike
02:53 Wheels: DT Swiss Arc 1100 & Carbon Spokes
04:39 The Groupset: Why Ultegra is the sweet spot
05:42 Performance Upgrades: Brakes, Rotors & Drivetrain
08:47 The AliExpress Carbon Crank Debate
10:55 Final Setup: Saddle, Tape & Tires
12:55 Looking ahead to 2027 (New Dura-Ace?)
13:59 The Last Ride: How it actually climbs
17:16 How to enter the raffle
#WilierVerticale #DreamBuild #CyclingTech #RoadBike #ClimbingBike #CyclingReviews #Mapdec
