Uploaded March 2026 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
👉 Join the Mapdec Skool Community:
skool.com/mapdec
Can you build a sub-7kg bike that doesn't feel anxiety-inducing on a potholed descent? Today we finally build the Wilier Verticale that’s been sitting in the workshop since November. Our goal: 6.8kg exactly—no more, no less—using sensible modifications that prioritise braking power and durability over pure gram-counting.
We dive deep into the trade-offs of lightweight building. From harvesting Dura-Ace parts for an Ultegra groupset to the controversial choice of AliExpress cassettes and 3D-printed button extenders, this is a masterclass in intelligent bike building. We also tackle the elephant in the room: why a 1kg saving matters to a 50kg rider but is virtually noise for an 80kg rider.
Featuring:
Hope RX4+ 4-pot calipers (50g saving + better braking).
Galfer Rotors
Titanium Bolts fro TiBike
DT Swiss ARC 1100 Carbon Spoke wheels.
Shimano Ultegra Groupset, mildly upgraded
📢 WE ARE HIRING!
Our legendary editor Chris is headed to Asia! If you have videography and editing skills and love bikes, watch the end of the video for details on how to join the Mapdec team. WhatsApp here: wa.me/message/QBFWVK5YAC5LE1
BTW. All these componants were bought and paid for by Mapdec. This Bike is available for you to come and ride at our shop in the Lake District. We even paid for that crankset and cassette.. Mental.
Chapters
0:00 - The Green Bike: Finally building the Wilier Verticale
0:40 - The Mavic "Double Thread" Axle System
1:03 - Weighing the Frame & Seatpost
1:16 - The Physics of "System Weight"
3:01 - Modifying Ultegra: The Build Strategy
3:43 - Hope RX4+ vs. Ultegra: 50g Savings
5:28 - Titanium Bolts & Ceramic Knives
7:10 - The "Adapter Cheat" for 160mm Rotors
8:54 - Choosing the Right Grease: Autotop 200
11:15 - Dura-Ace Shifter Clamp Hack (10g Saving)
13:11 - Internal Di2 Routing & Battery Hacks
15:03 - Jockey Wheel Bling: Weight vs. Friction
17:43 - The BB Nightmare: Clearing Paint Overspray
19:19 - To Face or Not to Face? Frame Correction
22:12 - Crankset Comparison: Ultegra vs. AliExpress Carbon
23:53 - Why I’m NOT using the 150g Weight Saving
26:16 - Connecting & Bleeding Hope 4-Pot Calipers
29:48 - DT Swiss ARC 1100 (Carbon Spokes)
31:16 - Cassette Shootout: Ultegra vs. Dura-Ace vs. Zitto
33:55 - Galfer Rotor Install
35:25 - Mavic Speed Axle Explained
38:32 - Truing Rotors & Shifter Alignment
41:02 - Saddle Dilemmas: Prologo vs. Repente
42:49 - Chain Waxing & Maintenance Tips
44:30 - The 3D Printed "Funky" Bar Tape
48:25 - AliExpress "Cheat": Shifter Button Extenders
49:21 - THE FINAL REVEAL: Hit the UCI Limit
50:50 - We're Hiring! Join the Mapdec Team
@WilierTriestina @dtswiss @hopetech @RideShimano
👉 Join the Mapdec Skool Community:
skool.com/mapdec
Can you build a sub-7kg bike that doesn't feel anxiety-inducing on a potholed descent? Today we finally build the Wilier Verticale that’s been sitting in the workshop since November. Our goal: 6.8kg exactly—no more, no less—using sensible modifications that prioritise braking power and durability over pure gram-counting.
We dive deep into the trade-offs of lightweight building. From harvesting Dura-Ace parts for an Ultegra groupset to the controversial choice of AliExpress cassettes and 3D-printed button extenders, this is a masterclass in intelligent bike building. We also tackle the elephant in the room: why a 1kg saving matters to a 50kg rider but is virtually noise for an 80kg rider.
Featuring:
Hope RX4+ 4-pot calipers (50g saving + better braking).
Galfer Rotors
Titanium Bolts fro TiBike
DT Swiss ARC 1100 Carbon Spoke wheels.
Shimano Ultegra Groupset, mildly upgraded
📢 WE ARE HIRING!
Our legendary editor Chris is headed to Asia! If you have videography and editing skills and love bikes, watch the end of the video for details on how to join the Mapdec team. WhatsApp here: wa.me/message/QBFWVK5YAC5LE1
BTW. All these componants were bought and paid for by Mapdec. This Bike is available for you to come and ride at our shop in the Lake District. We even paid for that crankset and cassette.. Mental.
Chapters
0:00 - The Green Bike: Finally building the Wilier Verticale
0:40 - The Mavic "Double Thread" Axle System
1:03 - Weighing the Frame & Seatpost
1:16 - The Physics of "System Weight"
3:01 - Modifying Ultegra: The Build Strategy
3:43 - Hope RX4+ vs. Ultegra: 50g Savings
5:28 - Titanium Bolts & Ceramic Knives
7:10 - The "Adapter Cheat" for 160mm Rotors
8:54 - Choosing the Right Grease: Autotop 200
11:15 - Dura-Ace Shifter Clamp Hack (10g Saving)
13:11 - Internal Di2 Routing & Battery Hacks
15:03 - Jockey Wheel Bling: Weight vs. Friction
17:43 - The BB Nightmare: Clearing Paint Overspray
19:19 - To Face or Not to Face? Frame Correction
22:12 - Crankset Comparison: Ultegra vs. AliExpress Carbon
23:53 - Why I’m NOT using the 150g Weight Saving
26:16 - Connecting & Bleeding Hope 4-Pot Calipers
29:48 - DT Swiss ARC 1100 (Carbon Spokes)
31:16 - Cassette Shootout: Ultegra vs. Dura-Ace vs. Zitto
33:55 - Galfer Rotor Install
35:25 - Mavic Speed Axle Explained
38:32 - Truing Rotors & Shifter Alignment
41:02 - Saddle Dilemmas: Prologo vs. Repente
42:49 - Chain Waxing & Maintenance Tips
44:30 - The 3D Printed "Funky" Bar Tape
48:25 - AliExpress "Cheat": Shifter Button Extenders
49:21 - THE FINAL REVEAL: Hit the UCI Limit
50:50 - We're Hiring! Join the Mapdec Team
@WilierTriestina @dtswiss @hopetech @RideShimano
