In addition to the new X series bikes, Pinarello is rolling out a new F series of bikes. No, not the Pinarello Dogma F made famous by the Ineos Grenadiers team, but a performance-inspired three-bike F series that, starting at the top, includes the one-color F9 with Shimano Dura-Ace components, the two-color F7  that is spec’d with either Shimano Di2 Ultegra or SRAM AXS Force, and the two-color entry-level F5 which is built with either Shimano Ultegra or 105 components.

The F7 will sell for $8800 while the  F5 that rolls on Pinarello’s in-house Most wheels will cost $6950 and the model spec’d with Fulcrum wheels sells for $6000.

As you’d expect, Pinarello nailed the F bikes’ aesthetic with enough look-alike features of the Dogma F starting with the asymmetrical frame design and Onda fork. Unlike the Dogma F that’s available in 11 sizes, the F series will be available in 9 sizes. And strangely, unlike the new X series which has clearance for up to 32mm tires,  the F series will only fit up to a 30mm tread.

PINARELLO F SERIES

FRAME MATERIALS

Pinarello uses Toray carbon on all three frames, specifically, T900 on the F9 and F7 with lower grade T700 on the F5. The idea is that the T900 balances the trifecta of responsiveness, vibration dampening and weight while the T700 is focused on the first two. Each grade of carbon has an individual lay-up pattern as well. This achieves a claimed frame weight of 955g for the F9 and F7 with the F5 coming in 40 grams higher at 995g. Pinarello uses an Onda fork with the same geometry as the one used on the Pinarello Dogma F with a claimed weight of 530g.

DESIGN FEATURES

Swooping tube shapes have become a standard at Pinarello, the F series employs many of the same marquee aesthetics as the Dogma. Asymmetric designs of the chain stays, seat stays, and head tube are used to compensate for the forces applied by the crank and disc brakes. For example, Pinarello claims that due to the torsional forces applied by the drivetrain, the offset chain stays provide a more balanced ride. Upfront on the right side the head tube slightly bulges to allow room for the internal routing.

Pinarello engineered a new frontal seat clamp. It’s 36g lighter than the previous version and offers improved aerodynamics as it is located internally on the top tube. The seat post is another value add as it’s the same design used on the Dogma F.

 

 

FIRST RIDE

Pinarello invited us to Syncrosfera Sports Hotel in Alicante, Spain for the launch of the new F series. Fausto Pinarello and CEO Antonio Dus were on hand and joined us for their first ride through the farmland and rolling foothills in the south of Spain.

We were aboard the F7 equipped with Shimano Ultegra Di2 and Pinarello’s Most wheels, the build retails for $8800. Compared to similar Ultegra builds like the $8300 Specialized Tarmac SL7 and the $8000 Giant Propel, the Pinarello is priced on the higher end of the market.

On the road, we noted a planted ride feel on the flats with fair responsiveness in corners.  The frame is on the stiffer side throughout and Pinarello’s characteristic tube shaping can take the credit. The bike rides well compared to other mid-level builds and we’d expect to see a few more Pinarellos on the road soon, be it an F7 or an F5.

It struck us as an engaging bike for racing and high-speed group rides but left us wondering who exactly the customer is.

We’d expect anyone willing to pay for the performance and history associated with the Pinarello name would be willing to go all-in for a bike like the Dogma F or, if racing isn’t the intended use, perhaps the all-new endurance-oriented X series. As a mid-tier performance bike, the F7  comes off as expensive when competitor’s builds are priced for nearly ten-percent less.

 

 

 

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