"Kobh" stands for the English word "cobblestone". An allusion to the terrain for which this bike was developed. It experienced its baptism of fire in 2010 at the classic Paris-Roubaix. Juan Antonio Flecha from Team Sky came third on a Kobh - not a bad start for a new model.
Compared to the better-known Pinarello models Prince and Dogma, the Kobh's design language is restrained. Instead of the wavy seat stays, which have been the hallmark of the Italian luxury brand for years, the frame has slightly curved, relatively slim seat stays. The paintwork in the Team Sky design is also rather plain by Pinarello standards. However, the Kobh is not completely free of extra features: the fork has the typical wave curve and the rear triangle is asymmetrical, just like the Dogma. And: the left-hand chainstay is significantly thicker than the right-hand one - supposedly to improve power transmission.
Like the Prince and Dogma, the Kobh shines with exorbitant stiffness in the headset and bottom bracket. So you don't have to worry about riding stability and power transmission. But how does the bike behave on bad roads? Despite the thick seat post, it is surprisingly compliant at the rear. The good suspension value at the saddle of 255 N/mm is one thing; the influence of the 25 millimetre wide, excellently damping Continental tyres is also clearly noticeable. The voluminous tyres are probably also the main reason why the extreme firmness of the fork does not reach the rider with full force.
Despite the hard front end, the chassis set-up feels well balanced, which, as already mentioned, is largely due to the tyres. The steering behaviour is - typically Italian - agile, the riding position appeals to riders with racing ambitions.
As if from a single mould
When it comes to equipment, the motto is "if only, then only" - modesty would hardly be appropriate at a price of more than 9,000 euros. The highlight is the electronic Di2 shifting system from Shimano, which sets standards in terms of ease of use and shifting precision. The cables run inside the frame, and there is a separate version of the frame for mechanical shifting. An eye-catching feature is the handlebar/stem unit made entirely of carbon from the component brand Most, which belongs to Pinarello; the cockpit and the carbon seatpost pick up on the design of the frame paintwork. Visually, this is a coup, and we found the design with ergonomic upper handlebars and compact arch to be a success. However, more compliance would also be desirable here, as the handlebars are comparatively stiff.
ConclusionThe Kobh works just as well on bad roads as it does on any other terrain. There is room for improvement, especially in the fork, which could be more comfortable and even lighter. The price guarantees high exclusivity and a bike beyond the mainstream.
Price Complete wheel 9,080 euros
Weight 6.9 kilos
Reference/Info www.pinarello.com
Frame sizes** 45, 48, 51,5, 54, 55, 56, 57, 58 cm
Seat/steering angle 73,5°/73,5°
Seat/top tube/head tube 540/555/151 mm plus 15 mm headset cap
Wheelbase/caster 990/51 mm
Stack/Reach/STR*** 559/388 mm/1.44
EQUIPMENT
Fork Onda Kobh
Steering bearing Pinarello, top 1-1/8, bottom 1-1/4 inch
Brakes/gears/bottom bracket Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 (50/34 t./BSA)
Wheels/tyres Mavic R-SYS SL/Continental Grand Prix 4Season 25 mm
Handlebar/stem Most Talon
Saddle/post Most Panther/Most (31.6 mm)
MEASURED VALUES & INDIVIDUAL NOTES
Weight of complete wheel 6.9 kilos (without pedals)
Weight frame/fork/steering bearing* 1.158/487/81 g
Standardised weight frame set**** 1.768 g - 3 , 0
Steering head stiffness 102 Nm/° - 1 , 0
Lateral stiffness fork 66 Nm/° - 1 , 0
Bottom bracket stiffness 59 Nm/mm - 1 , 3
Comfort frame 255 N/mm - 2 , 0
Comfort fork 142 N/mm - 5 , 0
* The grade includes further individual grades which we have not printed for reasons of space.
** Tested frame size in bold.
*** Stack/reach: projected vertical/horizontal measurement from the centre of the bottom bracket to the top of the headset; STR (stack to reach): Values between 1.45 and 1.55 indicate a sporty riding position, values below are race-like, above are comfortable.
**** Adjusted weight for frame size 57 cm and fork steerer length 225 mm.
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