Pinarello describes the F series as a completely new development and uncompromisingly designed with performance in mind. The new competition road bike is not intended to be a specialist for the mountains or for flat sprints, but as an all-round bike that covers all racing situations equally well. The Pinarello F benefits from the experience gained with the top model Pinarello Dogma Fand visually, it can only be distinguished from the winning bike of the professional road cyclists in a few details. So where is the target group for the Italians' new road bike platform for 2023?
Pinarello F Series: genes of the Dogma, more favourable prices
With the F series, Pinarello wants to share its expertise with a wider audience. In other words: the racing bike should be more affordable than the sinfully expensive Dogma F professional racing machinewhich, depending on the equipment, is priced well into the five-figure range. But even the second-series Pinarello road bike remains a luxury item: The top version, the Pinarello F9 with Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 groupset or SRAM Red AXS electric drivetrain is expected to cost a hefty 11900 euros each. Even the entry-level model of the Pinarello F series with a mechanical Ultegra groupset costs over 5000 euros. A small consolation in comparison: the Dogma F costs around 15,000 euros in a comparable setup.
Frame weight from 950-900 grams
The seating position and steering geometry are based on the aerodynamic Dogma F professional racing bike, so the handling of the Pinarello innovation should be similarly manoeuvrable. Pinarello specifies a frame weight of between 950 and 990 grams for the F series, depending on the version, for an unpainted carbon frame in size 53. For comparison: the painted frame of the expensive Dogma F in size 56 is in these regions, so you can assume a difference of around 200 grams between the Dogma F and the Pinarello F in an average frame size. Another difference: instead of eleven finely graduated frame sizes, the new Pinarello road bike is "only" available in nine sizes. This is still more than most other manufacturers, who only offer their bikes in five to six sizes.
Nine sizes and a classic cockpit on the Pinarello F road bike
The size range starts at a very small 43 centimetres (top tube length 50 centimetres) and ends at a stately 59.5 centimetres (top tube length 60 centimetres).
Instead of an integrated carbon handlebar unit, the F series offers classically clamped stems and handlebars. This allows the riding position to be adjusted precisely and comparatively inexpensively. However, the cables are integrated into the stem and handlebars, so the cost of conversion remains quite high. The frame and fork of the Pinarello road bike offer space for 30 mm tyres; the cheaper offshoot of the Dogma F adopts the asymmetrical rear triangle, the slim aero seatpost and the integrated seatpost clamp made of 3D-printed titanium.
Pinarello F Series: Two qualities, five colours, six road bike groupsets
The new Pinarello F is compatible with both electronic and mechanical road bike drivetrains. It is available in three versions, with the more expensive carbon quality Toray T900 being used for the F9 and F7. Only electronic groupsets are available here as equipment variants; the Shimano Dura-Ace and Shimano Ultegra Di2 as well as the Red and Force AXS groupsets from SRAM are listed for 11900 euros each. The wheels are all 40-millimetre carbon rims from the Pinarello sub-brand Most. The Italians are asking a whopping 5000 euros for a do-it-yourself frameset, which is only available in T900.
The cheapest model, the Pinarello F5, is based on Toray T700 fibres, for which the manufacturer quotes a weight increase of 50 grams on the frame. Both versions of the F5 come with Shimano's new 105 Di2 (6150 euros with Fulcrum aluminium wheels, 6800 euros with Most Ultrafast 40 Carbon) or the mechanical eleven-speed Shimano-Ultegra, an inexpensive aluminium wheelset from Fulcrum completes the package for 5150 euros. The F9 is only available in black and white, while buyers can choose from two colour options for the F7 and F5.
Jens Klötzer
Editor
