Pinarello has launched the latest incarnation of its flagship road bike – the DOGMA F. This utilises new M40X carbon fibre, following testing on Pinarello X-Light models, and on INEOS Grenadiers’ bikes.
Since launching its first DOGMA bike 22 years ago, Pinarello points out that it has… ‘always stood out from the crowd and created bikes that are totally unique, both in terms of how they look, but more importantly, how they perform. Form over function is a constant source of discussion between our head designers and we believe the DOGMA F achieves the perfect blend of the two.’
According to the company, the M40X carbon fibre features… ‘a ground-breaking lay-up with an exceptional tensile module that has enabled us to take lateral stiffness to the next level.’
Pinarello notes that, over the course of a Grand Tour, a 0.2% improvement in the coefficient of aerodynamic drag (CdA) equates to a 175g saving on the bike. To validate that theory, INEOS Grenadiers’ performance team measured Geraint Thomas’s performance data from the 2022 Tour de France.
The team studied the average energy he was expending and balanced that with the potential savings he could make in different riding situations i.e. on the flat, climbing, descending. They found minor improvements in CdA and rolling resistance were in fact more valuable than saving weight.
Pinarello adds… ‘In Grand Tours, just like with our daily rides, it’s not always an uphill time trial. We’re constantly riding on varied terrain. Examined objectively, aerodynamic gains are worth more than weight savings, and that’s why, with the new DOGMA F, we didn’t focus solely on saving weight.
‘Yes, the new model is 108g lighter than the previous edition but our primary concern was to reduce the bike’s CdA by 0.2%.
‘Every shape, every detail, every new line on the DOGMA F has been designed to reduce the CdA by 0.2%. We achieved that by making a series of minor yet important improvements, all developed using the latest Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulations, and countless hours in the wind tunnel.’
The down tube has been completely redesigned to reduce its thickness, improving the frontal aerodynamic performance of the frame and reducing overall drag. The down tube has also been rotated by 3.5° to create a keel shape that improves the aerodynamic performance of the bottom bracket area by 1.2%.
The bike’s unique head tube nose shape – which was first introduced on the DOGMA F8 in 2014 – has also evolved. Pinarello has reduced the volume and width of the nose area by 8mm courtesy of a more streamlined design which improves frontal aero penetration.
To reduce the width of the head tube, the company designed an innovative elliptical steering tube and completely new headset using bearings of a different diameter, wider on the bottom and narrower at the top. The internal cable routing was also moved from the sides to the front of the steering tube.
There are new, shorter thru axles. The bolt on the right side of the fork has been integrated into the carbon, eliminating the previous version’s external hole. The same has been done on the frame with the integration of the rear derailleur dropout. This solution improves both the aerodynamic performance of the frame, and its aesthetics.
A new slimmer fork design – tested by professional riders – also improves aerodynamics and features a 47mm rake to improve handling and speed on descents.
The seatpost clamp has reduced in size and is now fully integrated inside the seat tube. This new solution reduces weight, improves the design and increases the cleanliness of the system by limiting the amount of dust and sweat that can get inside.
The new Talon Fast integrated cockpit is lighter and more aerodynamic than before. Pinarello adds that it features a natural twisted lever position which allows riders to find aero positions in a safer way.
Bike weight (size 53, no pedals, no bottles)
6.63kg – SRAM RED Etap AXS Princeton Peak 4550 wheels
6.77kg – Shimano Dura Ace Princeton Peak 4550 wheels
6.88kg – Campagnolo Wireless, Bora WTO 45 wheels
Pricing
Complete bikes (with top end specifications) start at €14,500, US$14,500 and £12,600. Framesets (including fork and seat post) start at €6,700, US$6,950 and £5,500.
