Comments on: Pinarello FP3, Good for the Price?

By: Luis

Luis — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 21:56:22 +0000

I bought my 2009 Pinarello FP3 with Campy Centaur this past August 21st. Since then I have put about 500 miles on it and every new mile just feels better and better. I’m 69 inches tall with a 32 inch inseam and bought the RED 51.5 (is there any other color?) which comes standard with the 110mm stem. Prior to my FP3 I was riding a 2007 Specialized Allez Expert Triple size 54 with full Ultegra which is also a very nice bike.

But the Pinarello is a Lamborghini compared to the Allez which is more of a Mustang. You can go test ride the Prince and then test the FP3 and I guarantee you that unless you’re a Pro Peloton cyclist you will not notice the difference. It is just one sweet ride. I actually miss it when I’m not riding it and away on business and I find myself just staring at it when I’m home. IT WILL TURN HEADS!! So if you don’t like the “bling” factor don’t buy it! Happy cycling!

By: James McCord

James McCord — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 21:33:27 +0000

Ann,
Proper fit is important and a personal thing, but with Pinarello making the FP3 in 14 sizes including 4 specifically for women you should be able to find a good fit. This is more variety than you’ll find in many competitor’s models and demonstrates Pinarello’s commitment to the FP3.
I love my FP3 with Centaur though I never rode the stock Chall wheels. I upgraded the wheels to Campagnolo Zondas (love ‘em).
Happy hunting and good luck.

By: ann

ann — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 01:51:28 +0000

I am looking for a new road bike and am seriously considering the FP3, I love its looks, I am not into “boring” looking bikes the more funky they are the better. I am currently riding an entry level specialized allez and what to upgrade to a lighter and better performing bike.
Are these bikes okay for a female, I have very long legs inseam 32-33 and a shorter torso. My husband was told that it has a long cockpit and that is a concern for me as I can suffer from lower back problems if the reach is to great.
I have never ridden a higher performance bike and am wondering if I might not like the “feel” of this bike.
I am also considering a Trek.
Any comments would be helpful. Thanks, and happy cycling.

By: Bob F

Bob F — Thu, 10 Sep 2009 18:31:05 +0000

Ive ridden my FP3 DuraAce for ~500Miles (long enough to shake it down and form an opinion).

Pros:
Light, not too stiff (read “comfortable”), tight (everything works as it is supposed to. Inspiring to climb with but average in the flats. I like the looks. It gets high marks for motivation. Because its a Pinarello I cant just slog along with other riders. They expect more from an old man on a Pinarello so it inspires me to push a bit harder than I probably would otherwise (yes, after 2 marriages I still have some ego intact).

Cons:
The wheelset on the bike is ok but most people purchasing a bike like this will swap the wheelset for something a little lighter and more performance oriented. Given this is such a strong climbing bike it seems odd they skimped here.

As to the question of value for the money I am very happy and would purchase this bike again if I had it to do all over again.

Happy Riding!

By: James McCord

James McCord — Mon, 07 Sep 2009 17:58:46 +0000

Absolutely concur with Gary’s comments. With 1,000 km on my FP3 I enjoy it more and more. Quick, comfortable, and great handling, all at a reasonable price point – what could be better? As far as Colin’s comment about frames cracking, I have not heard of any problems with the FP3 frame. Carbon fiber has unique properties and is not as forgiving as steel. Failure is often the result of abuse or neglect and is usually catastrophic, unlike aluminum or steel. However with reasonable care and a little luck a CF frame could outlast its rider. The fatigue strength of CF is off the charts. Pinarello has a long relationship with Torayca who makes their CF frames. Torayca is arguably the best CF producer in the world. When I asked Fausto Pinarello why his frame production remains in Japan he said Torayca insists Pinarello keeps frame production in Japan to maintain the highest standard of quality control. After production, the Torayca frames are measured and gauged again at the Pinarello factory to ensure perfection. afterward they are painstakingly finished in the Pinarello paint shop and the result IMHO is beautiful.

By: Gary Brickler

Gary Brickler — Sun, 30 Aug 2009 17:14:18 +0000

We were fortunate enough to live in Italy for a couple of years. While there last year purchased the FP3 with Centaur components at the Pinarello factory shop in Treviso. The FP3 is worth every penny. You will not notice a great difference from the Prince. The FP3 is amazingly quick while being extremely comfortable, Is it worth the money? Not even a moment of doubt – yes. Buy a Corolla, used. But get the Pinarello.

By: James McCord

James McCord — Thu, 27 Aug 2009 15:44:31 +0000

Modo,
Always go for the exotic.
If riding in the states Pinarello; in Europe – Specialized.
The FP3 is my Italian “souvenir” to bring home, but here in Northern Italy the Italian riders love Specialized and Trek.
For me aesthetics was a big factor. There are lots of great performing bikes in this price range, but I wanted a bike that would get my adrenalin up just looking at it – mission accomplished with the Pinarello
Happy hunting and ride safe.

By: Modo

Modo — Mon, 17 Aug 2009 11:32:40 +0000

Hi all I really dont know which bike to get. I’m treating myself to a road bike finally. I have looked long and hard have two possible deals on the tableboth bikes are very simular spec. both fitted with Ultegra throughout. Both are at a great price and new. So which one SPECIALIZED ROUBAIX or FP3 PINARELLO can any off any help thank you

By: James McCord

James McCord — Mon, 17 Aug 2009 11:22:24 +0000

I recently purchased a Centaur 10v equipped FP3. I upgraded the wheels to Campag Zonda’s, and the seat to the Most XLR (a Selle Italia SLR). With two (2) aluminum Elite bottle gages and Keo Classic pedals the complete bike weighed in at 8.3kg (18.3 lbs). It’s not super light, but the finish, looks, and handling more than compensate IMHO. The only downside is the limited component choices. Sold only as a complete bike, I couldn’t get one equipped with Chorus 11-spd. Even at the Treviso factory they wouldn’t budge. However, I found the 2009 Centaur groupset to be excellent with superb braking. I’m sure the Dura Ace rocks as well. I find the bike to be stiff and responsive while still being comfortable on long rides (80-100km). Go ahead…pull the pin!

By: qrrambero@comcast.net

qrrambero@comcast.net — Mon, 17 Aug 2009 10:08:49 +0000

gp.I got the 55 cm. The geometry is a little different. I used to have a 56 cm Bianchi. I am 5′-10″ – 158 lb and this bike flies when you go down hill.Frame is Italian, but the Most items (Handle, Stem, seat, post, etc.) used in this bike are made in Hon Kong or Taiwan.Ae