Pinarello F3 Shimano 105 Di2 2026: test review, pros, cons, problems, opinions, everything you (really) need to know
Pinarello F3 Shimano 105 Di2 2026: test review, pros, cons, problems, opinions, everything you (really) need to know
Pinarello F3 Shimano 105 Di2 2026 Test Ride Review: Build Quality
The Pinarello F3 Shimano 105 Di2 2026 is an impeccably made bike, expensive, but from a quality perspective, there is nothing to fault. No significant differences are apparent compared to the more expensive Pinarello F 2026. Consistent with Pinarello tradition, the wide availability of sizes is good and superior to the competition. The range of component builds is good, and the various components used are excellent. The quality-to-price ratio is adequate; the bike is expensive but also very well made. The bike's good resale value on the used market is also a factor to consider. Its flaws are the overall weight and the price.
Pinarello F3 Shimano 105 Di2 2026 Test Ride Review: Frame
The frame of the Pinarello F3 Shimano 105 Di2 2026 is of excellent quality. The range of colors is also good. In any case, it's almost impossible not to find the perfect size. It's not a custom frame, but close to it... This is a significant plus. In this version, the weight is 8.5kg, which is not light, for a price of about 4500 euros, which is not cheap, but better than the previous version. Some competitors, however, don't do any better...
Pinarello F3 Shimano 105 Di2 2026 Test Ride Review: Components
Assembled with the Shimano 105 Di2 groupset, nothing is left to chance. The bicycle is beautiful, well-assembled, and features good quality components. It's a pity that all this doesn't translate into a truly competitive weight.
Pinarello F3 Shimano 105 Di2 2026 Test Ride Review: Comfort
One of the best aspects of the Pinarello F3 Shimano 105 Di2 2026 is its riding comfort. For a road bike, it is a very comfortable machine—not a true endurance bike, but very close. Even on sections of damaged asphalt, the riding comfort is good. This is an excellent result that characterizes the bicycle and differentiates it from the Dogma F.
Pinarello F3 Shimano 105 Di2 2026 Test Ride Review: Handling
The Pinarello F3 Shimano 105 Di2 2026 follows the classic Pinarello handling philosophy: it's a motorcycle with pedals... It is precise, secure, stable, intuitive, and easy to ride. In fact, it is even more stable and secure at high speeds and on rough roads. It is easy to handle in hilly terrain and on twisty courses. It is stable and easy to control on damaged asphalt sections. It's impeccable at very high speeds, even on poor pavement, where it proves to be a very safe road bike. Stability and control under braking are excellent. It is impossible to find a fault on the steepest and most dangerous descents. The frame is excellent, with great stability, ease of handling, and security at high speeds. From a handling perspective, however, it is identical to the other Pinarello F models, and no particular differences are noticeable.
Pinarello F3 Shimano 105 Di2 2026 Test Ride Review: Performance
The weight can be considered its weak point. It's true that other similar competitors have the same weight, but it's also true that on climbs, its 8.2kg is fully felt, despite having a very stiff frame that transmits power well to the rear wheel. It should be noted, however, that its weight is in line with other road bikes of comparable level. So, while there are faster bikes on the climb, the overall performance is absolutely competitive. Furthermore, even uphill, by exploiting the frame's rigidity, one can find themselves ahead of road bikes that are much more highly regarded. It remains a road bike for powerful athletes who can leverage the stiffness of its frame. The excellent frame rigidity and good aerodynamics allow for competitive performance on the flats and hills, good performance on the climbs, and excellent performance on the descents, thanks to its stability and security. Overall, it is an excellent all-around road bike, perhaps only slightly penalized on the hardest climbs. The good riding comfort also allows it to be very competitive over very long distances.
Pinarello F3 Shimano 105 Di2 2026 Test Ride Review: Pros and Cons
The Pinarello F3 Shimano 105 Di2 2026 perfectly completes the F-Series 2026 lineup. It is slightly heavier but equally well-built, and it is the most affordable in the F range. It is a high-quality road bike that is safe, stable, comfortable, and easy to ride. It weighs a bit too much and costs a lot, but this is in line with other competitors who are less refined, have fewer sizes available, are less stiff in the frame, and less comfortable. It may not be the absolute best road bike, but it has many advantages in its favor. It will hardly win over those who aren't Pinarello enthusiasts, but it is certainly a valid alternative to the other Pinarello F models and an excellent high-end road bike.
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NDR: the photo does not refer to the specific bike being tested