Pinarello FP3 vs...uh....vs?

[kenyonchris]

Hey everyone....off the grid for a while but back now...
Over the winter I continued to battle with my BEAUTIFUL Colnago c50. When I built it (complete with Campy Chorus 11) I was worried about it being a bit large. When I had it fit, I got a raised eyebrow from my LBS guy, today I went and had a dynamic fit...and of course it is almost an inch to an inch and a half too big, which is what I knew...I have struggled and struggled with it. It is fast, fast fast....very responsive for my aggressive riding style. BUT IT IS TOO BIG, even with the bazillion adjustments I have made.

I cannot EVEN begin to afford another Colnago c50. I went and tested the Pinarello fP3 today (the 2010 WSD) and liked it, the test bike had Ultegra stuff on it and I just am not a Shimano fan, I know that putting my Campy stuff on it will make it feel snappier. I did like it, it doesn't feel as light and quick as my Colnago, but it is VASTLY more comfortable. I rode a variety of the Treks and the Specializeds...none of which I liked. I guess I am just an italian type girl.

Anyone had this bike and any ideas??

And of course, anyone interested in a 48 sloping (53 standard) Colnago C50 frame and fork?

[redrhodie]

How about a De Rosa? I'm biased towards Eddy Merckx myself, and the carbon ones are Italian made. They introduced a women's specific line this year.

[MartianDestiny]

I guess I am just an italian type girl.

Anyone had this bike and any ideas??

Have you looked into Wilier? Not sure what your budget is, but they have a few different frame models, most coming in small and extra small (I'm 5' and ride an XS). I'd highly recommend taking a look at them.

Competitive Cyclist sells them so you can get an idea on pricing for frames and complete bikes even if no one local has them around.

http://www.competitivecyclist.com/ro...ilier-522.html

Looks like right now they have a Mortidello frameset (Wilier's "entry" bike) for $1100 and a Centro Uno (top of the line) for $4000 on closeout.

The Izoard frameset (what I ride and a VERY NICE, capable frame for the price) comes in at $2k even without a sale price. (not cheap by any means, but reasonably budget conscious considering what it is and what it compares with).

So sorry to hear about your Colnago fitting woes That really stinks.

[Biciclista]

the frustration i have had with Italian bikes is that they don't make bikes that fit smaller women very well. This is totally crazy since Italians ARE shorter than average than americans and of course Italian women are shorter than average too.

[kenyonchris]

Have you looked into Wilier? Not sure what your budget is, but they have a few different frame models, most coming in small and extra small (I'm 5' and ride an XS). I'd highly recommend taking a look at them.

Competitive Cyclist sells them so you can get an idea on pricing for frames and complete bikes even if no one local has them around.

http://www.competitivecyclist.com/ro...ilier-522.html

Looks like right now they have a Mortidello frameset (Wilier's "entry" bike) for $1100 and a Centro Uno (top of the line) for $4000 on closeout.

The Izoard frameset (what I ride and a VERY NICE, capable frame for the price) comes in at $2k even without a sale price. (not cheap by any means, but reasonably budget conscious considering what it is and what it compares with).

So sorry to hear about your Colnago fitting woes That really stinks.

I love the way the Willier looks...but can't find one to test!!

[MartianDestiny]

I love the way the Willier looks...but can't find one to test!!

That's so frustrating. Too bad you aren't in CO; I'd let you hop on mine.

[roguedog]

the frustration i have had with Italian bikes is that they don't make bikes that fit smaller women very well. This is totally crazy since Italians ARE shorter than average than americans and of course Italian women are shorter than average too.

I agree. I don't get it. But then, I don't get that Shimano's hoods are so freaking bulky. Italians and Japanese are smaller folks.. you'd think their stuff it'd be more comfy for women.

Alas, I think it is the racing element of the design process that gets us.

KenyonChris, do like Maillotpois (sp?) did and get a Pegoretti love. I'm not sure how it is for all day comfort but I've heard it's a rocket! I'm kind of a Pegoretti groupie now...

[MartianDestiny]

I agree. I don't get it. But then, I don't get that Shimano's hoods are so freaking bulky. Italians and Japanese are smaller folks.. you'd think their stuff it'd be more comfy for women.

Alas, I think it is the racing element of the design process that gets us.

KenyonChris, do like Maillotpois (sp?) did and get a Pegoretti love. I'm not sure how it is for all day comfort but I've heard it's a rocket! I'm kind of a Pegoretti groupie now...

The new Ultegra stuff is the bomb. Slimmer hoods, much better lever design, etc (NO NEED FOR SHIMS, YAY!!!).

O, and I'm 4'11" and ride an Italian frame...
I don't think it has anything to do with point of origin. Lots of smaller bike companies (italian, us, etc) just choose not to make smaller frames for any of a lot of reasons. With carbon it's pretty simply that they can't justify the cost of the mold against the (relatively smaller) potential for sales when competing against "the big 3" in the US market. Doesn't mean they aren't marketing something completely different in their home country where they have more market share.

[maillotpois]

I do notice that the Italian made bikes are bigger than you think they will be, if you just go by size number. Maybe that's true of all bikes, but My Merckx was 2 cm bigger than its TT size, center to center and so are the Pegorettis. I am getting a 52 Pegoretti frame and I'm 5'8" and my Merckx was a 54. My Colnago is a 52 and it fits fine. Not sure what we were thinking about with the Merckx size, but we made it work great so it sure wasn't off nearly as bad as your Colnago.

On your original question, DH has the Pinarello F 4:13 and loves it. I think that may have been the earlier version of the FP3 but not sure.

[Crankin]

Kenyon, I have a Kuota, which is also Italian. They are known for their tri bikes, but they also make quite a few roadie models. I have an x-small Kebel. It's about 48 cm, with a slightly sloping top tube. I am 5' 1" (barely) and it's a pretty good fit. I have some stand over clearance and the bike comes with 700 wheels (I had 650s on my Trek). I really can't comment on the Campy stuff. I've always had Ultegra on my bikes. When I got this bike, I bought 38 cm shallow drop bars and got the Ultegra R 700 short reach brifters. This has made a world of difference. I had shims in my previous brifters, which I felt compromised my braking ability and didn't really help with the reach issues.
The shop I bought my bike at also sells Willier and I know a couple of women that bought them. They are both taller, though. Nice looking bikes, too.

[Norse]

If you don't like Trek or Specialized, the Cervelo RS Ultegra is getting rave reviews, but it has Ultegra, of course. Personally, I like Ultegra and the new version is supposed to be sweeeeeeeeeeeeeet!

Must stop dreaming of a new bike, must stop, must stop.......

[7rider]

the frustration i have had with Italian bikes is that they don't make bikes that fit smaller women very well.

That's funny, because the Italian cycling CLOTHING certainly seems to be made for tiny women!

If you have fit issues, have you considered custom?
Parlee, Calfee, IF, Seven, Crumpton, KirkLee.....loads of custom houses out there that will build you just the bike you want - and need.

[Biciclista]

if you are talking to me, 7rider, yes, I did have issues and I do have a wonderful custom bike.
But it was made in the USA. (I'm drooling over Maillotpois's Pegoretti though!)

[7rider]

if you are talking to me, 7rider, yes, I did have issues and I do have a wonderful custom bike.
But it was made in the USA. (I'm drooling over Maillotpois's Pegoretti though!)

Oops. No, actually the comment about a custom build was directed at KenyonChris. I know, the custom houses I mentioned are not Italian....but they would do a fine job (and I'm sure they'd be willing to paint an Italian flag or paint the colors for you to show your Italio-phile ways! )

[TxDoc]

I know, the custom houses I mentioned are not Italian....but they would do a fine job (and I'm sure they'd be willing to paint an Italian flag or paint the colors for you to show your Italio-phile ways! )

Or... go Bianchi individual and get your own custom Bianchi with your name on it, and with your custom paint scheme