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    Gear Reviews

    Italian Speed: Pinarello Dogma F8 Review

    Jason MitchellBy Jason MitchellSeptember 19, 201610 Comments7 Mins Read

    Every year, a handful of bikes pass through my garage. Most are great and some are measurably better than others. On occasion, though, a bike comes in that surpasses what I thought was possible. With those bikes, no manner of superlatives can do it justice as the miles just tick away in pure joy. It’s not just the Pinarello Dogma F8 alone that has won me over, but the whole top-shelf package that together has delivered the best all-rounder I’ve ever ridden.

    Pinarello Dogma F8 Features:

    • Torayca T1100 1K carbon fiber layup for the ultimate in performance
    • Optimized for aerodynamics with an all-around ride quality
    • Reduced weight and stiffness over the previous Dogma
    • Onda F8 fork
    • Italian threaded bottom bracket
    • Internal cable routing
    • Warranty: 2 years
    • Weight: 15.25 lbs (54 cm as shown, without pedals and cages)
    • MSRP: $5750 (frame only)
    The ultimate build for the Dogma F8 looks like this.
    The ultimate build for the Dogma F8 looks like this.

    The best of SRAM with Italian curves

    The Team Wiggins-colored Pinarello Dogma F8 won me over at first glimpse. Much like Charlie Buckets slowly opening his Wonka Bar, I remember opening the box which revealed this white beauty. I admit that I’ve got a thing for white bikes and the Dogma just checks all my boxes. Color aside, this bike build is special and worthy to be hung on this $6000 Italian beauty.

    If you’re going to go with a Dogma, you better be prepared to kit it out to the level shown here: SRAM Red eTap, Zipp 303 NSW’s and a Zipp SL Speed stem. Not that eTap is your only option (Dura-Ace would certainly do the trick), but the clean lines offered by SRAM’s wireless grouppo simply make the Dogma look that much more uncluttered and beautiful. Granted, not everyone thinks that Pinarello’s design language is sexy, but you’ve got to be living under a rock to not appreciate the aesthetics of the complete package shown here.

    Aside from the kit, one of the noteworthy features of all Pinarello frames is the Italian threaded bottom bracket. With all the ire drawn from press fit bottom brackets, it’s refreshing to see those threaded cups on either side of the bottom bracket shell. I’ll also add that the included seatpost is easily-adjusted, but does require a trial-and-error process to get it just right.

    From all angles, the Dogma F8 just looks fast.
    From all angles, the Dogma F8 just looks fast.

    Immediately locked-in

    With the Dogma pre-built according to my fit specs, it immediately fit like a glove. Long days in the saddle were supremely-comfortable with the ability to ride forever without fatigue. While the full weight is just over 15 lbs., I had a hard time thinking it was anything other than a 14 lb. rocket. It goes to show you (as many manufacturers assert) that bike weight is only one of the factors of making a great bike. The Dogma F8 is certainly a lightweight frame and this bike could be built to a 14-lb. fighter, but instead of focusing on weight, I’ll say that the overall package should be a much higher priority.

    This build was specifically provided to showcase all the latest that SRAM/Zipp has to offer. From the wireless Red eTap kit to the new Zipp 303 NSW’s, everything is as it should be on a frameset of this caliber. If I had my druthers and deep pockets, there’s not a single thing I’d change about this bike.

    The F8 loves to climb in the mountains.
    The Dogma F8 is quite at home on long climbs in the mountains.

    Comfort beyond expectations

    After riding the Dogma K8-S briefly this summer, I was left somewhat unimpressed with the micro-suspension. It’s nice to have, no doubt, but unnecessary. It’s unnecessary because you can achieve a truly sublime ride quality with the Dogma F8 rolling 25mm rubber on a set of Zipp 303’s. Yup, I’ve been completely satisfied with the magic carpet that the F8 is delivering, as spec’d.

    Even though it is a comfortable ride, it is snappy, fast and fun in a way a great race bike should be. This bike really feels “playful” and I mean that. Rarely do bikes have that sort of feel, but the F8 does and it makes for a pure joy to ride.

    As a test, I did swap out the 303 NSW’s with a set of 30 Course wheels and the ride quality was only negligibly less smooth. Of course, the 303’s offer a more refined ride, but the F8 is naturally one of the more comfortable race bikes I’ve swung a leg over.

    Stand up and the F8 responds in kind.
    Stand up and the F8 responds in kind.

    Fast as all get-out

    Don’t even think about buying an F8 and not decking it out similarly to this one. You’re doing the bike and yourself a disservice. I think the profile of the 303’s is perfect for all-rounder use and have enjoyed pushing my limits on extended climbs (3000 ft +) and miles and miles of flat terrain. That 45mm rim depth, coupled with the aerodynamics of this frameset really make for a fast-feeling and fast-performing bike.

    With some tour-worthy bikes, you get a twitchy handler. Not so with the F8 as this bike is wicked-fast, but also extremely confidence-inspiring — even for a bloke like myself.

    Where things get even more fun is winding mountain descents. I’ve got the privilege of having one of the most iconic mountain loops in Utah as my backyard playground. The upper stretches of the Alpine Loop are narrow and feature many wonderful curves. The Dogma F8 simply swooshes from turn-to-turn with absolute pin-point confidence. I’ve felt connected to this bike in similar way to the Orbea Orca. It just feels like a natural extension of my body.

    More on its descending prowess. The Dogma F8 is a crack descender. I don’t say that about many bikes, but this one will blow your mind and set all kinds of unreal top speeds on descents (as always, descend under control).

    Now, let’s wrap everything up with stating the obvious… this bike is crazy, crazy expensive. And, unfortunately, some well-heeled cyclists will buy the F8 and put it on the wall — only breaking it out for a ride or two with their friends from Malibu — and that’s a downright shame. A real shame of egregious proportions because the Dogma F8 is one of the most, if not the most rewarding bikes I’ve ridden. It is beautiful, no doubt, but it’s built to be enjoyed on the road, so ride it fast and hard or Fausto Pinarello may show up at your door and take it back.

    The Good

    • The definition of an all-rounder in my book
    • Responds in a jiffy
    • Just feels fast — uphill, downhill and in the flats
    • Unique and unmistakable Italian looks
    • The ultimate frameset on the market
    • Tour-proven pedigree
    • Threaded bottom bracket
    • Team Wiggins white frameset is primo

    The Bad

    • Some of the color schemes can be a little busy
    • Of course, it is expensive, but you know that
    • Can only fit up to 25mm tires

    The Bottom Line: Pinarello Dogma F8

    If you are in the market for the best bike on the market and have deep pockets, I can’t imagine a more perfect all-rounder than the Dogma F8. It handles like an extension of your body, climbs fast in the mountains and descends like it’s on rails.

    Buy Now: Available at CompetitiveCyclist.com

     

     

    In Summary

    9.2 The All-Rounder

    Yeah, yeah, yeah... this bike costs an arm-and-a-leg. I get that. But, the Dogma F8 has performed beyond my wildest dreams. It is supremely-smooth and feels like an extension of my body in a way that no bike ever has. I'm now actually contemplating selling anything of value to get one of my own. Deck yours out like this one and you'll be treated to one amazing ride.

    • Ride Quality 9
    • Handling 10
    • Climbing 9
    • Descending 10
    • Pedaling Efficiency 9
    • Value 8
    1.1k
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    Jason Mitchell
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    A native of the Pacific Northwest, Jason quickly developed a love for the outdoors and a thing for mountains. That infatuation continues as he founded this site in 1999 -- sharing his love of road biking, mountain biking, trail running and skiing. That passion is channeled into every article or gear review he writes. Utah's Wasatch Mountains are his playground.

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    10 Comments

    1. Johan on November 22, 2016 6:11 pm

      I am interested in putting this bike together as you show it (F8 with eTap and 303NSW); for that purpose I went to a Pinarello authorized dealer and they called somewhere to verify whether the 303 NSW would fit in the F8 frame due to its width (26.40 mm) with 25 mm tires.
      The recommendation from -wherever the call was made to- was not to use 25mm tires.
      So, my questions are:
      What tire and size did you have on the wheels for the review?
      How did it perform when pressed and flexing?
      Thank you.

      Reply
    2. Johan on November 22, 2016 6:20 pm

      Another question:
      I read the bike is 54 cm
      How tall are you?

      Reply
      • Jason Mitchell on November 22, 2016 8:53 pm

        That’s awesome that you’re going to build that same setup — you won’t be disappointed! This bike had the Zipp Tangente Course 25mm tires on it and there were no clearance issues whatsoever. I’m also 5’10” and yes, it was a 54cm frame with about 20-30mm spacers under the stem. I sent the folks at SRAM my fit measurements and they dialed it in like a glove for me. Not everyone has their own bike fitter, but if you’re buying a Dogma, I’d make absolutely certain you’ve got someone who can dial it in based on your exact fit preferences. You’ll love it!

        Reply
    3. Steve M on April 5, 2017 5:46 pm

      Hey Jason, My F8 Dogma has the DI2 Dura Ace set up with a Stages. I’m deciding between the 303 NSWs or the new Enve 3.4 with the DT Swiss 240. I’m 6′ 2″ and 225 lbs and do both flats and climbing and just looking for the best fit to go fast and make my bike perform. I am concerned about Hub noise and the braking quality on the Enves and Lack of a maint/quality track record on the new Zipp NSW hubs and the lower warranty/weight limit on the Zipps. I have loved my Dogma, but I ready to replace the Fulcrum Racing Zeros. I hope you might have some input. Great Article! Thanks Steve M

      Reply
      • Jason Mitchell on April 5, 2017 8:31 pm

        The 303 NSW’s were so amazing on that bike, it would be difficult to find something better. The Enve 3.4’s would be about the only others I’d consider, but I’ve not had a chance to ride them yet. The Cognition hubset performed well in my 6 months of use, but that’s just barely broken in. But, yes the 250 lb rider limit is close, but you’re well below that.

        Enve is quite proud of their brake track, so I’m not sure if they will have better or about equal performance than the Showstopper on the NSW’s. In all my research, Enve doesn’t have a rider weight limit. I will say that the F8 does have limited tire clearance and I’m not sure what a 21mm internal width will do to your typical 25c tires — they may not fit in that frame.

        DT’s do have a loud freewheel and the Cognition is definitely not loud. Tough call… either would really be awesome on that bike.

        Reply
        • Steve M on April 6, 2017 2:59 pm

          Thanks so much for the response Jason! I currently run 25’s and they are continental 4000 s II on Fulcrum Racing Zeros with 1/4 of a gap left so there shouldn’t be an issue right? I love the fact that I got to see an F8 with them on it thanks to you. The rims look incredible. If you think I should be good on the tires fitting I’m going to pull the trigger on these. Thanks Again. Steve

          Reply
          • Jason Mitchell on April 6, 2017 3:38 pm

            While I can’t guarantee they will fit, I’m pretty confident you shouldn’t have any issues. The GP4000’s typically measure a little wider than most 25c tires, but I don’t think the inner widths are more than 1mm different. Enjoy the new ride!

            Reply
    4. Edgar S on February 11, 2021 5:21 pm

      I wanted to change to 28mm tires on my F8, so I’ve been looking around everywhere regarding tire clearance – so thanks to your review i found the answer.

      Reply
    5. Edgar on September 16, 2022 2:21 pm

      Hi Jason,
      I have an opportunity to ger a F8 with Dura Ace mechanical, I believe is a great deal at $3300 Cad size 50, am 169cm. What are your thoughts in 2022 for this bike? Am on a 2015 Canyon Ultimate CF SL with Rolf wheels. Thank you for your reply.

      Reply
    6. Jason Mitchell on September 16, 2022 9:51 pm

      The Dogma F8 is still an amazing bike. I fell in love with every Pinarello I’ve ridden, but their Achilles heel is tire clearance. If you’re okay rocking 25mm tires, the F8 remains a great option. Personally, I’m a 28-32mm tire guy on my road bike, so this one is now dated for me. That said, it’s so fast and handles like a dream.

      Reply

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