Unmistakeably a Pinarello

Curves on curves…

MOsT handlebar matches frame

Tank? Crankset name hits a flat note

Manufacturers have in recent years got into the habit of releasing details of the following year’s ranges earlier and earlier but a 2008 model physically delivered for sale in June must be some kind of record!

That aside we are very lucky to get these early shots of the Prince Carbon LTD edition road bike which was spotted recently at the South’s Mecca for European bike lovers, Cycles Dauphin in Surrey.

The new Prince now sits firmly at the top of Pinarello’s steadily expanding family of carbon bikes which include the F3:13, F4:13 and Paris Carbon FP and uses some of the highest grade carbon fibre on the market today.

This curvaceous frame and fork is made from a mix of material with Toray’s 50HM carbon fibre weave accounting for most of the frame’s composition, and its claimed rigidity. These stronger filaments are combined with strategically placed 40HM fibres which help recreate the smooth ride characteristics of the current Paris but with reduced overall weight.

Stiffer, lighter and equally as comfortable, a brave claim, and one we will pass comment on once our initial test rides are complete. Pinarello’s cunning blend is then lovingly wrapped in a 1K finishing layer as are all the branded accessories and as a whole the bike it has to be said looks stunning…

I have the enviable task of riding one of these beauties in the upcoming 209km Pinarello Gran Fondo and will be back with sore legs and tales of the ride along with an in depth analysis and comparison between Prince and Paris mid July…