Pinarello Dogma X evaluation: Comfort and pace in a premium package deal

In autumn 2023, Pinarello launched the Dogma X endurance bike, a mannequin sitting alongside the Dogma F that the model mentioned would ‘reshape how we take into consideration endurance and pace’. I headed to Italy for the preliminary launch and to test-ride the brand new bike on the time, and now a 12 months on, having had one at dwelling within the UK for a number of months, I can add to these early opinions and produce you a full evaluation.

The Dogma X is an endurance-focused addition to the Pinarello Dogma vary. The model itself calls it an endurance mannequin, although its admittance to the Dogma household provides clues as to the extent at which the model is pitching the bike; proper on the premium finish of the market and within the firm of the very best street bikes.

The most eye-catching design function, and regarding the bike’s identify needs to be the brand new ‘X stays’ on the bike’s seatstay and seat tube junction. This sees further materials within the type of two seat keep ‘helps’ becoming a member of the seat tube, and an ‘X’ seat keep bridge. This is alleged to cut back the quantity of vibration reaching the rider and increase consolation. 

The body options clearances that may accommodate as much as 35mm tyres, and there’s a new extra relaxed geometry with shorter stack and attain numbers when in comparison with a Dogma F. A measurement 54 Dogma X has a 3.8mm shorter attain and 17.2mm taller stack, so related attain numbers however a taller entrance finish. 

This can be, just like the Dogma, one costly bike. A Dura-Ace geared up construct is available in at $15,500 / £13,300 / €16,100 while the Super Record WR model will set you again $16,000 / €16,350 (no UK pricing obtainable). Builds are top-end just for the Dogma X. 

At the time, we lined the bike launch in our information piece the place you’ll be able to learn extra in regards to the mannequin particulars and Pinarello’s claims. Interestingly I’ve ridden two completely different Dogma X bikes for the evaluation interval. A 53cm Dura-Ace geared up mannequin on the launch round Susegana, North of Pinarello’s dwelling in Treviso, Italy. Back dwelling within the UK, I’ve been testing a 54cm Campagnolo Super Record WR-equipped mannequin. I believed I had the Dogma X simply labored out on the launch, however testing a unique, larger bike at dwelling has raised tons extra questions for me. 

Design and aesthetics 

I’ve seen the entire Dogma X paint jobs within the flesh, and for me, all of them look unbelievable. There are some very nice choices to select from. Both of my Dogma X take a look at bikes have featured the ‘Xolar Black’ paint scheme comprising the darkish gray, black and silver/chrome paint you’ll be able to see within the pictures. I believe it seems to be purposeful and smooth. If you do not see what you’re in search of the Dogma X is included in Pinarello’s ‘My Way’ customized configurator program the place you’ll be able to select from much more paint choices. Some of the Pinarello paint areas could be seen in my manufacturing facility go to gallery from the identical journey. 

Looking on the bike aspect on reveals a few of what it is about. The curved seatstays and customarily taller entrance finish, to not point out the X Stays which we are going to get to, soften the bike’s look considerably. Moving it visually away from out-and-out aggressive race bike and into extra comfy territory. 

The Dogma body design has slowly advanced through the years, however has lengthy been an simply recognisable silhouette that appears bang updated design-wise and is fairly common I believe it is protected to say. A brand new Dogma F launched in June this 12 months, following on from the X. Below the ‘Dogma X’ sit the X Series bikes which launched early final 12 months.

The Dogma X shares loads of the Dogma F styling with one obtrusive exception which is the ‘X-Stay’ rear seat keep design. I’ll focus on this concerning the aesthetics of the bike straight off the bat as a result of it is virtually actually going to be a significant speaking level. Summed up, it is probably not for everybody and might be going to divide opinion however within the flesh, I do not assume it seems to be dangerous. I believe the design matches in properly on what’s in any other case a futuristic-looking machine with loads of angular tubing. Were it tacked onto a body with extra traditional tubing profiles and design it could most likely be a unique story, or maybe in a lighter-coloured paint end. It blended in properly when driving the bike and I did not discover myself staring on the seat stays of surrounding riders’ bikes on the launch. It’s most likely going to be a polarising function that turns riders and potential patrons off instantly or invitations them in for a more in-depth look.

The Dogma X body is manufactured from premium Torayca T1100 1K carbon fibre, the identical because the earlier gen Dogma F mannequin. The new Dogma F includes a completely different grade, however this carbon fibre has been raced on the prime stage. There’s additionally an Italian threaded backside bracket. 

The bike’s tyre clearance obtained a lift and riders can match as much as 35mm tyres. Plenty of riders are becoming bigger quantity tyres to spice up consolation and save energy over tough floor, so bang updated right here. You additionally might have seen Connor Swift successful the British gravel championships on a Dogma X fitted with gravel tyres. Though it isn’t particularly a gravel bike, it highlights what it may do, and it could most likely make a really succesful gravel race bike with the right gearing.

In phrases of residing with the bike, I’ve famous a number of issues down. The {hardware} used to regulate the handlebar stem and seatpost clamp is T20 torx measurement. The seatpost clamp bolt is recessed within the prime tube so ensure you have an extended torx bit or longer multi-tool for straightforward entry. 

Given the bike’s USP, fashions I’ve seen have had loads of spacers fitted below the stem. If you decrease your stem earlier than you chop the steerer, you will have a particular Pinarello aero spacer to make use of above the stem or an everyday spherical spacer and topcap which I had at dwelling and fitted. It’s no massive deal, however does require a bit extra work in comparison with a normal setup if you’re taking part in round with positions. It additionally would not look nice. If, in fact, you’re buying by way of a store, you might properly have had a motorcycle match and the store will arrange and minimize your steerer earlier than you roll out of the door, however I like to say it.

So Dogma DNA and top-grade carbon fibre. What about that X Stay? The X Stays are Pinarello’s alternative over a suspension system or related so as to add compliance and vibration damping, but additionally so as to add stiffness to compensate for the lengthened chainstays which are wanted for the 35mm tyre clearances the body has. 

Can I discover or particularly really feel what the system brings to the desk? Honestly, indirectly. I believe the big variations tyre sizes and pressures can carry virtually masks something that the X Stays are doing, for me. But driving my take a look at bike at dwelling highlighted a softer, extra luxurious journey that went unnoticed on the launch, which we are going to get to.

As talked about, Dogma X builds are top-end solely, with the highest choices from Shimano, SRAM and Campagnolo. My take a look at bike in Italy got here with Dura-Ace Di2 however with the non-power meter chainset choice. However, I consider bikes will ship with Dura-Ace energy meters included which I’d hope for given the bike’s premium price ticket. Wheels had been the Princeton Carbonworks Grit 4540 rims laced onto black White Industries hubs. This bike includes a 100/420mm measurement MOST Talon handlebar.

My UK take a look at bike includes a Campagnolo Super Record WR groupset, Bora WTO wheelset and the identical MOST Talon bar in a 110/420mm measurement. Both bikes got here with 32mm Continental GP5000 S TR tubeless tyres, however client bikes may have Pirelli P Zero Race TLR 35mm tyres for much more consolation.

Performance

I’ve actually had to consider the Dogma X. I believed I had all of it labored out, however have been musing on the journey efficiency at dwelling within the UK on the bigger 54cm Super Record mannequin.

I loved a unbelievable journey expertise on the Dogma X on the launch in Italy. The bike even made my gear of the 12 months listing final 12 months. It fitted me very properly and briefly felt like a close to excellent steadiness between comfy and quick.

For my first journey, a mix of geometry and the fortunate (or professional) setup of contact level positions and angles meant the bike felt just about excellent for me from the off. Even throughout the first few miles, it drew a nod and a few grins from me. I actually felt at dwelling and cozy immediately. 

The geometry and dealing with of the bike jumped out and I felt it was glorious over the entire journey. I might hunker down on the hoods and drops and get aero but additionally journey on the tops comfortably. I believe in case you needed an aggressive place from the Dogma X you continue to would not be dissatisfied, it may be a lot racy sufficient for many. 

My take a look at bike within the UK arrived in a bigger 54cm measurement, with a 10mm longer stem and a taller entrance finish. 11 sizes can be found for the Dogma X and there is sufficient crossover that I can journey each bikes comfortably, though this measurement would not be my choice. The playful feeling I had on the smaller body was missing, and the journey wasn’t fairly as thrilling on the bigger framed machine. 

Not lengthy after publishing my first journey evaluation of the bike, I obtained an e-mail from a Cyclingnews reader who was conflicted about what measurement to go for, being between sizes. They had been going forwards and backwards making an attempt to make a remaining determination. I can absolutely recognize the question now I’ve ridden two sizes of the bike. For me, the smaller measurement offered a extra comfy match and noticeably livelier journey traits. 

The bigger measurement, nonetheless, has felt smoother however not as thrilling to journey. I believe there’s additionally a distinction in wheelsets right here to touch upon. The Campagnolo Bora WTO wheels maybe carry a contact extra calm and luxury to the desk than the Princeton / White mixture. 

For reference, the scale 53 bike has a stack of 559mm and a attain of 379.4mm, and the 54 mannequin has a stack of 568.4mm and a attain of 381.2mm. The measurement 54cm bike additionally has a barely longer wheelbase and a barely slacker seat tube angle, which I most well-liked.

The Campagnolo Super Record WR groupset additionally labored properly and we may have a full evaluation coming quickly for that alone, however the shifters with the very curved, tall form additionally dictate front-end match to a degree and I do not assume I fairly nailed issues there after a number of changes.

In each setups, the bike rolls properly on the flat and feels stiff when placing the ability down. Handling is responsive and fascinating, one thing my colleague Will Jones additionally famous when driving the Pinarello Dogma this summer time. It’s a lesson in nailing your bike sizing and setup as a lot as something as a result of I actually can really feel a distinction. 

For me, the bike felt a little bit harsh on the gravel part on the launch and I nonetheless consider this to be the case now after extra driving. I just like the MOST Talon handlebar, however can really feel loads of street buzz and vibration by way of it. It retains issues stiff and racy up entrance, however I’m wondering if a softer, maybe spherical handlebar would match up with the rear finish a bit extra and easy issues additional. As talked about, I am unable to personally detect what the X-Stays are bringing to the social gathering. The rear finish feels easy sufficient, however I’d be counting on the tyres and stress option to do many of the smoothing out for me. I believe I might really feel extra energetic consolation boosting from two endurance bikes I examined final 12 months which have extra energetic suspension methods; the Specialized Roubaix with its Future Shock and Canyon Endurace with the S15 VCLS 2.0 flex seatpost. However, this bike is a member of the Dogma household and I can perceive the choice to not go down that street with it. 

Value 

There’s no escaping the truth that that is one costly bike. The Dura-Ace mannequin prices £13,000 / $15,500 / €16,100 while the Super Record WR choice is available in at $16,000 / €16,350 making it the most costly bike I’ve ridden or am prone to for fairly a while. 

Framesets can be found, priced at $6,950 / £5,500 / €6,700 so cheaper customized builds are doable, but it surely’s nonetheless not an inexpensive entry level. 

The value most likely simplifies issues if something. If you’re already a Pinarello fan and invested within the model, and crucially have the money, then it is one other good, extra comfy choice from them. On the flip aspect, I’m in little question that you possibly can obtain an identical efficiency stage and journey really feel from a variety of different cheaper choices available on the market. 

‘Rolls Royce’ pops into my head when fascinated about the Dogma X, particularly in its Super Record WR guise. It does glide alongside on its 32mm tyres, and it isn’t a rocket ship just like the Canyon Aeroad CFR I not too long ago rode. If riders have the money and need a luxurious, comfy, however top-end bike for all-round driving that is nonetheless a little bit racy. The bike does match that invoice. 

Verdict 

I used to be impressed and had an excellent feeling driving the Dogma X just about from the off. As talked about, throughout the first couple of miles, it had drawn a smile or two from me. 

The geometry is comfy however the bike doesn’t really feel sit-up-and-beg or gradual. The Dogma X is a quick bike, particularly with its top-flight vary of componentry. Although it would not provide the identical ‘smash up each hill in sight’ feeling the Canyon Aeroad I not too long ago completed testing does. 

I’ve additionally had zero points with both take a look at bike in all my driving, no niggles, slipping seatposts, no creaks, nothing. So prime marks there. 

The Dogma X goes to swimsuit riders who need consolation, do not want or need race bike geometry however who need greater than just a bit further spice. With the appropriate match and setup, and even narrower tyres every now and then, quite a lot of pace, pleasure and enjoyable could be extracted from the Dogma X. This is simply as properly, that is an extremely costly bike, so you would be mightily dissatisfied if it wasn’t enjoyable and fascinating to journey.