When it comes time to buy a new complete bike, every cyclist asks: "What am I getting for my money?" Yes, one needs to know what their budget and riding goals are, and have a strong knowledge of what makes a bike the right choice for each of us. If you are in the market for an entry-level race bike, or a great every road bike with a race geometry, 12-Speed Di2, and room for upgrades if desired, Pinarello has released the Dogma F5. As part of the F-series, the F5 has the same frame design as the top of the line Dogma F, but is made with Toray's T700-UD carbon, and built here with a Shimano 105 R7170 12-Speed Di2/Hydraulic Disc groupset and Fulcrum alloy wheelset. The complete bike sells for less than the list price of the World Tour level Dogma F frameset. Yes, you get a complete bike, with nearly exact geometry and frame build characteristics- for less.

The T700 carbon fiber exudes many of the same ride characteristics as it's T1100 brethren, but of course it is heavier. Still, the key to Pinarello's Asymmetric frame design has always been about efficiency, ride quality, dead solid handling from dropout-to-dropout, and smooth, powerful acceleration on a climb, in a sprint, or while powering through the field. The offset can be seen in the frame build details with the frame seeking to counter the offset nature of right-side drivetrains. With the advent of disc brake use in road bikes, the frame and fork also were strengthened to handle the power of left-side disc braking, especially within the fork blades. Ride quality standards were maintained even as frames got stiffer, and the current Dogma F Onda fork has the curved shape that is so effective, without causing any lateral deflection. For the last few generations of the Dogma, aerodynamics have been enhanced throughout the complete frame and fork for greater overall aero efficiency and the Dogma F5 has it all- with full internal routing, sleek transitional shapes, wider squared off tube shapes that maintains a truncated aerofoil for aerodynamic advantage, and is compliant to the guidance of the 3:1 UCI rule. An excellent aero performance and low lateral wind resistance principle is in effect and has the concept of shrouding the water bottle mounting zones from creating drag, all the way back through the seattube and stays for a cleaner air path over the rear wheel. Even the fork has the ForkFlap design that guides air flow around the disc brake caliper. A heavier frame, yes, but much more reachable, with the must-have features the Dogma F is celebrated for.

This build features 105 Di2 disc, the latest 12-Speed road release, designated as the R7170 package. The 12-Speed generation Di2 shift/brake dual control levers have better overall ergonomics, a little more reach on the top of the lever, and the hood itself has improved feel and inherent grip. These shifters are wireless, and powered with dual CR1632 coin cell batteries for great longevity and simple, low-cost change. The front and rear R7150 Di2 derailleurs are connected with newer, thinner, and more capable SD300 e-Tube wires to an internal seatpost battery, which offers long use, and simple recharging via a magnetic port on the rear derailleur, which also features the Di2 set-up control, LED indicators and allows for use of the e-Tube app for checking battery levels, updating firmware, and customization of the shift lever functions. The system is very efficient, easier to access than ever before, and delivers impeccable Di2 electronic shifting. Pinarello has spec-ed the Dogma F5 105 with a 50-34T crankset and 11-34T drivetrain, which offers great range. The rear derailleur can also accommodate an 11-36T option (still to be released at time of this posting). The system drives shifts with precision, speed, and perfect shift gates for immediate engagement.

Pinarello rounds out the TiCR internally wired/housed build with their Tiger Aero Alloy stem, Jaguar XA Aero TiCR handlebar, Dogma F Carbon Aero Seatpost and MOst AirCross Saddle. The build rolls on 700x28 Pirelli P7 tires, mounted on a durable, fast rolling Fulcrum Racing 800 DB Wheelset. This is a very serviceable and rideable build, which is likely best upgraded as desired with a lighter, higher performing wheelset, but the 33mm deep Fulcrum Racing 800 is a great training and shoulder season option for serious riders. Available in a broad sizing range- best compared against other frameset designs by toptube length, headtube length, Stack and Reach.