Excel Sports Exclusive Build: The Pinarello Prince; a return to a historic nameplate from the venerable Italian bike company. Stepping forward into the line-up behind the Dogma series bikes, this Prince model will share more of the Dogma technology, design, and performance than the GAN series. Here you can have a look at the Prince Disk 105/7170 Di2 Bicycle, which is available for purchase only at Excel Sports.

Pinarello brought back the Prince nameplate to the road bike line-up with models optimized with details and material that best match the intended use of each bike, all drawing more from the advances of the Dogma F8 than the GAN series bikes, which the Prince options leapfrog in the line-up. For example, the more race oriented Prince FX features a more aggressive riding package and T900 carbon fiber. The mileage and versatility oriented Prince Disk moves to thru-axles, flat mount disc mounts, and T700 carbon fiber, which is slightly heavier, has an evolved strength rating for greater safety, but also offers a more forgiving ride. Pinarello has also introduced new and vibrant colorways with the Prince series, which quickly serve to differentiate with other models.

There are a also few notable Dogma F10 technologies in the Prince Disk. First, you will notice the more aero Fork Flap design on the Onda Prince Disk 1⅛-1½", tapered fork, which has proven to clean up the airflow around the dropouts. The Prince also has the TwinForce seatpost clamp used on the Dogma F8/F10series bikes, as well as the Think2 cable management system with the new E-Link™ port in the downtube for integrated battery charging. There are also influences direct from the Dogma F8 that aren't visual, but are found in the details of the full frameset's asymmetrically engineered carbon lay-up. These enhancements truly set the Prince above the GAN series bikes, which used a more simplified version of the Dogma F8 design.

Besides the updated Think2 System with E-Link, the Prince also has other new features, such as the 3XAir™ option for seattube bottle cage mounting with two positions available for better aerodynamics. The tubeset and seatpost shapes themselves are the more aero FlatBack design, and the downtube works to shroud bottle cage placements from passing airflow. The shapes also contribute to the overall torsional rigidity of the design, using the asymmetric engineering principles to offset the power transfer requirements of the right side drivetrain. This concept, carried through from the front fork dropouts, back through the frameset to the rear wheel dropouts, ensures that drivetrain efficiency is maximized directly through the rear hub. There is very little loss of energy from lateral flex, which also improves the overall ride quality in terms of handling, steering precision, and stability. The Prince Disk becomes a worthy heir to the Dogma F10 monarch.

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 uses their MOST brand kit items in this build. See the simple yet comfortable shaping of the Jaguar XA aluminum handlebar, the stiffness of the forged aluminum Tiger stem, and the fantastic grip and feel of the synthetic bar tape. The FlatBack aero seatpost is considered part of the frameset, and it carries the popular and versatile fit of the MOST Lynx Ultra saddle. A long-term relationship with Fulcrum brings the Prince a Racing 800 2-Way Fit, CL Disc Wheelset, which features the smooth ride and performance of steel spokes and stout rim with a 33mm deep profile and 19mm internal rim width. The 700x28 Pirelli P7 Sport tires can easily handle dirt country road transitions and rough pavement found virtually everywhere.

In short, the Prince 105 R7170 Di2 Bicycle essentially has about as balanced a build and specification sheet as possible. For those with strong sense of Pinarello's history, the nameplate is both welcome and nostalgic, but this is a complete bike that reflects the needs and desires of cyclists today- and tomorrow, and shows how the company truly taps into their experiences with Team Sky and professional cycling to offer premium engineering and design from the Dogma series as well as high-grade materials in a bike that is attainable and eminently rideable by a greater percentage of cyclists today. Combine that with the usual distinctive and detailed Pinarello graphics and finish, and royalty everywhere should take note.