[islero]

another five week FP Quattro assesment

Since it looks like it's time for five week assesments of the FPQ, here's mine. I have done just a little over 800 km on it (lost a week due to travel), and haven't changed a thing on the bike so far. It's still bog standard with the ocelot saddle and the Most Wildcat Wheels it came with. So far, the bike has held up a dream. I still have some doubts when it comes to the wheels and the saddle, but not strong enough to do anything about it just yet.Sunday (29 May) is the first real test, though, both of said components and the rider. A 180 km ride round lake Geneva (www.cyclotour.ch), I suppose will answer most of my questions, both regarding own fitness and the comfort of the saddle and the wheels.

As for the way the bike behaves, I couldn't be more happy. Only thing I'll do before Sunday is clean it and oil the chain (if it ain't broke....). Will report back after, hopefully with positive messages on how the bike (and rider) survived:thumbsup:.

 

[kbwh]

A 180 km ride round lake Geneva

Ah! Envious!

Good luck!

 

[gabollini]

Got the white mirror finish rival package (instead of the BoB). Very happy w/ the white/black/silver paint scheme. Sold and swapped a lot of stuff from the stock parts. Saddle was 1st to go; Arione in black/white. Wheels were 2nd; fulcrum 5's to DT Mon Chassaral in white; handlebars from MOst to FSA compact wing in white; Seatpost from MOst to Ritchey WCS wet white; FD from Rival to Force; stock Conti Ultra Sports to Torelli open tubulars (clinchers). Debating a switch from Most B-Force brakeset to SRAM Force, but not sure about any weight savings or stopping power difference. Could go either way on brakeset. Took about an 80 mile ride on the thing, a sweet and stable ride. Not as light as the super six hi mod I got rid of, but steers well and soaks up the bumps better. Wonder if Pinarello will ever go w/ BB30 setup. The standard crankset probably weighs this thing down pretty much.

 

[Taffmonster]

Thinking of taking the plunge on a Quattro (105 as ultegra is out of my budget). Its either the quattro or a supersix 105

 

[islero]

Still brilliant

So, that was the 180k cyclotour du Léman out of the way. Ended up with 5:43, when original aim was getting in under 7 hours, so safe to say I'm very happy with everything, bike included. It performed like clockwork. As mentioned in earlier posts, I haven't done anything to it since getting it from the shop in April, just cleaning and oiling. Even though neither caused me any problems, I still might upgrade the saddle and the wheels - but there is no hurry, I think I'll just continue enjoying my bike for the time being. Can't make any comparisons to other bikes or brands, since this is my first carbon bike - all I know is I've done over 1000km on mine now, and I've thoroughly enjoyed every single one of them. And that's what it's all about I guess.

 

[kbwh]

Got the white mirror finish rival package (instead of the BoB). Very happy w/ the white/black/silver paint scheme. Sold and swapped a lot of stuff from the stock parts. Saddle was 1st to go; Arione in black/white. Wheels were 2nd; fulcrum 5's to DT Mon Chassaral in white; handlebars from MOst to FSA compact wing in white; Seatpost from MOst to Ritchey WCS wet white; FD from Rival to Force; stock Conti Ultra Sports to Torelli open tubulars (clinchers). Debating a switch from Most B-Force brakeset to SRAM Force, but not sure about any weight savings or stopping power difference. Could go either way on brakeset. Took about an 80 mile ride on the thing, a sweet and stable ride. Not as light as the super six hi mod I got rid of, but steers well and soaks up the bumps better. Wonder if Pinarello will ever go w/ BB30 setup. The standard crankset probably weighs this thing down pretty much.

I'm a bit puzzled that you didn't go for frameset+parts instead of a complete bike. Any particular reason?

 

[chas0039]

I don't see that the Quattro comes as a frame only in the US. I had this problem with my FP1 but was lucky enough to find a dealer with some EU imported bikes with Campy. Even so, I dumped the bar, post, and seat and changed the wheels and cassette.

 

[ParkCity]

Just purchased new Pinarello FPQuattro in white with Ultegra components. In the US, one can only buy a complete bike with Fulcrum wheels. I chose to "upgrade" the seat and wheels, and the dealer was kind enough to deduct those costs from the price. Out the door, I paid around $5k. Went on a 20 mile ride this evening and am very pleased... 18.2 lbs is a bit heavy, but I ride bikes to workout rather than race...

I enjoyed this thread, and it helped me to pull the trigger on a purchase. Debated for months to buy the Dogma, but couldn't justify the price for my cycling needs...

-Blake

 

[Erion929]

^^^ Wow, that look sharp !! Congrats! :thumbsup:

**

 

[kbwh]

Very elegant machine.

 

[rhauft]

Stunning!

enjoy!

 

[met]

Nice bike there..............

 

[gabollini]

Nice bike Park City!

Described Quattro earlier. Stuck w/ the SRAM Force brakeset and have pretty much got it the way I want it now except for the compact crankset. Yes, these bikes come only pre-built; I took the SRAM groupset and made a few alterations. The MOST components look nice and match, but area a bit heavy so moved to slightly lighter stuff.

 

[chas0039]

... 18.2 lbs is a bit heavy.

Pinarello is well know for not making the lightest bikes, they seem to prefer to use their technology for other things, like asymmetry. They also seem to make the most comfortable racing bikes around.

Beautiful color scheme! Very similar to my FP1.

 

[gabollini]

Pinarello (including my new FP Quattro) comfortable race bikes

4 sure. This thing si a cadillac. Had a Prince SL (w/ carbon tail) up until about 6 months ago. Also owned a steel Asolo (about 15 years ago), and 2 all alu Galileo's (one of them didn't make it under the garage on my roof rack unfortunately). Compared to any of the other bike brands I've owned (lemonds, Giant, and plenty of Cannondales) the Pinarello brand has always had the most solid, stable, and comfy ride, regardless of material. Great geometry and great construction. I think what Pinarello may give up in weight is overcome in that nice ride, technology, and a stiff bb area that moves the power to the ground very well. Just love them on the descents as well.

 

[ParkCity]

Thanks for the kind words everyone...

Gabillini - I like your list of bikes! The SRAM FPQ looks cool as well. Nicely set-up!

I did find on my ride yesterday that the bike is quite "complaint" - quicker out of the saddle, smooth over rough roads, and generally speedy. Couldn;t be happier with the purchase... Thanks again for this forum!

-Blake

 

[islero]

the importance of bottle cages...

Nice bikes! I still love my black on black, though. Although those fizik ariane saddles do look good, so maybe one of those would be in the cards in the not to distant future. What I clearly need to to is some serious upgrading of my bottle holders. Looking at the pictures above, I suddenly realized that this element is actually important, and me with this beautiful FPQ and the bottle holders don't even match. Suddenly my bike is an embarrasment :blush2: So that's clearly the first upgrade right there...

 

[ParkCity]

Nice bikes! I still love my black on black, though. Although those fizik ariane saddles do look good, so maybe one of those would be in the cards in the not to distant future. What I clearly need to to is some serious upgrading of my bottle holders. Looking at the pictures above, I suddenly realized that this element is actually important, and me with this beautiful FPQ and the bottle holders don't even match. Suddenly my bike is an embarrasment :blush2: So that's clearly the first upgrade right there...

Regarding the saddles, I chose based on fit as opposed to looks. I found a cool saddle with carbon fiber that looked killer but -um - hurt

And regarding the bottle cages, it is hard to tell in the picture posted but I went with a carbon fiber look from Blackburn ($39). They also make a two-toned version with carbon fiber on the inside, and glossy white paint on the outside. I spent a good 15 minutes trying to decide which one, and chose the all-carbon fiber because it accentuated the CF on the wheels and on the top tube of the FPQ4.

I am not a big bike guy as tracking cars and skiing are my top two hobbies - but I was cracking up as a group of guys at THE guru road bike shop in Salt lake City gathered around to help me accessorize the Pinarello... It was very cool, and their advice focused around looking good but being practical. Great guys, and now I am hooked on this road bike thing....

Damn - another hobby! It's all good though... Just got back from another ride this morning and feel great....

-Blake

 

[chas0039]

... What I clearly need to to is some serious upgrading of my bottle holders. Looking at the pictures above....

These are hardly sexy or carbon, but I have them on all my bikes and the white/black version looks perfect on my FP1.

 

[islero]

Regarding the saddles, I chose based on fit as opposed to looks. I found a cool saddle with carbon fiber that looked killer but -um - hurt

Yep, would agree that should be the reason for buying a new saddle, but from what I've heard and read (not tried one so would have to base it on that), the arione is about the most comfortable saddle out there.

My "came with the bike" MOst Ocelot is not as bad (at least I haven't had problems yet) as it's made out to be by others, but anything to add comfort on the long rides would be worth it. I believe a decent set of wheel is higher on my to-do list than a saddle (and, obviously, those bottle cages)