From the same family as the ROKH, the Pinarello FP Quattro is all the Italian beauty and technological know-how of Pinarello developed for the pros but presented in a more accessible and comfortable package.
The frame is identical to the Pinarello Paris in terms of both geometry and shape – indeed it comes straight out of the same mold and uses exactly the same fork that lends the Paris its surefooted and direct feel. The difference then is in the type of carbon used in it’s production. Like the ROKH it is constructed of 30HM carbon as opposed to the 50HM carbon in the Paris – simply put it will withstand 30 tonnes of force per square centimetre rather than 50. What this means to most of us is that the rider receives the same geometry and look of the Paris and Dogma 60.1 but with a small weight penalty and a slightly less racy feel that is nothing if not negated by the money saved over buying either of the more expensive models!
As with all Pinarello frames for 2013 the FPQuattro is asymmetric – a feature that had it’s genesis in the Dogma 60.1. This is not simply asymmetric in the rear end however, rather in exactly the same way as the flagship Dogma 2 - the entire thing is constructed to balance the power expertly throughout the bike. This means that if you inspect the frame closely you will see that the right hand side of the rear triangle and the fork is broader and more muscular than the left whilst the top tube is sculpted differently on either side in order to adequately spread the load throughout the bike. This means that under power the handling is very predictable and stable; this applies to both acceleration and cornering. The use of a tapered headset from 11/8" to 11/2" in combination with the smooth riding Onda fork gives a rigid, stable and direct feel to the handling.
As with all Pinarellos a great deal of attention is invested in the aesthetics. The paint is impeccable and beautifully accentuates the curves of the frame while internal cable routing keeps the frame 'clean'. On top of this at some point you will of course catch sight of yourself in a shop window and remember that you are riding a Pinarello.
The FPQuattro comes as a complete bike equipped with Shimano’s Ultegra Di2 Electronic groupset (the image above may differ but shows the frame colour). Functionally very similar to the flagship Dura Ace Di2 with minor cabling and electronic differences, Ultegra Di2 brings the relaibilty and simple set-up of electronic shifting to the masses and at a much reduced cost. The MOST components are manufactured to complement the graphics used by Pinarello so the package looks the part - in the majority of cases finishing kit is produced by FSA with wheels now supplied by Campagnolo - all very Italian as you would expect!
Simply put then, the FPQuattro is an absolutely fantastic ride; definite handling provided by the FPK1 Onda fork and integrated 1.125” – 1.5” headset is coupled with excellent grade carbon, the race geometry of it’s sibling the Paris and a reliable, electronic groupset from the Japanese technical wizards at Shimano. All these features give you a bike that will give you miles of enjoyment and have you at the front of the bunch at the final turn.
For more details on Pinarello please visit us at www.twohubs.com or call 877.480.2453.
