Does anyone have any thoughts (or better yet experience) with the new FM1 or even the FP8? How will the new lighter FM1 carbon affect a long course effort (how does it feel)? Is the stiffness/power transfer affected in any way? Does the forward seat post it comes with allow for a truly legitimate, powerful (, and comfortable) tri-position?
I’m curious if there’s a consensus out there presently (strictly in triathlon world) as to what’s the “dream setup.” As a gear freak, I know I have my wishlists.
Now let’s dream…Would the FM1 frame, a Sub 9 Zipp rear, 1080 ZED front (with ceramics of course), an FSA Neo-Pro 53-42, and Oval Jetstream bars create the ultimate tri bike?
I looked at an FM1; it’s not the ultimate tri bike for me. It’s a very pretty bike, but the geometry is a bit…european. 76.5 degree seat tube won’t let me get as steep as I want, and tallish head tube limits how low you can get on the front end. If your “ideal” position can be had within those constraints, it’s a very sweet ride (and I gather that it tested surprisingly well in the wind tunnel too, though I don’t know the details).
As for a “consensus” as to the ultimate tri bike, the Cervelo P3c is certainly the standard against which all others are judged. You can’t swing a cat in transition at any multisport event without hitting a cervelo.
As for MY “ideal” bike, Id’ kind of like something a tad unusual, that not EVERYONE has (currently on a P2C, like pretty much everyone else on earth who isn’t on a P3). Pinarello would definitely fit that criterion, but that geometry sours it. Might check out the Wilier Cento Crono for my next ride; Italian, VERY distinctive, true tri geometry and designed by John Cobb in the wind tunnel. Plus, I’d probably be the only one in 3 states on one of those…
the pinnarello is a very nice frame, look very good and is extremely expensive. But it still isnt as fast as other frameset that are half the price. So, i m not sure if you want to use that criteria in making your dream bike.
As for aerobar, the new standar of the industrie is the 3T ventus…they are very clean aerobar…
I believe the two posts are 74.5 or 76.5 seat angles. I ride closer to 78.5, so that wouldn’t really cut it for me.
These are certainly “object of desire” bikes; that is, they’re very expensive and exotic and cool looking, and are sure to provoke many comments from your friends. As johnnyo points out, other frames (p3c, p3c, DA and its ilk, Transition to name a few) will probably perform as well or better than the Pinarello for quite a bit less coin. So if “ultimate” means “cost is no object, thing of beauty” that might be different than “fastest bike I can afford and still have the $$ to race it”.
I have a Pinarello FM1, I used to have a Cervelo P3C, and P3SL so I can give you a direct comparison.
The Pinarello is a much better bike in my opnion. It’s stiffer, the carbon is structurally better (Toyaca 1K), and it handles like a road bike, so you feel very confident riding it on all courses, whereas the P3C is great in a straight line but a liability on a technical course (remember Dave Z in TdF 05?). Don’t get me wrong, the P3C is a fantastic bike in a wind tunnel, and as aero as you like, but it doesn’t handle anything like the Pina does (or Trek TTX for that matter).
For those looking at Pina for triathlon, Cameron Brown rides a Pinarello FT3 (not the FT1), which is the triathlon frame using the same 1K Toyaca Carbon as on the Prince and FM1… Cameron used to ride a Scott Plasma before he got sponsored by Pina, best check with him his thoughts on those 2.
Dude, chill…I didn’t see your post before I replied…apologies. I do see your point. But, man, those Zipps are as good as it gets as far as aero and quality!
