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Pinarello Dogma 65.1 Think 2

An elegant, top-of-the-line machine

Pinarello Dogma 65.1 Think 2
Pinarello Dogma 65.1 Think 2

Components Campagnolo Super Record EPS
Wheels Shamal Ultra
Sizes 50. 51.5, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57.5, 59.5, 62
Price $5,800 (for frame/fork/seatpost)

I can tell you the day you probably first saw the new Pinarello Dogma: July 22, 2012. Bradley Wiggins rode into Paris on this frame, all decked out in yellow. Then, you probably saw it under riders from Sky Pro Cycling and Movistar in the Vuelta a España.

The Dogma 65.1 Think 2 follows the Dogma 2, of which Mark Cavendish famously said the frame was “perfect.” So, the Dogma 65.1 has a tough act to follow. Where do you go after you’ve achieved perfection? Well, Japan. Pinarello went back to Toray, who supplies the carbon fibre for the Italian bike company, to develop a stronger carbon fibre. Where the Dogma 2 used 60HM1K carbon fibre, the 65.1 uses 65HM1K. Pinarello says the new carbon fibre makes the frame even stiffer than its Dogma 2 predecessor. Pinarello’s front fork, the Onda, and its frame have ridged surfaces that add to the overall rigidity. After testing the bike, I can attest to its wicked stiffness.

The seatstays and chainstays (as well as the top and down tubes) show Pinarello’s continued focus on asymmetry. The design principles behind different curves and thickness of material on each side of the bike are said to address the asymmetrical nature of the machine. With the chain on the right side of the bike, the force exerted on the frame differs from side to side. To my eye, the curves look quite stunning; although, I’m sure some purists will disagree. I also think the top of the rear triangle picks up the curve of the top tube elegantly.

For a frame with a UCI stamp that allows it entry into the pro peloton, I expected a bike that would be a twitchy beast when it came to handling. It was, however, well behaved yet responsive through twists and corners. When I took the bike out along Lake Huron, I got caught in a storm. In the rain and wind, the Pinarello always felt secure and stable. It also climbs exceptionally well.

With previous Pinarello models, you had to commit to a frame for either a mechanical or an electronic groupset. The 65.1 Think 2 lets you change your mind as much as you like; you can switch from mechanical to electronic by swapping out interchangeable cable stops. The test bike came with the Campagnolo Super Record EPS groupset. (For more on this gruppo, see “Beyond the Frame” below.) But, if Shimano Di2 is more your speed, it will integrate nicely with the frame, too.

The 65.1 Think 2, with its notable design, also comes with a notable price tag. We’ve discussed the five-digit cost of the complete build of one of these Italian rides in previous issues. Your eyes aren’t going to widen, as least not that much, when I tell you the build I tested clocks in at $12,900. The frame is $5,800. It’s top-end ride that performs exceptionally well. If you are able to invest in one, you won’t be disappointed.

Beyond the Frame
This Dogma 65.1 Think 2 build I tested came with some stunning components. Here’s a quick tour of the rest of the bike.

Most Talon Bar The cockpit is formed by Most Talon bar, Pinarello’s house brand. It comes in a few different sizes. This one has a stem length of 110 mm and the bar width of 42 cm. Every hand position on this bar was well crafted and comfortable. The ovalized top supported the palms well, while the drops provided a secure hold for laying on the power. The carbon-fibre body of the bar did an excellent job of managing road vibration. If you are considering an integrated bar and stem, take extra care when choosing your size. You’re committed to the stem length and rise: no swapping.

Shamal Ultra Wheels The Shamal wheels by Campagnolo are a journeyman set of hoops that roll along on ceramic bearings. The aluminum wheels may not be as blingy as carbon-fibre race wheels, but they don’t detract from the look of the 65.1 Think 2. They offer predictable braking even in wet conditions.

Campagnolo Super Record EPS The electronic shifting system by the Italian company changes gears with speed and accuracy. When the rear derailleur engages, it sounds as if the shutter of an old SLR camera is going off. Depending on how many cogs you cycle through, you may hear the front derailleur adjusting automatically for the change in the chain’s travel. The process makes the sound of a hamster squeal sent through a vocoder, which takes a bit of getting used to. If you only know Shimano, you might see shades of Sora with a thumb lever for changing to a higher gear at the rear or a smaller ring at the front. A lot of care went into the placement of the thumb lever; its position in relation to the brake and down-shifting lever means you have easy and comfortable access to the controls if your hands are on the hoods or the drops. For Campy folks moving from mechanical to electronic, you’ll enjoy the ease with which you can engage the thumb levers. With an electronic switch to press instead of a strong spring to work against, the lever is easy to hit regardless of your hand position on the bars. The power unit sits just below the bottom bracket. It’s bigger than the Shimano battery and not as innocuous as I’d like it to be, taking away slightly from the smooth lines of the frame. The unit has a tiny, magnetic “grenade pin” that you have to pull to turn the system on. I didn’t lose the pin during my time with the bike, but I did misplace it a few times. I charged the system once and didn’t have to plug it back in during the month of testing. Campagnolo says that if you ride 500 km per month, the charge should keep you shifting for three months. And yes, you can get the system drenched in a rainstorm and everything will keep working.