This article compares the Cervelo S5 and Pinarello Dogma F.
I’ll help you understand the bike model lineups, specifications, and suggested retail prices in USD. I’ll explain the carbon fiber technology ( and Pinarello TorayCa Carbon) and innovative frameset technologies on each bike.
The objective is to provide you with a clearer understanding of Cervelo S5 and Pinarello Dogma F.
| Cervelo S5 | Pinarello Dogma F | |
|---|---|---|
| Type of bike | Aero | Aero |
| Frame material | Cervelo carbon | TorayCa T1100 carbon |
| Frame sizes | 48, 51, 54, 56, 58 | 430, 465, 500, 515, 530, 545, 560, 575, 595 |
| Groupset | Shimano, SRAM (12-speed) | Shimano, SRAM, Campagnolo (12-speed) |
| Brakes | Hydraulic disc | Hydraulic disc |
| Cabling | Internal | Internal |
| Price (USD) | $9,000 to $13,000 | Check with local retailers |
Cervelo S5
The Cervélo S5 is all about aerodynamic performance and maximizing speed.
This can be seen throughout the frame’s design. Most road cyclists would concur that the Cervélo S5 is among their top choice for an aero road bike. They come with 25mm tires, but the frame allows up to 30mm.
The Cervélo S5 has a very aggressive frame geometry, placing the rider much lower on the bike and reducing their frontal area. A size 54 Cervélo S5 has a 13mm lower stack and 6mm longer reach than a size 54 S-Series (discontinued in 2022). The Cervélo S5 has an extended seat tube cutout; a close-fitting curve in the seat tube fully shields the rear wheel’s leading edge.
The Cervélo S5 is available in a complete bike setup or frameset only.
| Model | Frame material | Groupset | Wheelset | Retail price (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cervelo S5 | Carbon | Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 (R9200) | Reserve 52/63 | $13,000 |
| Cervelo S5 | Carbon | SRAM Red eTap AXS | Reserve 52/63 | $13,000 |
| Cervelo S5 | Carbon | Shimano Ultegra Di2 (R8100) | Reserve 52/63 | $9,000 |
| Cervelo S5 | Carbon | SRAM Force eTap AXS | Reserve 52/63 | $9,000 |
Pinarello Dogma F
The Pinarello Dogma F was released just days before the 2021 Tour de France. It’s Pinarello’s fastest and lightest performance road bike to date. It’s the bike that Ineos-Grenadiers will race on in July.
The main improvement in the Pinarello Dogma F is weight savings. By reducing weight in the cockpit, fork, headset, seat tube, and seat clamp, the Dogma F is 265g lighter than the Dogma F12 in the same configuration for a size 53. Pinarello also redesigned the (although subtle) fork, downtube, and seat stays. Combining these allows air to flow with less interruption, improving aerodynamics by 4.8% over the Dogma F12.
The Pinarello Dogma F is available in 11 frame sizes with 16 handlebar reach/widths and two seat post setback choices. This gives the cyclist 352 sizing options to get the ideal fit. As the top-of-the-line bike, the Pinarello Dogma F is only available with the best electronic shifting groupsets from Shimano, SRAM, or Campagnolo.
| Model | Frame material | Groupset | Wheelset |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pinarello Dogma F | Toray T1100 carbon | Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 (R9200) | Shimano Dura-Ace C50 |
| Pinarello Dogma F | Toray T1100 carbon | SRAM Red eTap AXS | DT Swiss ARC 1400 |
| Pinarello Dogma F | Toray T1100 carbon | Campagnolo Super Record EPS | Campagnolo Bora WTO |
Pinarello Dogma F vs others
Cervelo vs Pinarello carbon fiber
Cervelo Carbon
Cervelo doesn’t publicly release information about the types of carbon fiber used on their road bikes.
From my observation of the current Cervelo bikes lineups, there are at least two carbon fiber grades used.
- Highest grade. Cervelo R5 and S5 could be using the highest carbon fiber grade of all the models. These are pure race bikes used by the pros and would likely have the best carbon fiber available at Cervelo.
- Mid-grade. Cervelo Caledonia and Soloist could be using a mid-level carbon and heavier fiber grade of all the models. These are endurance bikes that prioritize comfort over stiffness. So it’s not a surprise to see a lower-grade carbon fiber being used here.
Pinarello TorayCa
Pinarello uses Torayca carbon in their bikes due to the material’s performance characteristics and the consistency of its quality. Toray’s manufacturing processes ensure a high level of control over the properties of carbon fiber, resulting in a reliable and predictable material.
Different grades of Torayca carbon are used in Pinarello bikes, which are distinguished by their moduli. The T in T1100, T900, T700, and T600 refers to Torayca, and the number denotes the grade of the carbon fiber.
A higher number equates to a higher grade of carbon, which in turn offers more stiffness and less weight, but also typically costs more to produce.
- T1100 carbon is the top Pinarello’s carbon offering. This high-end carbon fiber blend is created for the ultimate stiffness-to-weight ratio. Utilizing the highest quality carbon fiber available, Pinarello designs frames with T1100 Carbon for their flagship, Pinarello Dogma F series.
- T900 carbon is another high-quality carbon fiber offering from Pinarello, albeit slightly less stiff and lightweight than T1100. It’s used in the Pinarello F series road bikes, such as the F9 and F7.
- T700 carbon is a step down from the T900 but still offers a solid balance between weight, stiffness, and cost. It’s found in mid-range models, such as the Pinarello F5.
- T600 carbon is the entry level of Pinarello’s carbon range, is heavier, less stiff, and more comfortable. It’s used in the Endurance road bike series, the Pinarello X.
Frameset technologies and innovations
Cervelo S5 and Pinarello Dogma F framesets incorporate advanced technologies to enhance their bikes’ performance and ride characteristics.
Here’s an overview of the technologies used in each bike model.
Cervélo S5
| Name | Description |
|---|---|
| V-stem | The V-stem was launched in 2018 with the previous generation S5. It was controversial at that time as there was nothing like that on the market before. Cervélo wanted to route the shifting cables and brake hoses internally, but the bend between the handlebar and stem could have a negative effect on mechanical shifting performance. Hence, the Cervélo engineers designed a V-shaped stem to minimize the bend. Today, the Cervélo S5 is available only in electronic shifting builds, but the V-stem design remains. It’s now part of the S5’s identity. |
| HB14 carbon handlebar | The HB14 carbon handlebars are designed specifically for the S5’s V-stem. It’s available in 380, 400, 420 and 440mm. |
| 34mm tire clearance | The tire clearance for the S5 is a massive 34mm, which is very wide for an aero bike. |
Pinarello Dogma F
| Name | Description |
|---|---|
| T1100 1K carbon fiber | The T1100 refers to a high-grade carbon fiber known for its exceptional tensile strength and modulus. This results in a frame that is incredibly stiff and durable. The 1K signifies that each tow of carbon fiber contains 1,000 filaments. This fine weave creates a lightweight, robust frame that also enhances the bike’s aesthetic appeal. |
| Asymmetric frame | The Pinarello Dogma F series has an asymmetric frame that compensates for the unbalanced forces generated by the drivetrain. The right side of the frame is stiffer and stronger than the left side, to improve power transfer and efficiency. The asymmetric frame also enhances the handling and stability of the bike |
| Nanoalloy Technology | Implemented in the carbon fiber resin, this technology uses microscopic nanoparticles to form a composite material highly resistant to impacts and fatigue. This means the bike frame maintains its structural integrity under stress and over time, reinforcing the quality of the Pinarello Dogma F. |
| TiCR | Total Internal Cable Routing (TiCR) is the state-of-the-art internal cable routing system that sets the standard across the whole bike industry. This system is versatile, accommodating both wireless and electro-mechanical group sets. TiCR completely conceals the cables within the bar/stem or integrated handlebar. This not only enhances the bike’s aesthetic appeal but also significantly improves aerodynamic performance and protects the cables from external elements. |
| FlatBack Profile | The FlatBack Profile is a significant aerodynamic feature in the Pinarello Dogma F. Essentially, it’s a truncated aerofoil design that provides an aerodynamic advantage while adhering to the 3:1 rule set by the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI). By using this design, the bike achieves excellent aerodynamic performance with minimal lateral wind resistance. This means less energy is expended fighting wind resistance, leading to greater speed and efficiency. |
| Onda Fork | The Onda Fork is a distinctive Pinarello technology that has been around since 2000. This fork’s unique design offers precise steering abilities, stability, and a notable reduction of both longitudinal and lateral shocks. It does this by effectively absorbing road vibrations and dissipating them before they can reach the rider, resulting in a smoother, more comfortable ride. |
Where to buy
Cervelo retailers
- Cervelo retailers. Use this tool to find your nearest Cervelo retailers.
Pinarello retailers
- Pinarello retailers. Use this tool to find your nearest Pinarello retailers.
Bernard Lu has 7+ years of experience working in a bicycle shop, overseeing the retail and workshop operations. He’s a qualified bicycle mechanic who understands a cyclist’s needs and speaks the same cycling lingo.
If you meet him at the cafe, he will happily talk to you for hours about all the intricacies of bikes and cycling tech. Just buy him a coffee next time you see him.