This article compares the differences between the Cervelo Soloist and Pinarello F.
The comparison covers the model lineups, specifications, and retail pricing. It compares the carbon fiber technology ( vs Pinarello TorayCa Carbon) and frameset technologies on each bike.
The objective is to provide you with a clearer understanding of Cervelo Soloist vs Pinarello F before making the purchasing decision.
| Cervelo Soloist | Pinarello F | |
|---|---|---|
| Type of bike | All-rounder | All-rounder |
| Frame material | Cervelo carbon | TorayCa T900 carbon TorayCa T700 carbon |
| Frame sizes | 44, 48, 51, 54, 56, 58, 61 | 430, 465, 500, 515, 530, 545, 560, 575, 595 |
| Groupset | Shimano, SRAM (12-speed) | Shimano, SRAM (12-speed) |
| Brakes | Hydraulic disc | Hydraulic disc |
| Cabling | Internal | Internal |
| Price (USD) | $3,400 to $6,800 | Check with local retailers |
Cervelo Soloist
The Cervélo Soloist is the latest addition to Cervélo’s road bike range. It sits between the Cervélo S5 (aero) and Cervélo R5 (lightweight), making it a versatile bike across all terrains.
It was first launched in the early 2000’s and before being refreshed with disc brakes, wider tire clearance (34mm), and extra comfort and compliance. Depending on the frame size, Cervélo claims it’s about 250g heavier than R5 and 250g lighter than S5.
One of the major differences between the Cervélo Soloist and other Cervélo models is the use of the new BBrighT-47 bottom bracket standard. Cervelo says it maintains the stiffness characteristics of the BBRight but simplifies the installation and replacement.
| Model | Frame material | Groupset | Wheelset | Retail price (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cervelo Soloist | Carbon | Shimano Ultegra Di2 (R8100) | Reserve 40/44 | $6,800 |
| Cervelo Soloist | Carbon | SRAM Force eTap AXS | Reserve 40/44 | $6,800 |
| Cervelo Soloist | Carbon | Shimano 105 Di2 (R7100) | Reserve 40/44 | $5,200 |
| Cervelo Soloist | Carbon | SRAM Rival eTap AXS | Reserve 40/44 | $5,200 |
| Cervelo Soloist | Carbon | Shimano Ultegra (R8000) | Fulcrum Racing 600 DB | $4,300 |
| Cervelo Soloist | Carbon | Shimano 105 (R7000) | Alexrims Boondocks 5 | $3,400 |
Pinarello F
The Pinarello F, announced in February 2023 is a new series of road bikes that replaces the Pinarello Prince, which was a popular model for many years.
The Pinarello F is designed to be a more affordable version of the Pinarello Dogma F, which is the flagship race bike of the Italian brand. The Pinarello F has the same competition geometry as the Dogma F but uses a lower grade of carbon fiber to lower the overall cost. It carries all the distinctive features of the Dogma F, such as the Onda fork, the asymmetric frame, and the TiCR internal cable routing.,
The Pinarello F comes in three models; F9, F7, and F5, and only with Shimano Di2 groupsets. The difference between the F series models lies in the carbon fiber grade and groupset.
| Model | Frame material | Groupset | Wheelset |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pinarello F9 | Toray T900 carbon | Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 (R9200) | Most Ultrafast 40 |
| Pinarello F7 | Toray T900 carbon | Shimano Ultegra Di2 (R8100) | Most Ultrafast 40 |
| Pinarello F5 | Toray T700 carbon | Shimano 105 Di2 (R7100) | Most Ultrafast 40 |
Pinarello bikes
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 Soloist and Pinarello 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.
Cervelo Soloist
| Name | Description |
|---|---|
| 34mm tire clearance | The 34mm tire clearance makes the Cervélo Soloist a versatile road bike, especially in fitting wider tires for rougher terrains. |
| BBRighT-47 bottom bracket | BBRighT-47, also known as T47A or BBCorrect is a relatively new BB standard and came to prominence when Trek used it in the Madone. The larger bearings increased stiffness while avoiding the common creaking and wear problems due to pool tolerance between frames and bearing cups. The design puts the non-driveside bearing inside the frame, and the driveside bearing outside. It uses T47 cups, which thread into the frame rather than being press-fit. |
Pinarello F
| Name | Description |
|---|---|
| TorayCa carbon fiber | Pinarello F series uses different types of carbon fiber to best suit each rider’s needs. The F9 models use TorayCa T900 UD, which is incredibly strong and lightweight. The F7 models use T900 carbon fiber, which offers the ideal balance between responsiveness, weight, and vibration absorption. |
| 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 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. |
| Asymmetric frame | The Pinarello 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 |
| FlatBack Profile | The FlatBack Profile is a significant aerodynamic feature in the Pinarello 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.