In this article, I’ll guide you through a comparison between the Pinarello F and Specialized Tarmac SL7; both popular road bikes among cyclists.
I’ll walk through the Pinarello F and Specialized Tarmac SL7 models lineup, their specifications, and retail pricing (USD). I’ll explain the carbon fiber technology used (Pinarello TorayCa Carbon vs Specialized FACT), and unique frameset features for each bike.
The goal is to help you get a better understanding before you make your final purchasing decision.
| Pinarello F | Specialized Tarmac SL7 | |
|---|---|---|
| Type of bike | Aero | Aero |
| Frame material | TorayCa T900 carbon TorayCa T700 carbon | FACT 12r carbon FACT 10r carbon |
| Frame sizes | 430, 465, 500, 515, 530, 545, 560, 575, 595 | 44, 49, 52, 54, 56, 58, 61 |
| Groupset | Shimano, SRAM (12-speed) | Shimano, SRAM (12-speed) |
| Brakes | Hydraulic disc | Hydraulic disc |
| Cabling | Internal | Internal |
| Price (USD) | Check with local retailers | $5,500 to $14,250 |
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
Specialized Tarmac SL7
The Specialized Tarmac SL7 is the complete race bike. It’s without a doubt the most popular model among all Specialized bikes.
Now in its seventh iteration (SL7), the Specialized Tarmac combines an aerodynamic, lightweight, and disc-only road bike for all terrains. Light enough to climb the steepest mountain passes in Tour de France, fast and aero for the sprints on Champs Elysees.
The S-Works frame uses the lighter and stiffer FACT 12r carbon, while all other Specialized frame uses the FACT 10r carbon. The difference lies in the choice of groupset, wheels, and components.
There are six models in the Specialized Tarmac SL7 lineup based on its groupset setup. All models are electronic shifting only. It’s also available in frameset only for Specialized and S-Works editions.
| Model | Frame material | Groupset | Wheelset | Retail price (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| S-Works Tarmac SL7 | FACT 12r carbon | Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 (R9200) | Roval Alpinist CLX | $14,250 |
| S-Works Tarmac SL7 | FACT 12r carbon | SRAM Red eTap AXS | Roval Alpinist CLX | $14,000 |
| Specialized Tarmac SL7 Pro | FACT 10r carbon | SRAM Force eTap AXS | Roval Rapide CL | $9,000 |
| Specialized Tarmac SL7 Expert | FACT 10r carbon | Shimano Ultegra Di2 (R8100) | Roval C38 | $8,300 |
| Specialized Tarmac SL7 Expert | FACT 10r carbon | SRAM Rival eTap AXS | Roval C38 | $6,500 |
| Specialized Tarmac SL7 Comp | FACT 10r carbon | Shimano 105 Di2 (R7100) | DT Swiss R470 | $5,500 |
Specialized Tarmac SL7 vs others
Pinarello vs Specialized carbon fiber
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.
Specialized FACT Carbon
Specialized FACT (Functional Advanced Composite Technology) is an advanced carbon fiber technology used in high-performance Specialized bicycles. It offers a lightweight yet strong frame construction with precise carbon layup, resulting in optimal strength-to-weight ratio and improved ride quality.
FACT carbon frames are engineered to efficiently transfer power, absorb road vibrations, and provide a comfortable riding experience. With continuous innovation and refinement, FACT Carbon demonstrates Specialized’s commitment to delivering top-notch performance and enhancing the overall cycling experience.
The carbon is available in three grades. The choice between FACT 12r, 11r, or 10r carbon depends on the bike model, your preferences, riding style, and budget.
- Specialized FACT 12r Carbon is the highest-grade carbon used by Specialized. Bikes (S-Works models) with frames made from FACT 12r carbon are the lightest and stiffest in the Specialized line-up. These frames are manufactured using the most advanced techniques and materials.
- Specialized FACT 11r Carbon used to be the highest-grade carbon until the S-Works Tarmac (SL5). Today, it’s the highest-grade carbon for the S-Works Roubaix.
- Specialized FACT 10r Carbon is two steps below 12r in the Specialized carbon hierarchy. While it doesn’t provide quite the same level of weight savings and stiffness as 12r, 10r frames are still very light and stiff, providing a high level of performance. FACT 10r carbon is used in all non S-Works models and is ideal for riders who want a balance of performance and value.
Frameset technologies and innovations
Pinarello F and Specialized Tarmac SL7 framesets incorporate advanced technologies to enhance their bikes’ performance and ride characteristics.
Here’s an overview of the technologies used in each bike model.
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. |
Specialized Tarmac SL7
| Name | Description |
|---|---|
| FACT carbon | Functional Advanced Composite Technology (FACT). A carbon fiber construction method that balances lightweight, stiffness, and compliance in Specialized bike frames. Available in two carbon grades; FACT 12r and 10r. A higher number indicates a higher grade of carbon. S-Works models use the FACT 12r carbon and Specialized Pro and Expert models use the FACT 10r carbon. |
| Rider-First Engineered™ | Rider-First Engineered™ is a design philosophy used by Specialized that ensures every frame size delivers the same predictable and responsive ride characteristics. This concept was first introduced with the 2015 Tarmac, and the idea has been incorporated into all models since. Instead of simply scaling frame sizes, Specialized takes into account that riders of different sizes have different weights, which are distributed differently. This means that each frame size experiences different forces. Therefore, each frame size is engineered independently with different carbon layups and tube dimensions, ensuring the optimal balance of rigidity, weight, and responsiveness for each size. In short, no matter what the frame size is, the ride quality and performance remain consistently excellent. |
| Win Tunnel | Specialized utilizes advanced tools and technologies to pursue aerodynamic excellence, such as the Win Tunnel, FreeFoil Shape Library, Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD), and Data Acquisition (DAQ) system. The goal is to optimize aerodynamic performance by conducting wind tunnel tests, developing new airfoil shapes, simulating fluid flow, and collecting real-world data to improve rider position and enhance overall performance. |
Where to buy
Pinarello retailers
- Pinarello retailers. Use this tool to find your nearest Pinarello retailers.
Specialized shops
- Specialized online shops. Argentina, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Chile, China, Colombia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Luxembourg, Mexico, Netherlands, New Zealand, Poland, Portugal, Singapore, Slovakia, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, United Kingdom, United States
- Specialized retailers. Use this tool to find your nearest Specialized retailers.
Alex Lee is the founder and editor-at-large of Mr. Mamil. Coming from a professional engineering background, he breaks down technical cycling nuances into an easy-to-understand and digestible format here.
He has been riding road bikes actively for the past 12 years and started racing competitively in the senior category during the summer recently.