Pinarello Paris

The Pinarello Paris, a name steeped in cycling history, has been revived for the modern era as a versatile road bike aimed at delivering a top-notch experience for riders who demand performance without venturing into the super high-end bracket. Positioned below the illustrious Dogma and Prince models, the Paris is designed to capture the essence of Pinarello's racing pedigree while offering a more accessible price point. This bike is crafted with the brand's T600 carbon fibre, which balances weight and stiffness to provide an efficient yet comfortable ride. It features the iconic asymmetrical frame design, a signature of Pinarello, aimed at optimising power transfer and enhancing stability.

On UK roads, the Paris offers a ride that is both engaging and comfortable. The geometry is slightly more relaxed than its racier siblings, making it a suitable choice for longer rides and sportive events. It absorbs road buzz sufficiently, which is a boon on the often uneven and potholed surfaces found in many parts of the UK. The handling is characteristically Pinarello, with precise steering and a sense of stability, even when descending at speed. This makes the Paris a reliable companion for both casual club riders and those looking to improve their Sunday morning group ride times.

When compared to rivals such as the Specialized Roubaix or the Trek Domane, the Paris holds its own in terms of performance and build quality. It may not feature the same level of integrated comfort technologies that the Roubaix boasts or the IsoSpeed decouplers of the Domane, yet it compensates with its distinctive styling and the heritage of a brand known for racing success. Some might find the Paris a tad less forgiving over very long distances compared to its endurance-focused peers, but its appeal lies in maintaining a sporty edge.

In the used market, the Pinarello Paris offers decent value, particularly for those who want a taste of Italian craftsmanship without the premium price of a new model. Models from 2020 to 2023 typically retain good resale value, although the price can vary significantly based on the groupset and wheelset specifications. The models equipped with a Shimano 105 groupset offer a great balance of performance and cost, making them an attractive option for budget-conscious buyers. The higher-end versions with Ultegra or electronic shifting will naturally command higher prices.

Potential buyers should be aware of typical wear and tear issues, especially around the bottom bracket area, which can sometimes develop creaks on older models. As with any carbon frame, it's crucial to inspect for any signs of damage or previous repairs. The quirky design of the seatpost clamp on some Pinarello models has been noted to be a bit fiddly, so checking the integrity and fit is advisable. Overall, the Paris remains a compelling option for those seeking performance with a touch of elegance.

What it's like to ride

Riding the Pinarello Paris on UK roads is an enjoyable experience. Its slightly relaxed geometry provides comfort for longer rides while maintaining a sporty feel. The bike handles well, offering precise steering and stability even at high speeds, making it ideal for varied UK road conditions. It absorbs road imperfections adequately, ensuring a smooth ride over the UK's often uneven road surfaces.

Who it's for

The Pinarello Paris is ideal for road cyclists who appreciate Italian craftsmanship and want a performance-oriented bike without breaking the bank. It's suited for riders keen on sportives and long rides, offering both comfort and speed.

The 2020 to 2023 models offer good value, with Shimano 105 versions being particularly attractive for performance and cost. Later models with Ultegra or electronic shifting are premium but also priced accordingly.