Pinarello Dogma X Road Bike Frame

Though Pinarello identifies as a high performance brand, they have always also produced endurance-oriented frames that focused as much on comfort as on going fast. But designs have changed over the years as have expectations. If former iterations used heavy shock absorbing devices, now attention has turned to wider tires and an even greater reliance on carbon layup.

Innovative X-Seatstays in the Pinarello Dogma X

The Pinarello Dogma X is a prime example of the Italian brand’s commitment to creating a drool-worthy bike for cyclists who want to go fast and be comfortable at the same time. And what would a Dogma be without offering striking, even opinion-dividing, looks? The Dogma X certainly has the appearance of a race-ready Pinarello, though the first hint that this is a bike with a wider agenda comes when you see the rear triangle, especially the X-seatstays. It’s a design that Pinarello have employed to minimize road vibrations, but to ensure no watts are lost when accelerating in the saddle. It’s a look that breaks the trend of seatstays hitting lower and lower on the seat tube; Pinarello admits it minimally impacts the aerodynamics while increasing the level of comfort without losing in the rigidity department, which was after all, the whole point of the design.

Another noteworthy nod towards comfort is that the Dogma X can accommodate up to 35 mm tires. And that means comfortably accommodate with lots of room to spare. Pinarello was careful to say, though, that they didn’t want to go too much wider than 35 mm because this is still a road bike for serious endurance-oriented riders. They are not categorizing it as an all road and certainly not a gravel bike, though with that level of tire clearance, you would certainly be safe taking it over hard pack gravel and rougher paved roads. But they said to ramp up tire width to 38 or even 40 mm would compromise the high performance requirements of the frame. For instance, chainstays would have to be lengthened and things like fork rake and trail would need to be rethought.

Geometry is the other high profile tweak the Dogma X receives when comparing it to the super high performance Dogma F. Like the F it comes in 11 sizes, which is great for people who are taller or smaller than the average, but the Dogma X geometry offers a more relaxed, endurance-oriented slant. The stack is slightly increased, and the reach is reduced. Interestingly, the Dogma X has a slightly more aggressive geometry than the other members of the X-series, denoting that this is a bike for the ambitious rider who plans on smashing course records at local Gran Fondos: the mix of high performance with an understanding that the needs of regular cyclists are different from those ultra elite riders heading to the Tour de France.

Premium Carbon Construction of the Dogma X

Importantly, the Dogma X makes use of the same super high quality Toray T1100 carbon as the Dogma F, which helps keep the Dogma X among the lightest endurance and comfort oriented bikes on the market. Not unexpectedly, they have stuck with the Asymmetric frame design to absorb the different forces each side of the frame is subject to, and the Italian threaded bottom bracket because, well, because they don’t like press fit. And you know, they are Italian.

The Pinarello Dogma X comes in 11 sizes and a variety of very slick colorways in addition to Pinarello MyWay customization options. It’s a dream bike for anyone who loves to hammer the pedals but doesn’t want to have to deal with a sore back after a five-hour ride.

Also check 3T Road Bikes.