First Bike Review- Pinarello FP Uno

Pinarello FP Uno, Simplified:

Now, I'm new to all this bike reviewing stuff... But I think that's a good thing, I think that I can bring a different approach to this review seeing as I am currently unable to drive a car, I am someone that demands a lot from my bike when I need it and I need it to stand up to being taken apart, shoved in people's cars and then taken out the other end, put together and ridden like new again. 

All that said and done, I thought I'd review a entry-level to start with. A cheaper than most, good to start out on or for those of us without a big budget, bike. My bike. The Pinarello FP Uno. I've had the bike for the entirety of my cycling life and ridden almost one thousand miles on this machine. Some might say I'm biased given that the bike belongs to me and I'd tell them that they're right, although not completely. I am aware that the bike is an entry level bike and not exactly the lightest of two-wheeled vehicles, at 9.4kg (20.7lb) for my 58cm bike and it doesn't have the best performing spec (Shimano Tiagra 10-speed groupset and Shimano R500) out there.

Also with an extra kilo on the competition entry-levels you'd expect it to plod a little more, especially up hill, its also worth noting that the heavier aluminium chassis have a reputation for feeling uncomfortable and hard. So when talking to others about how the bike felt when they've borrowed it or riding it in comparison to others' bikes I was happily surprised by just how well it handles. It is certainly robust and tough, the fact that I haven't broken it yet with how I treat it attests to that, but when going over broken tarmac, the vibration is minimal, and it practically flows over normal road surface. The MOST Ewiva AF which although somewhat budget items they perform well and have a decent volume for 23mm, and the tyres offer a supple and forgiving ride which complements the frame’s tight feel. Some will undoubtedly be put off by the FP’s weight and specification, despite its obvious charms; slick paint jobs (Team Sky version available), clean lines and the Pinarello name. Judging this bike by it's on-paper spec does it a disservice though, as it’s an exciting ride. Just because the main frame material may be considered a bit last-decade, that doesn't mean the ride is dated. Lighter and smaller riders might benefit from choosing a lightweight carbon bike over the FP, but if you’re taller or stronger than the average road rider then the Pinarello would make a very clever choice, and considering it was up for bike of the year 2012 in Cycling Weekly tells you a good deal.



Author: Michael Evans