Competitive Cyclist

PINARELLO FP6

The Pinarello FP6 is the heir apparent to the long-beloved Paris Carbon frameset. Until the $5,500 Prince Carbon was unveiled in 2008, the Paris Carbon stood atop the Pinarello frameset hierarchy. It was ridden to countless Grand Tour stage victories and one-day Classics wins by Team Caisse d’Epargne and Illes-Balears by riders no less legendary than Alejandro Valverde and Oscar Pereiro. And while the Prince Carbon weighs ~100g less than the Paris Carbon, they’re equals when it comes to the structural sophistication of their tubesets. The Paris has distinctive scalloped edges and radical multi-shaping to give it supreme stiffness under power and durability. While the Prince Carbon got no shortage of press when it was introduced, none of that attention could diminish the -essential state-of-the-artness (is that a word?) of the Paris Carbon.

The FP6 is manufactured in the same carbon molds as the Paris Carbon. From that perspective, their silhouettes are identical, which indicates that their ride qualities will bear a strong resemblance to each other. There are two critical differences between them, though, that allow the FP6 to provide the Paris’ beautiful ride, but do so at a cost 25% less than the Paris:

(1) There’s a critical distinction between the composition of the carbon between the Paris and the FP6. You'll see a downtube decal on the Paris that reads "Carbon 46HM3K." The key here is the number 46. This signifies that the carbon used can withstand a pulling force of 46 tons per square mm. The FP6 is made from 30 ton per square mm carbon, abbreviated as “Carbon 30HM3K”. This "elongation factor" correlates to the weight of a bike. The use of 46HM carbon allows Pinarello to use less material in building the Paris while achieving its target stiffness. With the FP6, they’ve built a frame of equal stiffness and durability from 30HM carbon, but getting there requires more material so it weighs a bit more than the Paris. This is the central reason why a medium sized Paris Carbon will weigh in at 950g, but an FP6 is more in the realm of 1100g. Another way to put it: The bikes will ride identically. To discern a difference, you’ll need a scale (or a credit card statement!)

(2) The construction of the Paris Carbon (like the Prince Carbon) is a two-step process: The carbon-specific construction is conducted in Asia, and then the final structural work and paint is done in Italy. The FP6 is built in a more streamlined fashion: The carbon construction is done in Asia, but rather than making a trip to Italy afterwards, the final “mechanization” and the paint are also done in Asia. Once QC’d, the frames are then shipped directly to the US. The efficiency of this process saves loads of cost. And we’re firm believers that there is zero detrimental impact to the bike in terms of ride quality or finish. Sure, we’re always up for a trip to the Pinarello factory in lovely Treviso, but the FP6 looks as crisp as Fausto Pinarello’s wardrobe. If we didn’t tell you the final construction wasn’t done in Italy, you’d assume the FP6 go hand-in-hand with the Prince Carbon throughout the construction process. They’re that gorgeous.

The FP6 is available in 9 sizes between 45.5cm-59.5cm, and is made in 7 colors. It comes standard with a Pinarello Onda full carbon fork, a Pinarello headset, and a 31.0mm Pinarello carbon seatpost. It requires the use of a 35.0mm front derailleur.

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2009 Pinarello FP6 Pricing

2009 Pinarello FP6 Geometry

Size	Top Tube	Seat Angle	Head Tube Length	Setback	Head Angle
45.5	51.5	74.42	12.0	11.9	71.0
50.0	52.5	74.3	13.0	13.4	71.5
51.5	53.5	73.45	13.5	14.4	71.5
53.0	54.5	73.45	15.3	14.8	72.3
54.0	55.0	73.5	16.0	15.3	72.5
55.0	56.0	73.5	16.8	15.6	72.5
56.0	57.0	73.0	18.0	16.4	73.0
57.5	58.0	72.5	19.5	17.3	73.0
59.5	59.0	72.5	21.0	17.9	73.0