Prince Road Frameset - 2015
Out of Stock
Don't worry though, we have a lot more Custom Road Bikes & Frames in stock than that.
Shop Similar ProductsHeir apparent.
The cycling industry can be fickle, always in pursuit of the next superlative king of the superbikes while ignoring frames that are equal to the top Euro champion's bikes from just two years ago. Pinarello's aptly named Prince Road Frameset, newly revived for 2015, is one such model. Given that it literally shares a mold with the Dogma 65.1 that has now seen both Wiggins and Froome enjoying a yellow-clad ride up the Champs-Élysées, we're compelled to point out that it's designed for use at the highest levels of competition. And with its friendlier price-point, the Prince may be one step removed from the throne, but it's waiting patiently at the foot of the dais.
Given that it shares the Dogma's mold, The Prince benefits from all the revolutionary tenets of Pinarello's asymmetric design. This involves building-up and re-shaping critical areas of power transfer on the drivetrain side in order to accommodate the asymmetrical nature of the force exerted on a frame's drivetrain. Everything from the usual suspects (chainstays, seat tube, bottom bracket junction) to some unexpected newcomers (even the top tube joins the parade) has been affected by this design philosophy.
Another distinctive feature common between the Prince and Dogma is the sinuous wave described by the stays and fork. These features operate along the same lines as today's curved seatstays and the plush high-rake forks from decades ago, providing more points of compliance to horizontally redirect and diffuse force. Less road noise and fewer abrupt, jarring impacts translate from your bars and saddle into your body, which makes for less fatigue. The Prince also shares the Dogma's 1.5-inch lower headset bearing, which allows a larger diameter steerer tube at the fork crown and a 19% boost in front end stiffness. This complements the plush ride with predictable braking and a more precise steering feel that responds immediately to even the slightest input.
The Prince is built with a single carbon fiber, Torayca's 60HM3K, which is the only difference between it and the Dogma 65.1. This material is tested to withstand 60 tons of pressure per square centimeter and each weft comprises 3,000 individual fibers. For perspective, the Prince's carbon has 2,000 more threads than the 65HM1K carbon used in the Dogmas ridden by the likes of Froome and Wiggins, which translates into two key differences.
First, the Prince's carbon is less brittle than the Dogma's, so it doesn't require the latter's expensive Nanoalloy treatment to overcome any structural deficits caused by a skimpy, low-weight lay-up. Second, the Prince is also a little heavier and slightly less efficient. While we can't speak for you, we're for the most part a little heavier than guys like Froome, and we can't quite generate the watts of guys like Wiggins, so the penalty of a few extra grams and a lost watt or two is negligible at worst and more than made up for by a heavier wallet. The Prince is by no means a heavyweight slouch, though, as its 60-ton modulus is twice that of many of Pinarello's other race frames while allowing for complete builds hitting the 17-pound mark.
Part of this weight loss may be owed to Pinarello's use of a polystyrene form for the initial layup of material. This is a more precise, reliable, and consistent construction method than molding with an internal bladder, making for evenly compacted material and fewer imperfections and resin deposits that may compromise the frame's structural integrity over time. After curing, the form — and any weight penalty — is removed with a recoverable solvent. This means the Prince is every bit as shallow as a fairy tale hero, with the inside looking exactly as smooth as the outside.
The Prince is finished off with a few additional details enjoyed by the line-topping Dogma models, including the future-proof Think 2 wiring system, which allows for both mechanical and electronic drivetrains.
- Frame Material
- Torayca 60HM3K carbon fiber
- Fork
- Onda Carbon
- Fork Material
- carbon fiber (60HM3K)
- Head Tube Diameter
- 1-1/2 to 1-1/8in tapered
- Headset Included
- yes
- Bottom Bracket Type
- Italian
- Cable Routing
- Think 2 (internal)
- Front Derailleur Mount
- braze-on
- Brake Type
- caliper
- Compatible Components
- mechanical, electronic
- Seatpost
- Dogma Aero
- Claimed Weight
- [size 54] 900 g
- Recommended Use
- road race
- Manufacturer Warranty
- 2 years
Reviews
Q&A
What do you think about this product?
View
Selecting an option will reload the available reviews on the pageSorry, we don’t currently have any of those types of reviews for this product.
Need Expert Advice?
Our Gearheads Can Help