Pinarello SDG3K ... anyone riding one?

[Dave R32]

I have a opportunity to purchase a Pinarello SDG3K frame-set at a good deal.

From my research these are an Australian only model, basically a 2010 FP7 frame with updated graphics. As it's a frame-set I don't have the chance to test ride so I am looking for feedback from anyone who rides one.

Thanks in advance.

Cheers
Dave.

[Gsascha]

Sorry, beginner's mistake. I didn't realise that my first attempt at posting succeeded...

.

[Gsascha]

Hey dave,

I upgraded from a cannondale caad 9 to the pinarello sdg last year. As its my first carbon bike, I don't have a lot to compare with, however, it's definitely a massive improvement in terms of comfort on the road over the caad9. When I first got the bike I observed that going over potholes and bumps it felt like I was in a range rover compared to a Holden barina.

I'm riding a size 44 and and I'm a lightweight so stiffness of the frame is definitely not an issue for me.

Not sure if you have actually seen the frame, but I don't think photos online do it justice. The finish/paint is amazing and a bit understated for a pinarello (which I like). I have the black and white and it matches 3t stem and seatpost perfectly.

Take my next comments with a grain of salt as I generally suffer from terrible buyers remorse....but, I did similar "research" about the frame before I purchased, and I think you are about right with the fp7, although no one would give me a straight answer. I still have a lingering doubt about the "special edition" every time someone asks me what the frame is and I start an unnecessary and long winded explanation. Depending on the price, I think you get a really top quality frame for a bargain, however, if it wasn't much more to get the current Paris or even Fp Quattro I would certainly consider it.

Let me know if you have any specific questions. I know the frame sets are reduced to about $1499 at bikeforce docklands.

Good luck!

[Dave R32]

Hi Gsascha,

Thanks for your reply, i appreciate your comments.

I have made the purchase, went with black and red as my CAAD10 is black and white and I didn't want 2 bikes the same colour.

In regards to the frame, I had 3 different sources tell me the same story about them being left over FP7's offered to the Australian agent, De-Grandi in Geelong who were able to choose the finish etc.

I guess at the end of the day it will all come down to the ride anyway

Cheers
Dave.

PS (AT) $1200 inc seatpost, headset, fd clamp, forks etc it was too much of a bargain to pass up.

[Gsascha]

Well done, let me know what you think after its all built up.

[Dave R32]

Just started building it tonight. It will be a bit of bitsa for now with 105 and Ultegra. Down the track I think I will swap it to Campag.


Pinarello Build 1 by Dave R32, on Flickr

Cheers
Dave.

[foo on patrol]

I like those colours on a bike.

Foo

[Gsascha]

Looks good, you are inspiring me to take some proper pictures of mine!

[Dave R32]

All done, maiden voyage was this morning. Beautiful bike to ride, very different to my CAAD10.


IMG_0537 by Dave R32, on Flickr

Cheers
Dave.

PS: My bikes live in my home office

[Gsascha]

Looks great. Would be interested to hear some more thoughts on comparison between your 2 bikes. Which wheels are on each of your bikes?

[macca33]

All done, maiden voyage was this morning. Beautiful bike to raid, very different to my CAAD10.


IMG_0537 by Dave R32, on Flickr

Cheers
Dave.

PS: My bikes live in my home office

Sounds like a good outcome there Dave. Is the frameset geometry markedly different between the two? Can you enlighten us as to the differences b/w it and the CAAD10? Whilst I love my CAAD10, I may look to upgrade to carbon one day and am interested in your perspective.

cheers

[BrisVegas]

looking good Dave! Will you put your A23 wheelset on it?

[Dave R32]

For wheels I am using Dura-Ace WH7850-SL on the Pinarello and Dura-Ace 7900 hubs laced into Velocity A23 rims on the CAAD10. I also have some Token C30a and Bontrager Race wheels but these are spares or on my wife's bike.

The geometry of the 2 frame is almost exactly the same. Top tube is 5mm longer on the Pinarello. Steering and seat tube angle is .02 of a degree different, head tube is taller on the Pinarello, however the huge top bearing cap on CAAD10 means they are actually about the same.

As for riding.

I got off a 2009 Trek Madone 4.5 onto the CAAD10 and described it like going from a Camry (Trek) to a Porsche 911 (CAAD10). While Trek was a good frame, it reacted slowly and was pretty much a noodle in terms of stiffness when compared with the CAAD10. The Pinarello steers like the CAAD10, however the ride is plusher, no doubt due to the give in the carbon frame vs alloy. Both bikes waste very little energy as they don't flex much. I made a comment to my mate I ride with "put the A23 wheels on this and I it will be an armchair ride"

So I have know ridden entry level alloy ('08 Avanti Vivace) and entry level carbon (09 Madone 4.5) and higher level alloy and carbon. If was racing I would use the CAAD10 as crashes wouldn't hurt it as much, but for the riding I do either bike is fine.

I hope this makes sense.

Cheers
Dave.

PS: I much prefer SRAM over Shimano.

[macca33]

Thanks for the reply Dave. I'm fairly chuffed with the CAAD10 at the moment, as it is more bike than I can fully exploit - your description makes sense, so cheers and enjoy your new rig.

[BelasBike]

Hey Dave,

Thanks for your info above. I'm currently looking at the SDG3K as my Ridley Orion has a crack in the seat stay (i'm not so confident in getting it repaired even though I know there are some really good repairers out there).

Can you give me an overview of the ride? Is it responsive? Good power output? Stiff?

Also, what price did you pay for the frame and where'd you get it from?

Thanks for your help - this could really get me over the line (and help in the negotiations)!

Cheers,
Leon

[Dave R32]

Hi Leon,

Handling wise it's very, very close to the CAAD10. The geometry between the 2 is almost (within 1 or 2mm) the same so I expected that.

It is certainly stiff through the head tube and bottom bracket, a lot stiffer than my Trek. From what I have read Ridleys are pretty stiff so it would be an interesting comparison.

I purchased mine from Velo Bicycles in Brisbane, mine was the last one in stock or so I was told. I paid $1200 for the frame, fork, headset and seat post.

Just be aware that the BB is Italian threaded.

These are the specs from the 2010 Pinarello catalogue FP7 frame which is what the SDG3K is.
Materiale / Material : Carbon 46HM3K
Forcella / Fork: Onda™ Carbon 46HM3K 1” 1/8 1” 1/4 integral system
Carro / Rear Stay: Onda™ FP Carbon 46HM3K

FP7 is another great new model for 2009 from Pinarello.
The expected success of the FP3 and the many requests received to
try a carbon version and different components led to the development
in late 2008 of the FP7 46HM3K.
The main difference from the previous version is in the material:
46HM3K, a high-performance fibre that makes the best of the
FP3’s extraordinarily successful geometry.
Built and designed using Pinarello LAB’s SOE System (Simulation,
Optimize, Evolution), the FP7 is compact and harmoniously
shaped.
The FP7 mounts the new Onda FPK fork, derived from the
FPX used on the Prince, with 1 1/8” to 1 1/4” coning on
the fork head. ONDA FPK rear monostay, asymmetric rear
forks, and our well-tested oversize MOst Croxover bottom
bracket.
The bare 54 size frame weighs approximately 1050
grams.
The FP7 is available as a complete bicycle or frame only.
Special attention was given to the colour scheme, with 5
hand-painted colours and exclusive components, such as
the new MOst brakes with red or white calipers, carbon
seat post and stem with 3K finish and the new, compact
MOst C7 Carbon crankset.
The FP7 is available in 14 sizes: 10 sizes for men and 4
special angle versions for the ladies.

I hope this helps.

Cheers
Dave.

[richbee]

From my research these are an Australian only model, basically a 2010 FP7 frame with updated graphics.

I got one with white graphics in August last year. Very happy with it.
When I registered it on the Pinarello website for the extended warranty it came up as a 2012 model Paris.

[Dave R32]

From my research these are an Australian only model, basically a 2010 FP7 frame with updated graphics.

I got one with white graphics in August last year. Very happy with it.
When I registered it on the Pinarello website for the extended warranty it came up as a 2012 model Paris.

Same came up as the same, however the design, carbon lay up etc goes back to the FP7.

Cheers
Dave.

[Rupro]

You got a pretty awesome deal there Dave, looks really sweet also.

I picked up a ROKH the other week for 1300 including the BB. The geometry is a little more relaxed I believe but it feels great and is very responsive. Not quite the same grade as a SDG3K but it's still a Pinarello and feels great

[The 2nd Womble]

"Anyone riding one?" No, they're a stupid bike. All that wobbly stuff. Stupid bike

[Mingjiemj2012]

Wonder if you are selling your SDG3K now ? Coz I saw an list on ebay which use the same picture of your bike. Just want to check out

[Dave R32]

Wonder if you are selling your SDG3K now ? Coz I saw an list on ebay which use the same picture of your bike. Just want to check out

It is my pic for sure but not my ad.

Cheers
Dave.