Pinarello just announced two updated gravel lines: the all-new DOGMA GR and the updated Grevil F series. Both are for the gravel way of life, but with different intentions. The DOGMA GR is the brand’s race bike, designed for maximum performance, similar to a road bike that accommodates 45mm tires. The other is the Grevil F, a more “classic” gravel bike, with the ability to do more than race (it has already proven that). The Grevil F can take on multiday racing, carry your camping gear, and in an instant, throw down at the front of the world’s fastest gravel races.
Italian Gravel
We were lucky enough to spend some time with the Pinarello crew in Treviso, Italy. Learning about the new gravel lines and taking them out in the Italian countryside for some work. The rides were not casual cruises through the prosecco fields (though we did see some). Pinarello was kind enough to bring along Ramon Sinkeldam to guide us through the gravel. Following (or trying to follow) an ex-world tour rider (now focusing on gravel with Pinarello) around challenging terrain was the perfect way to experience these two bikes, back-to-back.
First Ride Impressions – DOGMA GR:
From the moment you see the DOGMA GR, you know it means business. The bike has a look to it (and paint) that exudes style. The lines and the shapes are powerful. It took the best parts (for gravel) from the Pinarello Crossista, the DOGMA F, and the DOGMA XC and boiled them down to a fast gravel machine. I say “fast gravel” because this bike feels like a road bike. It’s responsive, lightweight, and goes where you point it – but let’s not get too far ahead.
Fit-wise, I opted for the 530 (54cm) size on the DOGMA GR, which is slightly smaller than the bike I ride at home (I’m 5’10” for reference). However, with a proper (and quick) setup, I was able to achieve my fit numbers and felt comfortable on the new rocket.
On The Gravel
Out of the gate and into the gravel (no messing about here), I could feel the stiffness of the frame and the components. The one-piece Talon GR bar stem combo is stout, narrow (I typically run a 40cm on my gravel bike, with a 39cm hood-to-hood measurement, and this was even narrower), and sleek. The groupset equipped on the DOGMA GR was the SRAM Red XPLR groupset, the same as my personal bike, and I felt very comfortable and locked in an aero-ish position. The most abundantly clear vibe of the DOGMA GR was its pure speed and aggressive nature. It has the versatility of a cyclocross bike (I’m guessing that’s the Crossista coming out) and the pedaling feedback of a road bike.
In The Vineyard
Weaving in and out of the tight vineyard trails, the DOGMA GR was on point. It wasn’t fast and agile like a cyclocross bike, but it wasn’t sluggish like a modern gravel bike. It’s right in the middle. On the gravel, however, the DOGMA GR is all speed. However, don’t expect much reprieve from gravel chatter. If you’re chugging along anything but champagne gravel, you’ll likely feel some feedback from the frame. However, it’s all about speed and maintaining momentum on the DOGMA. I never felt the rear wheel lose contact or skip around; I was planted. The new adaptive seatpost does a good job of rounding out the big bumps, but this bike isn’t about comfort. The DOGMA GR gave me big road bike vibes, especially for consistent power on the pedals; the bike wants to move.
The DOGMA GR isn’t a comfort gravel bike. It’s designed to move quickly and turn your efforts into forward momentum. That said, the bike rides like a more capable cyclocross bike. It’s fast in the places you want it to be quick, and it’s an asset on the pavement. However, I couldn’t see spending a 200-mile day on this bike, and that’s a good thing, because that’s not what it was designed for.
Build and Spec
As far as the carbon layup and components, the DOGMA GR is at the pointy end of the field for fast gravel. The price is more like that of a boutique road bike, and that’s the market for a bike of this caliber. It’s designed for professionals, the aspiring, well-off must-havers.
I hope to have more time on the DOGMA GR, but from the limited time I had with it, it’s a pure race bike. Don’t let the downtube storage and bento box fool you, this bike is all about speed, power, and performance. Price: $14,000
First Ride Impressions: Pinarello Grevil F9
For a direct comparison, we rode the DOGMA GR and the Grevil F9 back to back, on nearly the same course. It was a smart move on Pinarello’s part, as we had the opportunity to experience the bikes on similar terrain. This juxtaposition allowed each bike’s true character to shine.
I opted for the same size Grevil as I did on the DOGMA GR (475), and the difference was notable. The shorter stem was the first thing that stuck out. The large tires (50mm on my test bike) were much closer to the size I usually ride on my personal ENVE MOG. My review bike was equipped with the newly minted SRAM Force XPLR (check out my thoughts here), and I felt right at home in terms of fit.
Impressions: Playful and Familiar
My first impression of the Grevil F was that it was more playful and forgiving from the get-go. The DOGMA GR and the Grevil look so similar, but the subtle tweaks make them shine in different circumstances. On the bumpy Vineyard trails, the Grevil F ate up the chatter, both while seated and standing. Although the top tube is slightly longer than that of the DOGMA GR, the shorter stem and slightly wider bars made it easier for me to navigate through twists/turns and sprint out of the corners.
On the road and climbs, I could tell it didn’t have the same “pop” as the DOGMA GR. The DOGMA GR feels like a road bike, in the best sense of the word. The Grevil F felt more like a gravel bike that I’m used to, responsive but not as stiff as a road machine.
What it seemingly lacked in responsiveness (when compared to the DOGMA GR), it made up for in compliance and comfort. We rode up and over many washboard-style paved roads where the Grevil Fs’ small bump compliance stood out. I felt more comfortable on the Grevil F; I could ride this bike for mile after mile without issues. Price: $7,250
Pinarello DOGMA GR vs.Grevil F
The question I received after riding both bikes was “Which one did you like more?” The answer is simple, yet not. The Grevil F8 has the versatility and a pricing structure that doesn’t make me blink twice. It’s a predictable and outstanding performance gravel bike. The Grevil F line structure offers a chance for those without tens of thousands to spend on a bike to experience the Pinarello ride. It’s a very enticing choice.
The Pinarello DOGMA GR, on the other hand, is a high-end performance ride. It’s fast, expensive, and fun, but not your daily driver. But for those who can afford and appreciate this kind of ride, they know what they’re getting. A pure-bred Pinarello race machine – no compromises.
As for me, I see the allure of both, but the Grevil F5 hits all the right marks and is priced accordingly.
If you’d like to read more about the full DOGMA GR and Pinarello Grevil Lines, check out our tech piece here.
