Pinarello has a new gravel race bike, and it is loaded with all the fire and passion you would expect from the Italian manufacturer. The new Grevil F takes DNA from the model released in 2018 and reimagines it as a pure performance gravel race machine — with unmistakeable Pinarello design.
Full gas — everywhere
If gravel has given anything to the bike world, it emphasized that bikes can go anywhere, especially those with extra tire clearance. Pinarello takes that ethos and combines its artistic vision for their take on pure gravel performance.
Keeping the original idea of the Grevil but expanding on performance, the team integrated many of the features from the top echelon of the company’s road offerings like the Dogma and Prince.
Frame — Aerodynamics, tire clearance, and watt savings
The design team paid close attention to the unique demands of gravel racing. To improve the Grevil F’s aerodynamics, Pinarello added a flat back profile on the downtube to reduce drag. Marginal gains like this can offer significant watt savings over the typical distances covered in gravel events, especially those exceeding 200km. Plus they added a third water bottle option – or a mount for other accessories.
Another addition for the Grevil F is the tire clearance, increasing to 50mm (on 700c wheels). The additional tire clearance gives the Grevil F the versatility to take on many terrains and swap wheels to a 650b x 2.1″ if the day calls for it. The Grevil F could be three different bikes, offering a unique ride in each configuration; Road tires measuring 700c x 25mm and up, Gravel tires 700c x 32-50mm, or MTB tires on 650b (27.5 “) rims with up to 2.1” tires.
Twin Arms — Maximum transmission
The right chainstay is rotated downwards on the new Grevil F, as is the right seat stay. It was designed to have both rear triangles asymmetrical with a uniform response to pedal strokes. Pinarello feels that using different connection points for the seat stay allows the seat tube to absorb impacts from the rear wheel in a more uniform way.
Why asymmetry? Pinarello explains, “Because the forces exerted on a bike are asymmetrical. Your legs push both pedals, but the chain acts only on the right side. Therefore, it is obvious that a frame must be ASYMMETRIC to allow you to pedal in a truly SYMMETRICAL manner.”
Inspiration from the Prince
Pinarello developed a dedicated seat clamp for the Grevil F since the bike will encounter many different conditions than that of the road line. The Grevil F seat clamp is stealthily placed in front of the seat post, embedded into the top tube, away from debris and dirt. Mud and dust are inevitable when riding gravel, so Pinarello bypassed the Dogma clamp instead — taking inspiration from the Prince family.
Consistent hard pedaling can be difficult, especially over long distances, especially if you’re not comfortable. Pinarello finds this to be true and that each frame size requires extra attention to preserve the desired riding characteristic of the Grevil F. To keep the ride lively and consistent, the Grevil F uses size-specific geometry. Using differentiated geometry and rakes ensures the same trail and control across all frame sizes.
Handling characteristics
The new Grevil F has a shorter stack and higher reach than traditional road bikes; this sizing creates an elongated position, offering better comfort and handling. Pinarello found the optimal chainstay length for the Grevil to be between 422-425mm, providing the best compromise between responsiveness and comfort. The design team increased the seat tube angle from the previous model to allow for greater tire clearance.
Pinarello ONDA fork and flap
The Grevil F fork features a Pinarello “wave” design, with a dedicated 50mm rake to provide stable handling. The wave claims to offer vibration damping while still lightweight and requiring no additional suspension. Though it has not been verified, the unique fork flap provides a shield from the elements and could aid in aerodynamics.
Japanese carbon — Italian design
For the GREVIL F, Pinarello went with a mix of different types of HM (high modulus) and HT (high tensile strength) fibers. They employ the additional carbon in specific frame areas to achieve a balance of rigidity and vibration absorption. The carbon fiber used is T700 from Toray, seen by many as the best carbon fiber manufacturer globally.
All-new Grevil F vs. 2018 Grevil
- + 8% Stiffness on the bottom bracket
- + 4% More aerodynamic
- + 5 W Saved at 40 Km/h
- Fame weight: 1090g Size 53 (not painted)
- Fork weight: 500g
- Weight complete bike (no pedals) in size 53 with Campagnolo Ekar and Princeton Grit 4540 wheels: 8.55 kg (18 lbs)
- Weight complete bike (no pedals) in size 53 with Campagnolo Ekar and Fulcrum Rapid Red 500 wheels: 8.85 kg (19 lbs)
Pinarello Grevil F Geometry
*The new bike will be available in sizes 47, 50, 53, 55, 57, and 60cm
Pricing, colors, and availability
The Pinarello Grevil F will initially only be available in Campagnolo Ekar for $6500 through Pinarello retailers, with more build options including Shimano and SRAM to be released in the fall. The Grevil F frameset will be available in three colorways; Green, Champaign, and matte black.
