Pinarello PRINCE ULTEGRA Di2 12S Rim Review
- Price: Click View
- Frame: Carbon
- Tires: 700c Carbon
- Gear: 2×12 Electronic
What we like about it: The lightweight carbon fiber frame combined with appropriate components provides top-notch racing capabilities.
What we don’t like about it: It’s expensive, too expensive relative to most riders.
Rating: (4.9/5)
The Pinarello PRINCE ULTEGRA Di2 12S Rim is a top-level competitive road bike that performs well on various smooth terrains.
The bike features a lightweight carbon fiber frame paired with Shimano Ultegra Di2 RD R8150 drivetrain components, offering excellent power transfer and responsiveness.
We will analyze the riding experience, key features, components, specifications, and other versions of the Pinarello PRINCE ULTEGRA Di2 12S Rim in detail.
In the latter part of this article, we will also compare it with several other best bike models at similar price points. If you want to learn more about bike reviews, feel free to follow us.
Riding Experience
The Pinarello PRINCE ULTEGRA Di2 12S Rim, with its lightweight carbon fiber frame and aerodynamic riding position, is a bike built for speed and performance. Whether cruising on open roads or competing in high-speed races, this bike left a lasting impression on me.
To experience it firsthand, I took this bike to the Waterfront Loop, booking a nearby hotel in advance using the IHG. The route spans 11 miles, with mostly flat sections. The dedicated bike lane runs alongside the Willamette River, offering scenic views of Portland’s beautiful riverfront.
Road Cruising
As soon as I started riding this bike, I was impressed by its agility and responsiveness. The carbon fiber frame feels incredibly lightweight.
Cruising on smooth roads, the Shimano Ultegra Di2 RD R8150 components deliver seamless power transfer and a smooth shifting experience.
When descending on winding roads, I found myself entering an aerodynamic state on the bike. The integrated handlebar and tapered head tube provide a more aerodynamic overall profile, reducing drag. Even without pedaling, the bike maintains a remarkably high speed.
Even on steeper climbs, this bike feels nimble and light, allowing me to maintain speed and conserve energy to the fullest.
What pleased me the most was that after several hours of riding, I didn’t feel any fatigue. The carbon fiber frame with its slight deformation capability absorbs most of the road vibrations, which helps me maintain comfort throughout the entire ride.
Sprinting Experience
Subsequently, I participated in a short-distance race with my friends using this bike. We chose a flat and fast circuit with a total distance of around 100 km.
I approached this race with confidence because it was the perfect course for this bike. Its lightweight carbon fiber frame and streamlined design in reducing aerodynamic drag allowed me to ride faster.
Once the race started, I increased my cadence and quickly secured the third position. I closely followed the rider ahead, waiting for the right moment to make a move.
The Shimano Ultegra Di2 RD R8150 drivetrain exhibited exceptional efficiency. With the lightweight carbon fiber frame and reduced aerodynamic drag, I conserved more energy to maintain my position.
As the finish line approached, with only a short distance left to sprint, I saw an opportunity. I increased my cadence, stood up, and pushed forward with all my strength, sprinting towards the finish line.
At that moment, the Pinarello PRINCE ULTEGRA Di2 12S Rim felt astonishingly fast and responsive under my feet. Every pedal stroke propelled me forward at an incredible speed. The aerodynamic positioning helped me cut through the wind and maintain my velocity.
So, just as I was on the verge of exhaustion, I surged ahead, crossed the finish line first, and secured the championship in this friendly race.
Specification
The Pinarello PRINCE ULTEGRA Di2 12S Rim focuses on achieving optimal performance by blending TorayCa T3 UD carbon fiber in a 900K carbon weave for higher responsiveness and steering precision.
The design features fully integrated internal cable routing (TiCR), providing a clean and tidy appearance while reducing the aerodynamic drag. Additionally, it is compatible with disc brakes directly mounted, offering improved brake response and reduced weight.
There are three bottle cage mounts on the seat tube, allowing you to place a second bottle in a higher position for convenience. Alternatively, you can position it towards the bottom bracket, further enhancing aerodynamics.
Finally, the fixed method of the thru-axle wheelset ensures stability and safety during rides. There is no need to worry about the brake rotor getting scraped after removing or installing the wheels.
Video
Other Versions
Pinarello PRINCE ULTEGRA Di2 12S Rim is a competition road bike with a top-level lightweight carbon fiber frame. It is designed to achieve faster speeds but comes with a price that may not fit every rider’s budget.
To address this, we offer a model from the same brand that features a carbon fiber frame and carefully selected components. It offers the same lightweight and fast performance while being priced affordably to cater to a broader range of riders.
Pinarello PRINCE ULTEGRA 11S Rim
Both the Pinarello PRINCE ULTEGRA 11S Rim and Pinarello PRINCE ULTEGRA Di2 12S Rim utilize internally routed carbon fiber frames, resulting in a clean and tidy appearance. The design of the silent line tube reduces noise generated by cables hitting the inner walls during rides.
For the drivetrain, the Pinarello PRINCE ULTEGRA 11S Rim uses Shimano Ultegra R8000 2x11s components. Similar to the high-end Shimano road bike drivetrain, it offers smooth shifting. The 2x11s configuration covers a wide range of speeds suitable for most riders’ needs.
On the braking side, the Shimano Ultegra R8000 direct mount caliper hydraulic brakes provide light and responsive operation. They offer better braking performance in long descents and adverse weather conditions, ensuring reliability.
Below, we will provide specific details and compare the Pinarello PRINCE ULTEGRA Di2 12S Rim with other competition bikes in a similar price range.
What do we like about it?
- The front fork’s wing-shaped design stabilizes the airflow and significantly improves aerodynamic penetration.
- The fully internal cable routing design results in a cleaner and neater appearance, and it also simplifies the cleaning process.
- The flat back design derived from DOGMA reduces air resistance on the tubes.
- The lightweight carbon fiber frame combined with appropriate components provides top-notch racing capabilities.
- The seat tube has three bottle cages, making it convenient for carrying water bottles.
- The Shimano Ultegra Di2 groupset offers precise and quick shifting, providing riders with lightning-fast gear changes to maintain power during high-speed rides.
What don’t we like about it?
- The price is expensive, making it relatively high-priced for most riders.
FAQ
- Is this bike suitable for racing?
Yes, it is an excellent racing bike. The lightweight frame, aerodynamic design, and high-performance components make it an ideal choice for riders looking to participate in road races, endurance events, and other competitive activities.
- What kind of terrain is this bike suitable for?
It is best suited for riding on well-paved roads and other smooth surfaces.
- What type of tires does this bike use?
It uses Pirelli P Zero Race 26mm – Black, 127tpi aramid breaker tires.
Specs
Build
| Frame | TorayCa T700 UD, TiCR™ cable routing, Italian BB BB Standard: Italian, 70mm, Threaded Colors: Flash Sky; White; Black on Black |
| Fork | prince onda fork with forkflap™, 1.5′ upper and lower steerer |
| Bottom Bracket | Shimano Ultegra 12S |
| Stem | Tiger Aero Alu TiCR |
| Handlebar | Jaguar XA Aero TiCR |
| Saddle | Most Lynx Aircross FEC Alloy Large 145mm |
| Seatpost | Pinarello Aero Seatpost |
Groupset
| Rear Derailleur | Shimano Ultegra Di2 RD R8150 12S |
| Front Derailleur | Shimano Ultegra Di2 FD R8150 12S |
| Crank | Shimano Ultegra 12S |
| Chain | Shimano Ultegra CN-M8100 12S |
| Brakes | shimano ultegra r8000 direct mount caliper |
Wheels
| Rims | MOST Ultrafast 40* |
| Tires | Pirelli P Zero Race 26mm – Black, 127tpi aramid breaker. Max tyre size 28mm (width as measured) |
Comparison Table
| Bicycles | Click view | Wheelset | Frame material | Brake Type | Drivetrain |
| Specialized Tarmac SL7 Pro – Ultegra Di2 | Click View | 700c Carbon | Carbon | Hydraulic Disc | 1 × 12 Electronic |
| Trek Émonda SLR 6 | Click View | 700c Carbon | Carbon | Hydraulic Disc | 1 × 12 Electronic |
| BMC Teammachine SLR01 FIVE | Click View | 650b / 700c Carbon | Carbon | Hydraulic Disc | 1 × 12 Electronic |
| Merida SCULTURA 9000 | Click View | 700c Carbon | Carbon | Hydraulic Disc | 2 × 12 Electronic |
Pinarello PRINCE ULTEGRA Di2 12S Rim vs Specialized Tarmac SL7 Pro – Ultegra Di2
These two bikes are top-of-the-line competition road bikes within their respective brands.
In terms of the drivetrain, both bikes feature Shimano Ultegra Di2 components. However, the former offers more gearing options with its 2×12-speed configuration compared to the latter’s 2×11-speed setup.
For the braking system, both bikes feature excellent Shimano Ultegra brakes. They provide a lightweight brake feel and responsive reaction speed, ensuring reliable stopping power.
Ultimately, between these two bikes, I would prefer the Pinarello PRINCE ULTEGRA Di2 12S Rim. The expanded range of speed options would give me more versatility and possibilities.
Pinarello PRINCE ULTEGRA Di2 12S Rim vs Trek Émonda SLR 6
Both bikes are excellent competition bicycles, but the former has a clear advantage.
In terms of the drivetrain, the former utilizes a higher-level Shimano Ultegra Di2 compared to the latter’s Shimano R7150 Di2. This results in enhanced transmission efficiency, and importantly, a lighter weight.
Regarding the braking components, both bikes are equipped with Shimano Ultegra R8000 brakes, but Pinarello’s setup offers stronger braking power and a more lightweight feel compared to Trek’s Shimano 105 brakes.
Therefore, the comparison between these two bikes is quite evident. The Pinarello PRINCE ULTEGRA Di2 12S Rim indeed demonstrates stronger capabilities in various aspects.
Learn More: Is Trek Emonda ALR 5 Worth Buying? [2022 Trek Emonda ALR 5 Review]
Pinarello PRINCE ULTEGRA Di2 12S Rim vs BMC Teammachine SLR01 FIVE
These two bikes are both top-tier bicycle brands and have a wide base of cycling enthusiasts.
In terms of the drivetrain components, they both utilize the SHIMANO Ultegra Di2 RD-R8150 electronic shifting system, which offers excellent transmission efficiency. The electronic shifting also provides convenient adjustment and maintains stability even during long rides. As for the brakes, both bikes are equipped with reliable components.
Finally, the carbon fiber frame of Pinarello PRINCE ULTEGRA Di2 12S Rim incorporates more aerodynamic designs, reducing wind resistance while riding. It also offers faster speeds once you reach a certain level of velocity. Therefore, I would highly recommend this bike.
Learn More: Is BMC Teammachine SLR ONE Worth Buying? [2022 BMC Teammachine SLR ONE Review]
Pinarello PRINCE ULTEGRA Di2 12S Rim vs Merida SCULTURA 9000
These two bikes are both incredibly stylish in their paint jobs, making them stand out as racing bicycles.
In terms of the drivetrain system, both bikes utilize the SHIMANO Ultegra Di2 RD-R8150 components, offering precise and smooth shifting.
As for the braking components, SHIMANO Ultegra is also the choice for both bikes, providing powerful and responsive braking performance.
Overall, both of these racing bicycles offer riders fast riding speeds and a comfortable riding position. However, the brand reputation of Pinarello PRINCE ULTEGRA Di2 12S Rim makes me favor it even more.
Learn More: Is Merida SCULTURA TEAM Worth Buying? – [Merida SCULTURA TEAM Review]
Summary
Above is my ride review of the Pinarello PRINCE ULTEGRA Di2 12S Rim. In our opinion, it is a top-tier racing road bike capable of handling various terrains such as climbing, descending, and cruising on flat roads. It offers a comprehensive range of features, which is why we give it a rating of 4.9.
Of course, if you’re interested in learning about other racing bicycles, we also review a wide range of bikes with different price points, making it an enjoyable read. Feel free to check out our other reviews.
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