Market / Cycling: Only a few days after Tom Boonen's controversially discussed plea for disc brakes on racing bikes, there is some headwind - surprisingly, however, this does not come from the peloton, but from the industry. Fausto Pinarello explains in conversation with colleagues from cyclingnews.com, why the top models of the Italian manufacturer will only be equipped with rim brakes in the future.
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Cycling / Market: An old dog doesn't learn new tricks? Are you kidding me? Are you serious when you say that! Cycling veteran Tom Boonen will be fully committed to disc brakes in his last season as an active professional, after many many years previously only on rim brakes. The decisive factor was the training sessions in winter on a bike with disc brakes. After the more than chaotic disc brake test phase […]
One or the other may dismiss the subject of disc brakes on racing bikes in exasperation. Admittedly, we feel the same way from time to time, but the latest statements from Fausto Pinarello are quite remarkable and the Italian bike guru should speak to the soul of many road bike fans. "At the moment we don't think that a high-performance road bike needs disc brakes," says the 54-year-old in an interview with cyclingnews. “I think the only ones who need disc brakes are heavy riders and those who get scared on long descents. Disc brakes could help them, but the pros don't need them," Pinarello takes a very clear position.
Pinarello also cannot resist a small dig at his colleagues from the industry: “The big brands want to force disc brakes on people. This means that there are fewer design options and they can control the market even better.”
However, a statement regarding the pros at Team Sky, who have been riding the high-end manufacturer's bikes for many years, caused us to frown. Not all of them would ask about disc brakes, reports Pinarello and goes on to say: "If it's raining, just drive a little slower." Well, if the problem can be solved that easily after all...
Be that as it may, the topic will certainly entertain us in the months and years to come.
Happy_Cyclist says
Of course ... one was also of the opinion that real men didn't need gears on racing bikes ... Everyone should be able to decide for themselves what they need and what not ... and if Mr. Pinarello doesn't want to screw disc brakes onto his bike, that's his decision too ... but I'd bet, that in two or three years there will be Pinarellos with disc brakes...
over 50s says
It would be better to lower the UCI weight limit to 6kg including computer.
and I says
Well, if he continues to hold this opinion, Sky will be driving a different brand in 2 years at the latest. I'd like to see how excited the Sky guys are when they just have to go a little slower than the competition in the next wet race.
Armin says
Does Pinarello want to miss the boat just like Campagnolo? They can be happy that discs didn't catch on as early as 2016. But maybe they don't want to, just out of tradition.
But there are also Italians who see things differently: Basso, Colnago, Wilier Triestina...
Rail says
And I believe that such a high-performance racing bike manufacturer will lose market share significantly in the future.
THE opportunity for small innovative manufacturers.
Wiesel says
... well then Pinarello is probably not suitable for me with 85 kg.. but only for froomes and wiggiins ... thank you for the statement Mr. Pinarello
Markus says
Everyone should be as happy as they want to be......
HP 85 kg, Dogma with rim brakes. 😉
Roger says
Fausto Pinarello no longer knows his own palette. I've been driving a Dogma F2016 Disk since April 8.
As a reminder, Froomey won the 2016 Tour de France riding a Dogma F8