Pinarello F-Series Guide: F5, F3 & F1 Explained
Recommended Gear for Better Riding
Pinarello F-Series Buyers Guide: F5 vs F3 vs F1 — Which One Should You Really Buy?
If you're considering a Pinarello F-series bike, you're already in the world of premium performance. But here's what most cyclists don't know:
The biggest difference in the F-series is NOT the frame — it's the components.
In fact, the F3 and F5 share the exact same T700 carbon frame, the same geometry, the same stiffness, the same ride quality. The difference? The F5 comes with nicer wheels...
Below is the clean, honest comparison that helps you choose the right one — without marketing fluff.
🥇 Pinarello F3 — The Best Price/Performance Option
The Pinarello F3 is the smartest purchase in the entire F-series. Same frame as the F5, same carbon, same aerodynamics — but at a significantly lower price.
Why? Because Pinarello equips the F3 with a more budget-friendly wheelset, making it the perfect platform for upgrades.
Why F3 Is the Best Value
- Same T700 carbon frame as F5 – identical performance
- Lower price while keeping all the performance DNA
- The perfect frame for custom builds
- You choose the wheels, handlebar, saddle, and upgrades → Tailored to you
This is why we recommend the F3 to 80% of riders. It gives you the freedom to turn it into your dream build — without paying extra for stock components you may later replace.
🥈 Pinarello F5 — Same Frame, Pre-Upgraded Build
The F5 sits above the F3 only because of its build kit. The frame? Identical T700 carbon.
What you get by choosing the F5:
- Most Ultrafast 45 wheelset (a big performance upgrade, although I would not recommend this wheels)
If you want a better performing bike straight out of the box — with no upgrades needed — the F5 is the perfect turnkey solution.
🥉 Pinarello F1 — The Entry into Pinarello Performance
The Pinarello F1 uses T600 carbon, making it the most comfortable and most affordable option in the lineup.
Best for:
- Riders entering the premium carbon category
- Long-distance cyclists who prefer comfort
- Those who love Pinarello DNA at the lowest entry price
💡 Should You Consider the F7 or F9?
Pinarello also offers F7 and F9 models — but at those price points, you are entering a range where:
It makes more sense to buy the legendary Dogma F instead.
For that reason, we focus on the F1/F3/F5 lineup because it offers the best performance per euro spent.
🔧 Custom Builds & Upgrades — Made for You
No matter which F-series model you choose, we can upgrade every component:
- Wheel upgrades: Princeton CarbonWorks, Fulcrum
- Drivetrain upgrades: Shimano Di2, CeramicSpeed OSPW, CeramicSpeed BB
- Saddle & cockpit options including ultralight Berk components
- TPU tubes, titanium rotors, lightweight accessories
Your bike should fit your riding style — not the stock list.
Email us for a custom build:
hello@approvedcycling.com
📦 Delivery Times
Pinarello production is boutique-level. Frames are produced in limited batches which means:
- Typical delivery time is 1–6 months
This is normal for premium Italian brands — and part of what keeps Pinarello exclusive.
🔥 Final Recommendation
If you want the best performance for your money:
→ Choose the Pinarello F3
If you want a ready-to-ride build with better wheels:
→ Choose the Pinarello F5
If you're entering the world of high-end carbon:
→ Choose the Pinarello F1
If you want perfection without compromise:
→ Dogma F
