PINARELLO FP QUATRO BIKE

Language is a funny thing. The Anglophone cycling world now talks about having "good sensations" in their legs when they're feeling strong. It comes from a literal translation of Spanish we've read in countless race reports, though the Spaniards are merely saying they have good legs. This brings us to why this is the Pinarello FP Quattro/SRAM Force/Rival Complete Bikerather than the FP4. One way to read the number four (4 rather than four) aloud in Japanese is to make a sound that a listener could mistake for the word meaning "death." Americans might like the idea of riding a death bike, but it doesn't work in all cultures. Kill the legs of rivals, of that wheelsucker who has been hiding in your draft without asking, and so on. Get a grim reaper image somewhere on the bike and those who ride behind will know what they're in for; the pain cave followed by the sickle.

The Quattro is a bike that can kill. It's a direct relative of the Pinarello Paris; it comes out of the same molds, literally. It means you get the same asymmetries that make the Paris what it is. It means you get the same race-proven geometry that balances stability with agility, stiffness with shock absorption, and you get the same internal cable routing. The Quattro even shares the FPK1 Onda fork with the 1-1/8" to 1.5" tapered steerer tube that the Paris sports. The frame rides a lot like the fancier sibling above it with one key difference; the slightly heavier, more affordable, carbon-fiber cloth means it's not quite as refined as the Paris. It's a touch heavier as well. In carbon-speak, the stuff is 30-ton high-modulus carbon-fiber with a 12k weave.

This bike comes built with a mix of SRAM Force and Rival components along with Fulcrum Racing 5 wheels, and a selection of MOst components. MOst is Pinarello's house brand, which means that you get components finished to look like they were custom-painted along with the frame -- very pro. You'll also get a nice price break because Pinarello is saving a step on the distribution chain -- very smart.

SRAM Force Double-Tap levers are paired with a Force rear derailleur and Rival front derailleur and compact cranks. It's a lightweight, durable, comfortable, easy to use combination. New SRAM fans are being made with every test ride. The gearing is compact, with a 50/34t crankset and 11-25t cassette.

The Fulcrum Racing 5 wheels are a 24/7/365 wheelset; they're an everyday wheel for every day of the year. They have 20 radial front spokes paired with 24 rear spokes arrayed in the 2:1 ratio that has been proven by Campagnolo to be strong and durable. Fulcrum is Campagnolo's way of having a wheel brand separate from the Campy name. To be a bit more slippery in the wind, the spokes are bladed. The rim is 24mm deep, enough to get a little aero without adding too much rotating mass. The tires are Pinarello-branded Continental Ultra-Sport.

The MOst components start with the Jaguar XA ergonomic compact-bend aluminum handlebar. The tops are oval for comfort, and the 80mm reach combined with 130mm drop gives you several hand choices in a small space. The MOst TigerAlu stem is stiff, thanks to the oversized aluminum tube, and it's built with an 80-degree angle. MOst B-Max Force brakes are dual-pivot calipers with a quick release and micro adjust barrel. The brake shoes have replaceable pads and can accept any Shimano/SRAM-compatible pad. The MOst Ocelot saddle is perched atop the MOst C-Alu carbon-wrapped aluminum seat post. The cranks, handlebar, and stem are all sized to match the frame. In a nice bit of overlap, the derailleur hanger is replaceable and is the same one as used on the Paris.

The Pinarello FP Quattro/SRAM Force/Rival Complete Bike comes in twelve sizes. It's available in three colors -- Black on black, White/black/red, and White/silver/black.

• Pinarello Onda FPK1 carbon fork features a 1 1/8 to 1 1/2-inch tapered steerer for greater rigidity and confident handling
• Internal cable routing for clean lines and improved aerodynamics
• MOST Croxover oversized bottom bracket for flex-free sprints and zero power loss
• Compact chainrings for an expanded gear range capable of tackling any terrain