It has been a slow courtship…but alas one of Italy’s finest has won my hand. After 6 months of training and racing it is time to talk Pinarello GAN RS Ultegra (2016).
Why the slow courtship? Honestly, because the ride quality from the Cannonadle EVO that I was previously on was so outstanding. Also because the GAN RS weighs more. That was hard to get out of my head.
That being said after 6 months of riding and racing the GAN RS I don’t miss the EVO at all. I actually have been quite taken with the Italian curves. Call me shallow but the first thing I love about the GAN RS is that you don’t see many around on the roads of Northwest Arkansas. Secondly, those curves. Yes Italian curves. That is to say (because my wife might read this) the curves on the frame of this bicycle are so darn sexy. Aesthetically the bike jumps out at you, but not in a loud obnoxious way. On the contrary. In a ever so subtle “I’m the cool kid” kind of way.
The GAN RS is the more affordable version of the F8. The main difference between the two is the carbon material used. The GAN RS uses T900 and the F8 uses a higher quality T1101K. What does this mean? The GAN RS is a bit heavier and not as stiff as the F8. But the price tag is where it’s at. The Ultegra version comes in at around $5,000.
Aerodynamics is the new weight weenie. You know it’s true. Folks are riding heavier aero bikes & wheels over the lighter options. Why? Well if you live in NWA the longest climbs on average are 2-5 minutes. How many races end on a hilltop? But wind. Well you’re always dealing with wind. It is always there and never going away. Hills are only a small portion of any given race route.
Components
Please note: The super awesome ENVE wheelset you see here does not come on the GAN RS Ultegra. Mavic Kysrium Equipe’s come with this bike. Also, the stem has been modified. I’m currently going through a bike fit. The stem it comes with matches the aero shaping of the spacers and head tube.
This bike is fully outfitted with Shimano Ultegra 6800. Do you even need Dur-Ace bro? I don’t think so. This stuff is so good the only reason to upgrade is for the weight savings. It is so smooth and it works! Done.
52/36t Shimano Ultegra 6800 crank with a 11-28t cassette on the back.
Those curves. They are for performance.
Seriously they are. Pinarello claims that the ovalized face with the more abrupt back reduces drag.
Very clean front.
I suggest you might consider going electronic to clean up some of that housing on the front end. After all it is a aero road bike.
TO HECK WITH PRESSFIT! And creaky bottom brackets. Good old threaded Italian BB. Love it.
Again, disregard the stem. The bike comes with a carbon stem that matches the headtube/spacers aero profile. I’m just going through a bike fit and haven’t cut the steer tube yet. NOT PRO!
Ride Quality
As I mentioned the Cannondale EVO is the finest riding race road bike I have been on. AND the GAN RS is not far off and that is saying something considering it is a aero road bike. Most aero road bikes have a reputation for being super stiff. The GAN RS is not that. In terms of smoothness the GAN RS is one of the smoothest bikes I’ve ridden. The ride quality is really great and the frame geometry is on par with what I like as well. It is super predictable when descending and in technical turns. When a bike is predictable you use the brakes less and lean a little harder in that turn.
Final Thoughts
This would be a fantastic bike for any bike racer or recreational rider that is seeking aero race performance from their machine. If you are looking for a aero road bike that is smooth, aesthetically unique and can be raced out of the box (minus the ENVE hoops). This is the bike for you. But don’t take my word for it. Head on over to The Bike Route and test ride one yourself!
The Skinny
T900 Full Carbon Frame
Drivetrain: Ultegra 6800 52-36t chainring, 11-28t cassette
Crankset: Ultegra 6800
Brakes: Ultegra 6800
Wheels: Mavic Equipe
Tires: Mavic WTS 700 x 25c
Saddle: Fizik Arione R7
Weight: Maglia Nera, 51.5cm: 7670g
Price: $5,000
Can’t go wrong with Italian design! Good write up!
I’m wondering if your Gan RS has a typographical error on the top tube sticker. Mine says “High Strenght Carbon Fiber. I’ve contacted Pinarello but no response.
This is a 2016 frame, so could be they have changed out some things on newer models.
Could be, yeah. Great review–enjoyed reading it. These bikes are so bad ass!
I have an order in on a the GAN RS Maglia Rosa. They are on sale for $4000. I’d have preferred the Maglia Nera, but those are out of stock in my size. I waited too long. I’m excited. Hope I can gte in a few rides before winter hits.