BEST THING ABOUT THIS BIKE: Heavenly ride quality. It's stiff  and responsive in the climbs and sprints - not as nice as steel over the rough stuff, but long chainstays prevent bum bruising. Corner confidence and stable descending make it a top-notch example of a fine Italian bike. 

WORST THING ABOUT THIS BIKE: The 1-inch steel steerer is off the back for today's race machines (limiting choices for later upgrades), and the typically Italian top tube is a bit on the short side - 59 for our size 62, and 56cm for a 56.

PERFECT PARTS: When comparing price to performance, Campagnolo's Daytona shines. The shifting precision is on par with Record or Chorus, although you compromise weight and durability. The Proton wheelset is a strong, all-purpose set of hoops that'll serve you for racing and training. You can't do better at this price.

HERITAGE: Giovanni Pinarello started building bikes more than 60 years ago, and 7 consecutive Tour de France victories in the 90s back up the name. Building know-how contributes to the lightweight feel of this bike.

STYLE: The beautiful blue and orange paint - with white accents - lets everyone know you're on a Euro bike.

BARGAIN: You'd expect the Prince (at $1,500 more than the Surprise for frame and fork) to outperform its little brother in a big way. In our test, however, the difference between the two was not representative of the price gap. Outfit the Surprise with Record and save yourself a bundle.

WEIGHT: 19.54 lbs; frame and fork weight: 5.2 lbs. (62cm)

FRAME: Pinarello Profile 7005 aluminum

FORK: Vela carbon with steel steerer

BUY IT IF: You want a royal road machine for a modest price.

FORGET IT IF: Only the top-of-the-line will do.

SEVEN WORDS ABOUT THE BIKE: All Italian. Solid. Classic art. Tuned aluminum.

This page was last edited on 07/17/2004