I've been pondering getting a new road bike sometime over this winter (i.e. in time for spring next year). I'm currently on a 2001 Trek 5200. No complaints there, it's a great bike, but after pricing out some possible upgrades, I came to the conclusion that a new bike within the 2-3k range wouldn't be a big stretch, financially, especially if I unload my Trek. Also, I've been toying with the idea of trying racing again (I did a fair bit of road racing in my teenage years). Obviously, I need to ride some different bikes to get a feel of what's out there now, but generally speaking, I'm interested in something suitably stiff in the right places, while still comfortable enough for centuries and other long rides.

Anyways, after doing some initial research (including reading some of the posts on this site), the Pinarello F3:13 caught my eye. It's billed by Competitive Cyclist as a slightly heavier version of the F4:13, about which I've read some really good things, and it retails for 3 grand even, which is a nice savings over a similarly built F4:13.

Recognizing that it's a new bike for 2007, has anyone had a chance to throw a leg over one of these yet? My LBS has a F4:13 built up with Ultegra that I'm planning to try, but they don't plan to bring in any F3:13's until spring '07. So in the meantime, if anyone has any impressions/thoughts to share, I'd much appreciate reading them. I'm particularly interested in any comparisons between the F3 and F4.

One thing that everyone has said about Pinarello's carbon frames is that they're all tuned for a similar ride, and the big price difference comes in the type of CF used and, in turn, the weight. The F3:13 is apparently made in the same molds as the F4:13 but out of a cheaper CF, so it's heavier and you don't get the pretty carbon weave under the clearcoat to drool over. But apparently the ride is similar.

And it's a minor point, but I think that Pinarello's OEM stems/cranks/posts/wheels can be kinda ugly, but that's a 100% subjective thing. I'm sure they work fine.

Oh, and it's a different Bible verse too. Very important.

Hope that helps...