Unveiling Tom Pidcock's Race-Ready Rig: A Deep Dive into His Pinarello Dogma GR
In a thrilling conclusion to the season, Tom Pidcock embarked on a journey to South Africa, taking on the inaugural Gravel Burn, an epic 800km, seven-stage gravel race across the rugged Great Karoo. With no performance pressure, Pidcock surprised everyone by winning stage 5's grueling mountain top finish on his Pinarello Dogma GR.
The Bike's Story:
While the green and gold color scheme might seem subtle, it's a nod to South Africa's national sports colors, famously worn by the Springbok Rugby team. A bold choice, considering the terrain demanded a more versatile bike.
The Bike's Choice:
Pidcock's decision to ride the race-oriented Dogma GR over a Grevil was intriguing. The Grevil, with its 50mm tire clearance, would have handled the technical descents and washboard terrain better. But the Dogma GR, with its aerodynamic tube design borrowed from the road-going Dogma F, offered a unique blend of speed and compliance.
Tire Talk:
For Gravel Burn, Pidcock upgraded his Vittoria Terreno T30 tires from 35mm to a beefier 45mm front and rear. His mechanics had to get creative, as the bike was only designed for 45/42mm tires, but they managed to fit the wider 45mm tire at the rear. These tires, made from 92% recycled rubber, proved to be a wise choice, offering excellent grip and durability on the hostile terrain.
The Wheels and Valves:
Pidcock's Vision SC 48 i25 wheels featured green Vittoria Multiway valves, suggesting he was running Vittoria AirLiner inserts for added protection and comfort. This setup was a key factor in his ability to navigate the challenging course.
Pedal Power:
In a surprising move, Pidcock opted for Shimano XTR mountain bike pedals over road-specific hardware. This choice was likely influenced by the rough terrain and the need for durability and stability.
The Groupset:
As a SRAM-sponsored team, Pidcock's Dogma FR is equipped with a Red XPLR AXS Groupset, featuring a 50T 1x chainring and an 11-46T cassette. A Wolf Tooth chain catcher adds security, especially during choppy descents.
Specs Breakdown:
- Frameset: TorayCa M40X, TiCR
- Fork: eTICR Onda Fork with ForkFlap
- Cockpit: Most Talon Ultra integrated cockpit
- Seatpost: D-shaped Adaptive seatpost
- Wheelset: Vision SC 48 i25
- Tyres: Vittoria Terreno T30 45mm
- Saddle: Prologo Scratch NDR
And there you have it, a detailed look at Tom Pidcock's race-ready Pinarello Dogma GR. A unique build, tailored to the challenges of Gravel Burn. But here's where it gets controversial: Was the Dogma GR the right choice for this race? And this is the part most people miss: What impact did the tire choice have on Pidcock's performance? Let's discuss in the comments and share your thoughts on this intriguing setup!
