Pinarello has returned to cyclocross with two new Crossista carbon framesets.
The news comes at the same time as the firm announced the Grevil, Pinarello's new gravel bike.
Pinarello says the Crossista frames are derived directly from its road bikes, and the similarities to the company's Grand Tour winning road framesets are striking.
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Pinarello says the Crossista strikes a balance between performance and versatility, yet still retains the aerodynamic performance that characterises the company's bikes.
The carbon tubes feature Pinarello's 'flatback' design, which it says not only improves aerodynamics but means the tubes are also lighter and stiffer than traditional oval tubes.
While details are currently limited, two options are available on the company's website with the type of carbon the only clear distinction between the two models dubbed Crossista and Crossista+.
The Pinarello Crossista's press release states that the bike is designed for use with 700cx32mm tyres "as required by the UCI regulations", although the last time we checked, the regulations were 33mm tyre widths.
Maximum claimed tyre clearances are 42mm, and the Crossista is also electronic and mechanical drivetrain compatible, and will accommodate both 1x and 2x crankset options by having a removable front derailleur hanger.
The Pinarello Crossista is disc brake-only, as you might expect for a 2019 cyclocross bike, and uses flat mount-standard front and rear with 12mm thru-axles.
Aesthetically, the Crossista frame shares a similar seat cluster design, frame-specific seatpost and 'Onda' fork that are seen on Pinarello's road bikes. T1100 1K carbon is used on one of the two lay-up options of the bike, and it's the same carbon that is used in the Italian company's flagship road bike, the Pinarello Dogma F10.
Internal cable routing is complemented by an ergonomically designed top tube for ease of shouldering on trickier course sections, and the frameset also uses Pinarello's E-Link system for those using Shimano Di2 groupsets.
Like the majority of Pinarello frames, the Crossista uses an Italian threaded bottom bracket.
Perhaps inspired by the Dogma K10 range of frames, the 'Flex Stay' rear stays offer compliance in the back end of the bike and will help to retain traction on loose surfaces.
The letters FCX, which adorn the down tube of the Crossista frame, are taken from the model given to earlier ‘cross models by Pinarello.
The new Pinarello Crossista is UCI approved. Pricing and availability are not yet released. See more at Pinarello.