Video Ride Review: Cervélo S5 vs. Pinarello Dogma F
Canadian or Italian? Missile-like speed, or razor sharp handling? And ultimately…the Cervelo S5, or the Pinarello Dogma F?
For those that are lucky enough to be contemplating between two of the most coveted, high-performance road bikes in Contender’s lineup, we have answers.
In our latest YouTube video (above), Xander on the Contender team delivers a high-noon, high-speed showdown between the S5 and Dogma F, highlighting what’s new and noteworthy about each bike, followed by his ride impressions, having ridden both rigs on several rides in and around Salt Lake City the past several weeks.
On paper, both bikes are WorldTour race machines with Tour de France credentials. But out on the road, they tell very different stories. Where the S5 leans into pure aero efficiency—shaped by wind-tunnel data and refined for all-out sprint power—the Dogma F reflects a different philosophy: a masterclass in Italian balance, with equal parts artistry, stiffness, and intuitive descending, cornering, and handling. Together, they represent two elite interpretations of what a flagship race bike can be.
Ready? Let’s jump in.
What’s New: Key Features of the Cervelo S5 and Dogma F
As Xander notes, the Cervélo S5 and Pinarello Dogma F have evolved around a similar goal—turning watts into speed without compromising comfort or stability—but each takes a distinct path to get there.
Below are the features that rise to the top:
Cervélo S5:
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Proven Speed: Over 6 watts faster and 124 grams lighter than its predecessor.
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Aero Touches: Deeper fork legs and reshaped head tube work, in concert with the frame’s iconic V-stem cockpit and Reserve 57|64 Turbulent Aero wheels, deliver a highly aero, incredibly fast platform.
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High Speed Stability: Prioritizes stability and confidence at top speed, designed for riders who live in the drops and love to push massive power on flat roads.
Pinarello Dogma F:
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Carbon Craftsmanship: Refined M40X carbon layup provides next-level lateral stiffness with a frame weight of just over 800 grams.
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More Aero: Subtly reworked tube shapes and an Aero-Keel bottom bracket cut drag by 0.2% while enhancing pedaling response.
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Best of Both Worlds: Prioritizes handling precision and road feel, striking a balance between race-day explosiveness and long-day comfort.
Ride Impressions
Based on several rides on both bikes, what did Xander think? While the video goes deeper, below is a snapshot of his ride impressions.
Cervélo S5:
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Noticeably aero? Check. But what surprised and delighted Xander was the numerous hand positions made possible by the cockpit’s Y-shape, which made climbing more efficient–and comfortable.
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On the downside, Xander noticed that the deeper profile of the Reserve carbon wheels more easily caught cross-winds, creating stability issues.
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Xander’s biggest takeaway was the unique ride feel of the S5: super smooth and stable through road chatter, incredible aerodynamics, and missile-like speed, with the sensation of endless momentum.
Pinarello Dogma F:
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Compared to the S5, the Dogma F stood out for its stiffer carbon layup, along with a much more responsive ride feel, both climbing and descending.
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On the same climb on both bikes, with similar power numbers, Xander’s time on the Dogma was 4 minutes faster.
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Descending, Xander noted the Dogma F’s sharp and agile handling, tempered by the seatpost exhibiting a feeling of flexing laterally, which threw him off. And while both bikes offer similar top tube geometry, he noted feeling more stretched out on the Dogma F.
Bottom Line
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If your goal is flat out speed, with next level aerodynamics, race-day readiness, and cranking out maximum watts while in the drops…go with the Cervelo S5.
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If you’re looking for a more versatile daily driver, equally at home on steep climbs and twisty, technical descents, with a more lively, responsive feel…go with the Pinarello Dogma F.
Learn More
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Read: ‘Just Released’ blog on the new S5; ‘Beautiful Bicycle’ on the Dogma F
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Shop: Cervelo S5, and Pinarello Dogma F (see below)
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Engage: visit the shop, send us a message here, or call us at (801) 364-0344
