One of the worst-kept secrets of the 2021/22 cyclocross season was the prototype Pinarello Crossista F ridden by Tom Pidcock. Unlike the Cervelo R5CX ridden by Marianne Vos and Wout van Aert (which, while packed with features, falls into the "yet another carbon bike" trap in the looks department), the Pinarello Crossista would still be recognizable without the decals thanks to distinctive tube shapes that make it look like nothing else in the pro field.
Interest in the Crossista will only increase now that Pidcock has piloted it to the 2022 Elite Men's cyclocross world championship. As with the R5CX, you can't actually buy one (yet), but let's take a look at what to expect when the Crossista hits the market later this year.
Pinarello Crossista F specs
Don't confuse the new Crossista "F" with the current Crossista model. That design is a 4 years old and notably features a more traditional, straight top tube. Frankly, the "old" Crossista still wouldn't look out of place on the World Cup circuit today with swoopy aero carbon tubes, disc brakes, and internally-routed cables. Perhaps most notable was the "reverse" fork which appeared to bend in the wrong direction, a clever optical illusion.
The updated Crossista F drops the reverse fork and adds a kinked top tube (supposedly at the request of Pidcock) that appears to be inspired by Pinarello's Grevil model. The "dent" in the top tube looks to be placed so that it can rest on the rider's shoulder while carrying for comfort. From a visual standpoint, the new frame also doesn't have the dramatic dropped drive-side chainstay of the old model.
The "table stakes" internal cable routing, with the hydraulic lines routed down through the handlebar and steerer tube, as seen on recent top-end models from Cervelo and Cube, is here as well, so the cockpit is completely clean.
The Crossista F also shares another feature with the Cervelo - a non-round seatpost. Unlike a round seatpost, non-round models can't rotate off-center in a cyclocross crash.
Pinarello also stressed the addition of drain holes - a clever touch that ensures water that might enter the frame (such as during pressure washing during a muddy race) won't have to be carried around by the rider.
Claimed weight? In the low 16 lbs / 7.4 kg. Pidcock does ride quite a small frame, but that means that even a more pedestrian build on a larger frame can still be well under 18 lbs.
When can I buy one?
According to Bike Rumor, not until late 2022." So perhaps in time for the Fall season - if you're lucky.