I have the option of getting a 2025 SL8 Expert for around £4000, or a 2024 Dogma F running Ultegra Di2, Scope S5 55 Wheels and the Talon Light handlebar for around £5500. I’d plan on using the difference to upgrade to an integrated cockpit on the Expert and also upgrade the wheels (likely to those on the Pro). I dont need a power meter as I have power pedals. Both are brand new bikes.
I’m planning on test riding both, but just looking for others thoughts. Obviously the Pinarello is… a Pinarello… but I know the SL8 rates very highly. I also know the Pinarello isnt the latest model (which isnt an issue) with the new materials, which makes looking at reviews more difficult.
I’d be coming from a 2018 Giant TCR Advanced 2, with Mech 105 and Rim brakes… but I’d plan to have this new one a while as an all rounded so want to make the right choice.
Slightly odd comparison I think, so couldn’t really find much else online.
I would go with which one feels better to you riding wise, but that will probably be heavily influenced by the existing wheels tires and how well the existing bike setup fits you.
Purely from an aesthetics standpoint, I find the Dogma’s fugly, so I couldn’t buy one
I would say similar but two guys in our group have them (the F12 Dogma and the Tarmac SL8) and I find neither displeasing to the eye and would probably lean to the Dogma
Dogma looks much better in-person IMO, it has a cohesive design that you don’t 100% appreciate from internet photos. The dicknose on the SL8 remains unforgivable.
I owned the 2022 version of the Dogma F I tested rode the Sworks SL8 and decided to sell the F and get the SL8…picking it up this afternoon! I’m a smaller rider and I found the SL8 to be much more lively and enjoyable. I feel like the F is designed for bigger and or more powerful riders (I’m no not slow by any means but at 56kg absolute power is average). The other consideration with the F is your stuck with their handlebar (if you go integrated) which I never really liked due to the lack of narrow option and shape of the drops but that’s quite personal. Aesthetically I will say I think the Dogma is nice especially in smaller sizes.
Edit: ridden my SL8 this weekend and it’s noticeably more stable in cross winds than the F which is a sail and quite unpleasant to ride on a very windy day
Sizing the Dogma correctly is important and a factor in my decision was to size the bars ( one piece) , cranks and gearing to my personal preference as a result of a bike fit, all of which was a benefit over the Tarmac.
The main component for making my choice was how the bike made me feel which equals more riding which equals fitter and quicker but most importantly means more smiles per mile.
One of the best parts of buying a new bike is choosing, enjoy your preference in good health.
I feel that you should buy the one that speaks to you the loudest once you’ve had a chance to test ride them. From a personal perspective the Dogma I think is a better long term purchase and far less cookie cutter than the Sl8 but the difference in cost could be a big factor. Components are a consideration for many also. The SRAM Rival on the Expert vs Ultegra on the F. If you’re agnostic on drivetrains then no worries there., but Rivalnis not equivalent to Ultegra. To be more equal it should be Force to match up more closely. The Sl8 is likely a lighter setup though. It does not really seem like an apples to apples comparison in cost or spec but again get the one that you get the best feeling for.
But…they’re both super nice bikes that’s for sure hard to go wrong with either one. Good luck and remember to drop pics of whichever one you get over here
