De Rosa SK Pininfarina Review: What €12,000 of Italian Racing Excellence Feels Like
A legendary Italian cycling brand meets a global automotive design icon. The result? The De Rosa Pininfarina SK - a masterpiece that combines Italian flair with innovative technology and performance engineering.
This stunning machine marks De Rosa's first venture into true aero bikes, positioned right below their Protos flagship model. Wind tunnel testing proves its worth, as Pininfarina brings its automotive aerodynamic mastery to the cycling world. The frame weighs an impressive 1060-1090g based on size and color. Its unique swept-back seat tube design guides wind flow smoothly over the rear wheel. The ProContinental team Nippo-Vini Fantini races this UCI-certified bike at the Giro d'Italia, proving its competitive edge matches its beautiful design.
The price tag puts this bike in exclusive company. The frame and fork alone cost €3,390, while a fully equipped version with premium components reaches €10,250. The "budget" option with Shimano Ultegra Di2 and Fulcrum Racing Zero wheels costs €6,890. The big question remains - does this investment deliver value? And does the ride quality match its premium price?
De Rosa x Pininfarina: The Design Collaboration Behind the SK
"The SK is what we want an aero bike to be – engaging, awesome-looking, fast everywhere, and with no comfort compromises." — Robin Wilmott, Senior Technical Editor at BikeRadar
This collaboration stands apart from typical industry partnerships that just borrow prestigious names. The companies created genuine design synergy together. Cristiano De Rosa explains, "I presented my project to Pininfarina and we studied to develop a speed aero bike. There was no 'blank page' for Pininfarina, but instead I offered my idea and we worked on it together" [2].
Pininfarina's head of communications, Francesco Fiordelisi, describes the outcome as a "four hands" result. The partnership blends De Rosa's technical cycling expertise with Pininfarina's well-known design philosophy [2]. They make use of Pininfarina's decades of aerodynamic knowledge that was developed for automotive giants like Ferrari, Alfa Romeo, and Maserati—and apply it to cycling [3].
Both companies share core values: "family-owned business traditions, a passion for innovation, incessant search for better performance, artisanal production methods and attention to detail, love for beauty and design" [4]. Their shared vision creates bikes where function and esthetics work together perfectly.
The SK Pininfarina launched in 2016 and marked the start of their ongoing creative relationship [5]. The partnership grew to include more models—a restyled SK version, the Metamorphosis, and the De Rosa 70 [6].
Each new version shows refined improvements through careful testing. The De Rosa 70, to name just one example, needed eight prototypes to achieve its perfect balance of lightness and visual impact [6]. These designs undergo testing in Pininfarina's Formula One-caliber wind tunnel—a facility usually reserved for high-performance cars [6].
The end result delivers what Paolo Pininfarina calls "passion and design," where "design is a means to devise solutions that are innovative from the functional viewpoint and elegant in terms of esthetics" [4]. This philosophy shows in the SK Pininfarina's distinctive profile, which seamlessly combines form and performance.
Frame Design and Build Quality: Carbon, Geometry, and Integration
Image Source: Road Cycling UK
The second-generation SK Pininfarina showcases precise engineering with its lightweight carbon frame that combines aerodynamic efficiency and structural integrity. This new version looks like its predecessor but went through important technical refinements to improve performance.
De Rosa's life-blood innovation shines through the high-modulus carbon fiber frame weighing a mere 950 grams in medium size [7]. This frame uses multiple carbon densities—24T, 30T, 40T, and 60T fibers—placed strategically to optimize stiffness where needed without sacrificing comfort [8].
This generation stands out with its aerodynamic improvements after extensive wind tunnel testing. The top tube appears flatter and thinner compared to the earlier model [7], creating a sleeker profile. The seat tube's distinctive "fin" design that guides airflow around the rear wheel has been reduced by 20% [7]. These changes minimize drag while the frame stays strong.
The design philosophy emphasizes clean integration. The frame routes all cables internally through the steering tube, which eliminates external wiring that would disrupt airflow [7]. A redesigned fork improves air flow around the front wheel [7], adding to the clean look.
De Rosa offers the SK Pininfarina in eight sizes from 46cm to 60cm [7], fitting riders between 157cm and 193cm tall [9]. The frame's BB386EVO bottom bracket shell [10] delivers excellent power transfer through its wider platform and works with various crankset options.
Strong rear seat stays make the bike handle responsively [7]. The power delivery stays efficient without losing stability. The SK Pininfarina achieves a rare balance of aerodynamic efficiency, structural rigidity, and comfortable ride quality—proof of De Rosa's expertise in frame building and Pininfarina's design principles.
Ride Feel and Performance: Is It Built for Speed or Comfort?
"as smooth as Teflon-coated silk with a ride quality like a" — Robin Wilmott, Senior Technical Editor at BikeRadar
The SK's road performance is exceptional as it tracks beautifully and dives into turns with confident precision [2]. Unlike many ultra-stiff race bikes that bounce nervously on rough surfaces, this bike stays planted. You'll feel remarkably stable at high speeds [11], which builds confidence during technical descents and fast corners.
The climbing ability stands out too. A medium frame weighs just 950g [12], which gives you a real edge on the climbs. Each pedal stroke pushes you forward with satisfying power [2], and the bike responds quickly without feeling harsh. Quick accelerations come naturally [11] whether you're powering up a climb or sprinting to catch up.
The sort of thing I love about the SK Pininfarina is how it blends performance with real comfort. The frame delivers what riders call "speedy smoothness" [2]. You won't get that relaxed endurance bike feel, but rather a controlled flex that soaks up road buzz while keeping you fast. The carbon provides its signature crispness yet maintains the lively feel you'd expect from high-end steel frames [2].
The SK does have its limits though. Riders over 80kg will notice the frame flex during full-power sprints [2]. While the fork and bottom bracket stay solid, the top tube and down tube give up some stiffness under heavy loads. Pure sprinters might find this disappointing.
From 30mph group rides to steep 7-10% climbs and twisting descents, the SK proves its versatility [13]. It handles rough pavement and bumps smoothly while keeping its aero advantages. Yes, it is special because it's an aero bike that doesn't force you to give up comfort like others in its class [14].
Conclusion
Final Verdict: Italian Excellence at a Premium
The De Rosa SK Pininfarina lives up to its prestigious heritage after thorough testing. This remarkable machine proves conventional wisdom about aero bikes wrong and offers speed without compromising comfort. The bike stays composed in a variety of riding conditions, whether you're climbing steep hills or descending at breakneck speeds.
A fully-equipped model costs €12,000, but the SK Pininfarina gives you more than just good looks. These two Italian powerhouses worked together to create a bike that works as beautifully as it looks. The careful carbon layup and smart aerodynamic features make the riding experience substantially different from mass-produced alternatives.
Riders should think over their specific needs before making such a big investment. Heavier sprinters might find the frame's flexibility limits their all-out efforts, though this same trait helps make the bike surprisingly comfortable on rough surfaces. The ideal SK Pininfarina owner values both technical excellence and artistic design while wanting versatility from their racing machine.
Without doubt, this bike is more of a luxury purchase than a practical necessity. The lucky few who get to ride the SK Pininfarina will find a racing bike that shines not just because of its stunning Italian pedigree but through its exceptional ride quality. The SK Pininfarina proves that sometimes, though rarely, products actually deliver performance worth their premium price tag.
FAQs
Q1. What makes the De Rosa SK Pininfarina unique? The De Rosa SK Pininfarina is a collaboration between a historic cycling brand and an automotive design icon, resulting in a high-performance aero bike that combines speed with unexpected comfort. It features advanced aerodynamics, internal cable routing, and a lightweight carbon frame weighing around 950 grams.
Q2. How does the SK Pininfarina perform on different terrains? The bike excels in various conditions, offering nimble cornering, stability at high speeds, and impressive climbing abilities. It handles well on rough surfaces while maintaining its aerodynamic advantages, making it versatile for different riding scenarios.
Q3. Is the De Rosa SK Pininfarina worth its premium price? For riders who appreciate technical excellence and artistic design, the SK Pininfarina offers a unique riding experience that justifies its cost. However, it's a luxury purchase and may not be necessary for all cyclists. The bike's performance and craftsmanship set it apart from mass-produced alternatives.
Q4. Where are De Rosa bikes manufactured? All De Rosa bikes, including the SK Pininfarina, are designed and crafted in Italy. The company is family-owned and operated, with over 60 years of experience in bike manufacturing.
Q5. Are there any drawbacks to the SK Pininfarina? While the bike offers excellent overall performance, riders over 80kg may experience some frame flex during intense sprinting efforts. This characteristic contributes to the bike's comfort but might disappoint pure sprinters looking for maximum rigidity.
References
[1] - https://derosa.it/de-rosa-pininfarina-when-design-meets-performance/
[2] - https://www.cyclist.co.uk/reviews/de-rosa-sk-pininfarina-review
[3] - https://roadcyclinguk.com/gear/de-rosa-sk-pininfarina.html
[4] - https://www.autoblog.com/news/pininfarina-carbon-fiber-bicycle
[5] - https://derosanorthamerica.com/products/sk-pininfarina-disk-nuvola-luxury-edition
[6] - https://designwanted.com/de-rosa-70-carbon-road-bike-pininfarina/
[7] - https://derosanorthamerica.com/products/sk-pininfarina-disk-stealth-gloss
[8] - https://bikerumor.com/eb15-de-rosa-sk-pininfarina-aero-road-bike-dresses-with-italian-style/
[9] - https://geometrygeeks.bike/bike/de-rosa-sk-pininfarina-2020/
[10] - https://99spokes.com/bikes/derosa/2019/sk-pininfarina-frameset
[11] - https://www.xjd.com/t-de-rosa-sk-pininfarina-ultegra-carbon-road-bike-2020/?srsltid=AfmBOor3XU0Do7xYW06yuWEccSUkCJl10yRc9IeEuBVmn9Crkz6OBQlu
[12] - https://bikerumor.com/2020-de-rosa-sk-pininfarina-aero-road-bike-delivers-new-heart-for-italian-brand/
[13] - https://www.winterparkcycles.com/blogs/news/de-rosa-sk-by-pininfarina/?srsltid=AfmBOopp9zpDj9NWxucv6V3lkeLq1DhuiQw3heXCNSBqP2WimV0L3trE
[14] - https://www.bikeradar.com/reviews/bikes/road-bikes/de-rosa-sk-pininfarina-review
