Upgrading My Pinarello Dogma F12 with Asymmetric Oversized Pulley Wheels – Worth It?
Upgrading your drivetrain can be exciting. Recently, I installed an asymmetric oversized pulley on my Pinarello Dogma F12. Unlike traditional OSPWs, this one fits the stock Ultegra R8000 cage. No need to change the derailleur cage. That’s what got me interested.
In this post, I’ll walk you through the installation, weight comparison, and how it performs. If you’re thinking of trying one, read this first.
This post covers the installation, first impressions, and a surprising weight comparison that might interest you — especially if you’re considering something similar for your build.
Why Choose an Asymmetric Oversized Pulley?
Most oversized pulley systems require replacing the derailleur cage with a longer one to fit the larger pulley wheels. That adds more parts, more weight, and potentially more complications with shifting alignment. The asymmetric OSPW I chose is designed to fit the stock Ultegra R8000 cage, with one side slightly larger than the other — hence “asymmetric.”
For someone like me who wants to keep weight in check, preserve stock geometry, and still explore watt-saving potential, this seemed like a smart middle ground.
Installing an Asymmetric Oversized Pulley on My Pinarello Dogma F12
I installed the OSPW set directly onto my Ultegra R8000 rear derailleur without any need to change or modify the derailleur cage. The installation was straightforward:
- Removed the stock pulley wheels.
- Cleaned the inside of the cage thoroughly.
- Installed the asymmetric OSPWs using the supplied bolts.
- Ensured proper alignment and tested gear shifting under load.
The total install time was under 30 minutes. I also filmed a short video of the gear shifting after install – surprisingly crisp, even on the stand.
I’ve also included photos:
- Close-up of the new asymmetric pulley set.
- Side view of the complete installation.
- Gear shifting test video.
Weight Comparison: Heavier but Smoother
Now, this part really surprised me — I did a direct weight comparison before installation using my digital scale. Here’s what I found:
- Stock Ultegra R8000 pulleys: 7.9g
- Asymmetric OSPW: 33.7g
That’s a +25.8g increase.
So, this isn’t a weight-saving upgrade. If you’re a pure weight weenie, this might not excite you. But remember — oversized pulley systems are not about saving grams. They’re designed to reduce friction, smooth out chain articulation, and potentially save 1–2 watts in drivetrain losses — especially during sustained pedaling at high loads.
Ride Feel and First Impressions
I tested the new pulleys on my indoor trainer. Right away, I felt less chain resistance and quieter operation. Shifting was crisp. No delays. The large pulley helped the chain flow better, especially on low cadence climbs.
I haven’t done full watt-saving tests yet. But I’ll do that soon using my folding bike and smart trainer. That’ll be another blog post — stay tuned.
Want One? Message Me
I’m planning to import these asymmetric oversized pulley systems soon under Project9166. If you’re curious or want to try one early, send me a message. I’m not listing a price yet, but it will be affordable.
Final Thoughts
The asymmetric OSPW upgrade was easier to install than I expected, offered a tangible improvement in shifting feel, and looks great on the bike. It adds weight — no denying that — but if the promised drivetrain efficiency proves true, that’s a trade-off I’m happy to accept.
Stay tuned for the follow-up post where I’ll:
- Install another set on my folding bike
- Run it through power tests on a smart trainer
- Compare trainer data and give you my verdict on real-world watt savings
Got questions about the install, want to know when the next batch is available, or interested in buying one? Just drop a comment or message me directly.
