Conquering Sa Calobra on the Pinarello F7 in Parietti Kit

We set off from the base of Sa Calobra—right down the coast, where the mountain meets the sea—mounted on Pinarello F7s, decked out in Parietti’s new kit. We’d heard it was going to be a day of grit, goats, and maybe a cold beer at the top. I haven’t done Calobra in a while, so I tried not to think too much and just enjoy the moment.

Start at Base Cabra

Our ride began just below the restaurant at Sa Calobra’s base. It starts off easy enough. You can feel yourself settling into a rhythm, which is good, because the climb is a ticking time bomb if you go too hard too early. Opinions vary, but you’ve gotta save some matches for later. Otherwise, that switchback zone will eat you alive.

Oh—and beware the local goats. One minor collision isn’t enough to scar you for life, but trust me—they’re out here and curious. Friends of ours have had run-ins. So, when you spot a goat on the road, ease off a bit.

The First Switchbacks

The climb’s first switchbacks arrive after a kilometre or so. Not brutal initially, but they act as a warning—this is when the climb cottons up, preparing to bite. The views are already epic: rugged limestone cliffs, pine shadows sliding across stone, far-flung sea glimpses.

We’d come for the ride, but I can’t help noticing the kit. Parietti’s bibs and jersey worked well in the heat, and breathing in fresh mountain air, I punched the hill again, thinking how comfortable the kit felt even when I was sweating buckets.

Mid-Climb Highlights

Up around the 1.5 km mark, we entered a mini canyon—two giant rock faces parting overhead—and that view never gets old. It felt like nature’s own cathedral.

Then things got proper serious. The switchbacks ramped up—the gradient pinched. Goats grazing on the edges, those steep bights all around. Now that’s Calobra. It always pulls the legs into quick-check mode: “Are you sure you’re warm enough?” even on a sunny day.

It’s windy here, too. A forecast said so, but being caught mid-blast in a tight bend always feels extra dramatic. Today was breezy, winds off the sea, swirling as we passed.

Bike and Kit Feelings

Let me stop for a sec and say this: riding the Pinarello F7 up Calobra is just… sensational. On the climbs, it eats up each pedal stroke. You stand, you sit—instant response. Descending back down (briefly touching on that idea) feels safe, confident, planted. The Fast Forward wheels reacted well too—felt extra light, stable at speed.

Parietti kit deserves a shoutout. We were sweating hard, and it handled that well. The bibs are the comfiest I’ve worn in ages. They stayed in place, and the jersey never felt clingy or heavy, even with updrafts catching us as we climbed.

The Knot and Tunnel

At about three-quarters up, there’s “the knot”—a nickname we borrowed from Parietti itself. It’s not clearly marked, but you feel it: steep switchbacks wrapped right around rocky edges. It’s short, but intense—legs say “whoa,” heart says “keep calm.”

Then you reach the big tunnel bend—no mistaking it. Cars shoot out from the cliff wall, you hear engine revs echoing. That corner has a basic café, but honestly, skip it. We passed by with a laugh, thinking, “Thanks, but no thanks.”

Inside the swirling wind, you can barely hear yourself think. I tried to speak—my mouth full of effort and wind. It’s a climb of contrasts—quiet tunnel echoes versus outdoor noise.

Summit and Reflection

Near the top, we spotted the Parietti support van. Cold Coke and water waited. That first sip at the summit—it might be the best taste in cycling. Especially when your legs feel like cooked spaghetti and your lungs pump like bellows. My time today? A solid effort, not my fastest 38-minute attack, but one I’m proud of.

We climbed through silence for a moment, up into Mallorca’s midday sun, and saw that view: scale, sea, stone, winding road like a drawn ribbon beneath us. A moment of quiet buzz. We did it. Side by side. Hard climb. Fine kit. Great bike.

Chill Time at the Van

Back down at the van, a buddy followed me to the top. We cracked open cold beverages. I needed protein. We chatted it out: goats, switchbacks, kit feeling, headwind moments. The Parietti kit didn’t soak up sweat. The F7 felt explosive, yet stable. Ride short but total.

Before we peeled off from Sa Calobra, we laughed—ready to drive away, but already wondering: maybe we’d do it again someday. Not now. Not soon. But you know... maybe someday.

Final Thoughts

Sa Calobra is raw. Bleeding goats and traffic, wind and stone. But paired with the F7’s sharp climb response and Parietti’s comfort? A real combo. It was sweaty, cathartic, almost perfect.

So here’s a tip: get here early, before buses and crowds. Take your time climbing, enjoy the ride, the rock cathedral, the tunnel surprise. Toss in a cold drink at the top. Reward earned.

Want more reviews and rides? Subscribe and follow. See you on the climbs—hopefully before the goats show up, again.