Parlee Z5 SLi Frameset

 

  

  

  

  

  

Parlee Z5 SLi Frameset

EMBRACING THE ELECTRONIC AGE

You’ve done the research. You understand that when it comes to reduced frame weight, the Parlee Z5 SL is the industry standard in achieving the balance between ultra-light and ultimate performance. Now you wish to go a step further and embrace the electronic age.

Enter the Parlee Z5 SLi, the Shimano Di2-compatible version of our lightest production road frame. Traditional cable stops have been removed, mold holes are reinforced, and a non-riveted carbon fiber battery mount has been installed on the left-side chain stay, keeping the battery out of the rider’s way.

The end result is an intelligent, clean implementation of necessary structural change, without the addition of needless clutter or over-engineered excess. Welcome to the electronic age.

Parlee Z5 SL Frameset

 

  

  

  

  

  

Parlee Z5 SL Frameset

LIGHTER, FASTER — JUST AS STRONG

Addition by subtraction is not as simple as it sounds. In the bike building business you can’t simply shave away grams without considering the ramifications to ride quality, comfort and control. Parlee is deeply aware of this delicate balance, and understands that ultra-light should never be a euphemism for decreased performance or reduced frame warranty.

Instead the Parlee Z5 SL is a fine-tuned version of our wildly popular Z5. Both bikes trace genealogy to the top-shelf custom Z1, and utilize more than a decade’s worth of customer data, which has yielded critical information about the relationships of various tube lengths. This data was parsed into Parlee’s industry leading Flex Fit system, giving riders 12 distinct Z5 SL frame sizes to choose from.

The Z5 SL’s weight savings (100-150 grams depending on frame size) comes from an enhanced carbon lay-up schedule, lighter fork upgrade, carbon fiber seat and front derailleur clamps, full titanium hardware kit, and a minimalist paint finish that further reduces weight, while giving the Parlee Z5 SL a look of refined and elegant stealth.

Indeed, the Parlee Z5 SL rests comfortably atop the narrow balance point between ultra-light and ultimate performance. It is addition by subtraction as it should be, thoughtful, artistic, accurate.

Parlee Z5 Frameset

 

  

  

  

  

Parlee Z5 Frameset

 

KNOW-HOW AND KNOWLEDGE EQUALS PEAK PERFORMANCE

Bob Parlee is not a fan of shortcuts. After the meteoric initial success of his custom road bike building business, it would have been easy to jump straight into the stock frame arena. But instead Parlee chose the patient path, wanting to first assure he’d fully disseminated rider needs based both on size and riding style.

For more than a decade now, Parlee has painstakingly collected data via his custom operation, conducting a de-facto longitudinal study on the relationship between various tube lengths. The result is an expansive and enlightening database that’s served as both genesis and reference point for Parlee’s ground breaking — and continually evolving — Flex Fit sizing system.

Today, the Parlee Flex Fit system is the foundation for all our stock bikes, including the flagship Z5 road bike. Available in a dozen size configurations, the Parlee Z5 is the triumphant result of Bob’s persistent and patient approach. It’s a light and stiff race machine that’s as comfortable as your favorite pair of cycling shoes.

Using the same meticulous techniques applied to construction of the full-custom Z1, the main frame of the Parlee Z5 is fashioned from a single contiguous carbon piece. Additional industry-first features include carbon fiber cable stops, co-molded dropouts, titanium inserts, and Z1-derived twin seat stay construction.

It’s these minute details that both define the Parlee Z5 as an unmatched stock bike option, and distance it from its less nimble competitors. It’s intelligent evolution defined — and it’s the Parlee way.

Parlee Z2 & Z3 Frameset

 

  

  

  

  

Parlee Z2 & Z3 Frameset

Z2: TRADITIONAL LOOKS, MODERN RIDE

Built using the same tube sets and techniques as the Z1, but at a graduated cost scale, the semi-custom Parlee Z2 offers a wide range of sizes and options for the rider seeking level- or gently-sloping top tube of up to two degrees — and a world class, high performance bike.

Utilizing more than a decade’s worth of customer data, which has yielded invaluable information about tube length relationships, the Z2 is offered in five Flex Fit semi-custom sizes. Riders can also choose tube set type, ranging from super light SL, to robust XL, to compliant CL, to the visually stunning X-woven finish.

This array of choices yields precise rider-weight tuning, meaning that your Parlee Z2 will be a truly unique bike, built to your exact specifications, needs and desires. Internal Shimano D12 wiring is also available.

Z3: COMPACT CARBON PERFECTION

Honored as Race Bike of the Year by Cycling Weekly Magazine in 2006, the Parlee Z3 shares the same semi-custom architecture and pricing scale as the Z2, but in a sloping geometry format. Never before has a frame of this caliber been available with so many customization and ride tune options.

The Parlee Z3 comes in seven Flex Fit semi-custom sizes, or you may choose full custom geometry in sizes up to 70cm. Combine that XL top tube length with Parlee’s XL strength tube set, and even XL sized riders can find a bike that delivers exceptional ride quality with unmatched comfort and control.

Riders can also choose tube set type, ranging from super light SL, to extra-strong XL, to compliant CL, to the visually appealing of X-woven finish. Specific rider-weight tuning is also available, meaning that just like the Z2, your Parlee Z3 is a truly one-of-a-kind bike, fashioned to your individual specifications and needs. Internal Shimano D12 wiring is also available.

Parlee Z1 Frameset

 

Parlee Z1 Frameset size 55

 

TIMELESS STYLE, STUNNING PERFORMANCE, You have ridden the rest. Now you are ready for the best. Cliché? Perhaps. But truth is, we hear that all the time here at Parlee. It means you have done your homework and now are ready to buy the last road bike you’ll ever need. You are ready for a hand-crafted, best-in-class Parlee Z1, the world’s benchmark full-custom carbon road bike.

This is the bike that put Parlee on the map. No other frame requires as much time or skill to build. And even today, 10 years after initial introduction, the Z1 remains respected, revered and coveted. There is simply no better bike on the market. Period.

Whether you’re a corner-diving criterium racer, bumpy back-road adventurer, or high-mountain master, each Parlee Z1 is built to the exact standards, needs, expectations and specifications of its user. There are no compromises, no second bests, no conciliations, no concessions. The Parlee Z1 is the conduit to both personal peak performance and individual two-wheeled self expression.

The 100-percent custom Parlee Z1 can be modified in both one-millimeter and 0.1-degree increments in frame sizes from 40cm to 70cm. Custom carbon fiber lug lay-up combined with five tube set choices allows for perfect optimization and ride tuning. Z1s are also available with semi-sloping geometry up to 8 degrees, and can be upgraded with one of five custom crafted tube sets: the benchmark UD, super light SL, extra stiff XL, compliant CL, or visually alluring X-woven. Hidden, internal Shimano Di2 wiring is also available.

Each year, after logging thousands of miles on bikes from all across the globe, the editors of Bicycling Magazine select one bike as the ultimate, cost-is-no-object dream bike. The Parlee Z1 is that bike.