The core of this bike is the Parlee Z4 frameset. This frame is neither pure monocoque nor pure tube-to-tube construction. Instead, Parlee forms the front triangle, bottom bracket area and chainstays as monocoque units, then unites these forms to the tubes with wraps of more carbon. The ride is phenomenal. At first, it's so subtle you realize only that it's exceptionally light and beautifully responsive to pedal inputs. But the more you ride the Z4, the more you recognize the small, smart touches. The top-tube length is, relatively, on the longish side, and the steering angle is ever so slightly relaxed. This doesn't make the bike feel lazy but rather utterly smooth, even on wrinkled, buckled and cracked pavement. Steering is also predictable and, likewise, so smooth and quiet it takes a while to adjust your expectations; you can dive into a corner if you want, but you get to the same place by just flicking your wrists and letting the Z4 do the work. In a word, this bike is all about refinement, not fireworks. We think, for some, that makes the Z4 a steal.
Specs:
FRAME | Parlee Cycles Z4 Red/Carbon or White/Carbon |
FORK | ENVE Road 2.0 |
HEADSET | Cane Creek Carbon |
EXPANDER | Cane Creek with carbon cap |
SPACERS | Cane Creek Interlok Carbon (3 pcs) |
SEATPOST | New Ultimate EVO Carbon 31.6x410mm |
SADDLE | BLB Aero 99g |
STEM | New Ultimate EVO Superlight (size on request) |
HANDLEBAR | New Ultimate EVO Carbon (size on request) |
BAR TAPE | Silva Forello Black (not shown in the pictures but included in price and weight) |
BRAKES | Ciamillo NegativeG Titanium |
WHEELS | Extralite MRC01 black or red hubs + Reynolds FortySix 46mm clincher rims |
TIRES | Schwalbe ONE 25mm |
TUBES | CST Superlight |
QUICK RELEASES | Far & Near Road Titanium |
CRANKSET | Stronglight Fission CERAMIC bearings, 52/36 or 50/34 |
LEVERS | Sram RED 22 11s Double Tap |
REAR DERAILLEUR | Sram RED 22 11s Aero Glide |
FRONT DERAILLEUR | Sram RED 22 11s Yaw™ Technology |
CASSETTE | Recon Titanium 11/25 11s (different ratios on request) |
CHAIN | KMC X11L Silver |
CABLES/HOUSINGS | Sram RED 22 (not shown in the pictures but included in price and weight) |
PEDALS | not supplied |