Parlee Z4 - Campy Record 11spd

Last September, I went to the show with a few items on our list and came back with a bigger list than which we started. As far as bike lines, we knew Time had to be at the top of the list. After riding extensive miles on three different models I'm positive we made a super choice. However, while Time is a supreme bike for both the racer and non-racer, there is no opportunity for customization.

About a year and a half back, I ran into a small frame builder, here in the United States, called Parlee Cycles, that will build you a carbon fiber bike to your ideal specification. In this day of stock, use it until it breaks - because it will, and then toss it in a landfill, a customized and repairable bike perked my eyes and ears.

Parlee builds four models of bikes. Three of their frames can be built to your specs and one, the Z4 and the bike pictured here, is their stock model. While geometry changes are not an option on the Z4, paint may be changed. I'm built like "Joe Average", so I figured I would start with a stock model.

As for the Z4, I've put about 200 miles on this bike. The short answer is - I like the bike. In fact, I like it a lot!

In the last year I've ridden several bikes. Four bikes stand out in my mind and three are very stiff. Two were both stiff and smooth, a combination that is getting easier to achieve in today's world of carbon fiber. Out of those two, one is built with durability in mind, and one is currently in my repair stand with a broken seat tube.

Ride Details:

Every watt of effort put out by the rider is translated into forward motion on a Z4. It's fast, really fast. The Z4 carves a corner with little effort, but corrects easily if you need to dodge something in the road. It soaks up road shock, but not so much that the tires feel flat.

Finish Work:

Parlee uses lugs to construct their frames, resulting in a stronger, straighter, and more repairable frame than what has become the norm of expensive throw away frames. For example, If I crash and punch a whole in the down tube, Parlee can replace the tube and get me back on the road. The last frame I did that to was done only after 8 months of riding and it retailed for 3900.00. Monoblock frames can become very expensive to own.

Part Build:

I chose to use Campagnolo Record 11 speed. The shifting is crisp, the hoods are a joy to ride - offering multiple hand positions, and the group as a whole is pretty light.

As for wheels, I chose, for the second time, to ride Fulcrum Racing 5's. To me, these wheels just make good sense. They cost very little, they're stout, and offer a supremely balanced ride. The tires are the new Schwalbe Ultremo DD. They grip well, much like a Pro Race 3, but resits flats better.

The bar, stem, and seatpost are all FSA. This brand is nothing short of reliable, well built and has great ergonomics for the majority of the population. I've used a compact drop on the last several bikes as with this one. I find this shallow bar to be more usable in the drops than other brands, allowing room for larger hands and putting your finger tips closer the brake lever and your back less bent over. This allows the rider to bend their arms to drop their head lower and absorb road shock.

Over the last 15 or so years I've used only two models of saddle. First was the Selle Italia Flight and now the Fi'zi:k Aliante. Saddles are a tough one. I find something and stick with it, and the Alainte has worked well for me. It's more suited to the person of lesser flexibility. I'm certainly guilty.


I can't wait to get back to a reasonable level of fitness and be able to do my new Z4 justice. I would love to have you stop in, call, or email me anytime to talk about Parlee. And if it fits you, arrange an extended test ride. It will be worth your time.

www.momentum-cycling.com

7591 N. Ingram Ave #106
Fresno, CA 93711

559.449.0223

DeRosa with Campy Super Rocket

DeRosa Idol with Campy Super Record and Easton EA90 SLX Wheels

Striking

I can't wait to see him ride it.

This has been a long awaited treat.

Time Vibraser with Super Record

I’ve never been more excited to put a bike together – not even one I was going to be riding myself.

The French have always demanded a high level of quality when it comes to food. Ingredients need to be perfect. When cheap ingredients are used it results in a lesser end product. Us Americans have come to expect less from our cuisine than perfection. The evidence is in the mass amount of fast food that’s popped up everywhere. We don’t expect quality. The French, on the other hand, demand it, and it’s the reason why Le Cordon Bleu trains the best chefs in the world.

Time Bicycles is another example of perfection। Just as the French chef demands perfection from his ingredients, Time frame builders demand that same level of perfection from theirs. This is why Time invests a lot of money into manufacturing their own carbon fiber. Some of the most sought after bikes builders in the world buy their carbon fiber in bulk from the lowest bidder, and therefore quality control is not always consistent.  That's not Time's story.  They oversee their own quality control.

The Vibraser has some interesting qualities.   One, it has in integrated seat mast but with a twist.  If you decide you would rather have a Vibraser with a standard seat post, you simply cut the mast, and use the seat clamp with any 27.2 post of your choice.  This works with any of Time's Translink frames.

Also, I've been getting questions about why Time still uses lugs, "Isn't that old technology?" Well yes.  If the new way isn't better, why use it?  A lugged carbon bike can be repaired, and is built start to finish in a jig.  This process of frame building results in a perfectly straight frame. 

This Time was build with Campy's new Super Record 11 speed.  The drive train has a full compliment of ceramic bearings resulting much less resistance to fight against.  

I personally like how they branded the Time on this down tube.  Time masked off the carbon to show through the letters.  When the sun hits it just right, it shoes off a beautiful pattern.  

Finally, these levers fit a had so perfectly both from the hoods and the drops.  In fact they are so comfortable, I would bet the level of fatigue will be much less as the ride progresses.  

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I just got a report back from the owner yesterday.  The Vibraser technology really works.  A smoother ride without any loss of power transfer.  That's exciting.

De Rosa

Another Fun Rig

I like the curvy lines

The seat mast is nice and simple.

Come take this one for a test ride.