Our Brands

Parlee

  • Parlee
  • Parlee
  • Parlee
  • Parlee
  • Parlee
  • Location
    Beverly, Mass, USA
  • Number of employees
    18 (Bob, Isabel, Tom, Ben, Jared, Bill, Brian, Rommel, Jim, Brandon, Ilene, Doctor John, Stella, Cody, Lil'John, Pat, Jessica, Jared)
  • Materials used
    Carbon, carbon and more carbon
  • Areas of excellence
    Road, Track, Triathlon and TT
  • Recent awards
    Z3c awarded Cycling Weekly's RACE BIKE OF THE YEAR 2006, Z1 awarded Bicycling's DREAM BIKE OF THE YEAR 2007
  • Lead times
    All custom Parlees are built to order and are normally ready in 3-6 weeks. We carry all sizes of the stock Z4, Z5 and stock TTs so there is no lead time for these models.
  • Website
    www.parleecycles.com
  • Lead designer for custom frames
    Tom Rodi
  • The boss
    Bob Parlee
Parlee

WHY WE LOVE PARLEE cycles

Bob Parlee and his team are obsessed with building the best racing bicycles in the world. Their ethos is to blend art and science; form and function.

The Parlee range can be broadly split into two; the 'stock' frames such as the Z4, Z5 and Z5Sl and the hand-made models such as the Z1, Z2 and Z3.

However calling a model such as the Z5 'stock' is to do it a dis-service. With flexi-fit geometry that means each size has two head tube height options (meaning there are a massive 12 sizes in total) we have complete control in getting a frame that perfectly matches a riders contact points.
Given their exclusive nature, Parlee frames will never be common, but you can make yours even more unique by specifying a custom paint/decal finish

The Z5SL is the flagship stock model. Introduced in 2011 to universal acclaim it manages to improve upon the Z5's attributes of ride quality, drivetrain snappiness and climbing ability by removing c100gms from the frame and fork weight. The SL is now a sub 800gm frame and is the perfect Marmotte or etape weapon!

The handmade models (Z1,2 and 3) were where it all started and I cannot think of another manufacturer, with no marketing budget or 'ad campaigns' who has won as many awards for its products. From numerous 10/10s, to Race Bike of the Year Awards, to Dream Bike of the Year awards the Parlee Z1,2 and 3 can raise strong claim to the best bikes in the world. Though they are 3 separate models, they share 95% the same DNA. Simply put, the Z2 has a level top tube and a wishbone rear end. The Z3 is the same bike but with a 7 degree slope. The Z1 has 'twin-stays' (like you see in steel bikes). These are beautiful and allow even more adjustability in terms of ride quality.

The Z1,2,and 3 are available as semi-custom or full custom bikes.

Semi-custom means that there are defined sizes but we can adjust the head tube height. We also have full control over the carbon tubing uised (the rider/riding style will dictate this). Finally there is a full choice of finishes, paint and decals.

The full custom option is as above, but we can also change individual tube lengths and angles
Once we have done a full bike fitting we will be able to best discuss what model best suits the client.

What makes a Parlee so special?

Parlee takes advantage of the directional strength of carbon fibre by changing the orientation of the fibers in the tube lay-up producing tubes that resist twisting, yet still flex. In other words, Parlee builds tubes that have a rare combination of torsional strength and vertical compliance.

Parlee also takes advantage of carbon fiber's ability to absorb higher frequency vibrations, without giving up strength or stiffness.

Parlee's proprietary lug design separates them from all other carbon fiber frame companies. The lugs are laid up by hand around mitered tubes, rather than being pre-formed, providing a direct carbon-to-carbon bond for stronger and lighter joints. The lugs are then cured with a combination of high pressure and temperature, virtually eliminating voids, delamination and resin pockets. Consequently the joints do not have the glue-lines that often result in a "dead" or "vague" feel.

Parlee also uses a specific carbon fiber lay-up in each tube to optimize the stiffness of the frame while providing the desired ride quality. The lay-up dictates the tubes' resilience and rigidity, shaping the overall feel of the bike.

The combined effect of these methods results in a refined ride and road feel that sets it apart from its competitors. Some say that it is impossible for a bike to be lightweight, responsive, stiff and comfortable at the same time. Ask any Parlee rider, and he or she will say their bike achieves this unusual combination of exceptional performance and outstanding ride quality.