Parlee Cycles Z3

Price Paid:  $0.00

Model Year:
2007

Favorite Ride:
RAMROD

Bike Setup:
Go to my website to see a complete rundown. www.geocities.com/frikinspit Easton EC90SL fork, Full Campy Record including Ultra Torque Carbon Cranks, Cinelli Ram bar, Hed wheels.

Summary:
Although the frame alone costs more than most 'dream' bikes, it is well worth every penny. I bought the Z3 with the SL (Superlight) Tubeset. It's hard to describe the feeling unless you experience it yourself. It sprints just as well as my old Specialized M4 S-Works without the harsh ride. It is very stiff and responsive without any unwanted vibration. The only frame that comes close it the Colnago C50HP I rode in 2006.

Strengths:
Outstanding build quality. Beautiful frame. They build the Z1 and Z3 to your specifications. You can choose each individual tubeset for your specific needs. I ordered all SL tubes.

Weaknesses:
Price. Really not a weakness since all carbon frames in this category have skyrocketed in price. With 'Grade A' carbon fiber being used in the Joint-Strike fighter for the military as well as in the new Boeing 777 the price has almost tripled in the last 3 years. Almost all companies have switched to a lesser grade. Thankfully all Parlee frames, with the exception of the Z4, still use Grade A. If you can afford it, it's definitely worth it.

Similar Products Used:
Pinarello F4:13, Colnago Dream HP, Colnago C50 HP

Price Paid:  $0.00 at Parlee

Model Year:
2005

Favorite Ride:
Tour of Pain

Bike Setup:
Very nice.

Summary:
Best bike I have ever owned. Period.

I have had approx 50 bikes, in all the materials. Been road racing for 35+ years.

Worth every penny.

Strengths:
Responsive. Comfortable. Razor sharp handling.

Weaknesses:
Afraid I might wear it out someday.

Similar Products Used:
Ridley Damocoles, Bianchi 928, Kestral, and Aegis in the carbons.

Price Paid:  $0.00 at Parlee

Model Year:
2005

Favorite Ride:
Tour of Pain

Bike Setup:
Very nice.

Summary:
Best bike I have ever owned. Period.

I have had approx 50 bikes, in all the materials. Been road racing for 35+ years.

Worth every penny.

Strengths:
Responsive. Comfortable. Razor sharp handling.

Weaknesses:
Afraid I might wear it out someday.

Similar Products Used:
Ridley Damocoles, Bianchi 928, Kestral, and Aegis in the carbons.

Price Paid:  $8500.00 at Veloworx

Model Year:
2007

Favorite Ride:
Venice Beach to Palos Verdes

Bike Setup:
Campy Record group, Fizik arione saddle, Fulcrum racing one wheels, Thompson post and stem, FSA bars, Garmin Edge 305, Chris King headset.

Summary:
This is a great bike. It has lived up to all expectations. Pricey yes but most bikes in this category are. The LBS I bought it at gave me great service in setting up this bike for my riding.

Strengths:
comfort, stiffness, ride quality, light weight, fit and finish.
Really comfortable bike for me. riding this bike makes me want to keep going even after 70-80 miles.

Weaknesses:
price but you get what you pay for.

Similar Products Used:
Giant OCR C3, Trek Madone