Parlee Cycles Z3

Price Paid:  $5000.00 at Fat Tire Cycles

Model Year:
2007

Favorite Ride:
Las Campanas/prison loop

Bike Setup:
campy record 10,edge wheels,ritchey stem, bars and seatpost,feather weight brakes

Summary:
The best bike I've ever owned because of how smooth, comfortable and responsive the ride is. I own several other bikes but I rarely ride the others.
It is a beautiful bike all around.

Strengths:
comfort and responsiveness as well as it's good looks.

Weaknesses:
Price but what can you do. When you love something you just love it.

Similar Products Used:
cervelo soloist sl, moots, look 585,specialized roubaix sl,bruce gordon

Price Paid:  $10000.00 at Baum Cycle Geelong A

Model Year:
2007

Favorite Ride:
alpine classic

Bike Setup:
Sram Red, Edge Carbon Clincher 38, THM clavicular cranks, Zero gravity, Fizik K1 and Speedplay.

Summary:
This is the finest bike you can buy. I specced the lighter weight tubing and despite my 200lb frame it is super stiff in a sprint. Climbs effortlessly and descends like you are on rails. Also looks beautiful thanks to custom option.

Strengths:
light, stiff, comfortable and stable.

Weaknesses:
I can only afford one of them

Similar Products Used:
Cervelo R3, Cervelo SLC SL, Giant TCR, Kestrel 200ems and Talon.

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.