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Pages: 1 Xavier new member Reged: 03/04/04 Posts: 5 Parlee Z2 vs Z3c #4132 - 09/14/04 11:12 PM (68.63.113.68) Edit Reply Quote Has anyone ridden both? Both frames offer the top tube lenght I need, but the Z2 only gives me 1cm of clearence as opposed to the 4cm of the Z3c. My concern with the Z3c is that the compact design might lend itseld to a harsh ride and twitchy handling at 40+mph (I live in hill country and 50mph descents are common place). Any insight on the matter would be greatly appreiceated. Thanks, X Post Extras: dbrk contributor Reged: 12/18/03 Posts: 201 Loc: Finger Lakes, New York Re: Parlee Z2 vs Z3c [Re: Xavier] #4136 - 09/15/04 11:34 AM (65.37.80.142) Edit Reply Quote I have a Z1 and can't speak directly about the other models. However, a good pal has a Z3 and has raced it extensively, including the hard, fast, and scary descents that make up some of the Green Mountain Stage Race. His bike handled like a champ, no wobbles, no problems. Tom Kellogg of Spectrum will tell you that the compact design may be a bit more sprightly while others, including myself who have had several compact vs traditionals, will tell you that it makes not one bit of difference at all in the way a bike rides. It's all aesthetics and the rest is in yer head. That said, stand over height is imo a most over rated concern and with at least a centimeter you are more than fine going either way. You can't go wrong here. dbrk Post Extras: BikMagN8 new member Reged: 04/16/04 Posts: 6 Loc: Seattle Re: Parlee Z2 vs Z3c [Re: Xavier] #4157 - 09/18/04 01:37 AM (216.162.218.90) Edit Reply Quote I've ridden both the Z1 and the Z3c (as Hampstens); my feeling is that the compact frame has a stiffer ride that the level top tubed Z1. I think both the wishbone seat stay and the shorter seat tube and stay account for the difference. My guess is that the Z2 would split the difference: stiffer than the Z1, but not quite as stiff as the Z3c. It's not a bad type of stiffness; firm, but not harsh - it feels like a race bike. I would describe the ride of the Z1x/Z1-Pro as "plush" compared to the Z3c/Tour de Suisse, while still maintaining the same BB stiffness. Parlee builds these frames using the same geometry, so descending on one is exactly like descending on the other - no difference (unless you want the Hampsten-tweaked version...) end of commercial Steve Hampsten Post Extras: Pages: 1

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