wooly
new member
Reged: 10/15/04
Posts: 13
Loc: Orange County, California
|
|
Can anyone lay out the ride differences between these 2 frames? I'm currently fixating on getting either a Calfee or Parlee but leaning towards the Parlee. Now I just need some help on which one. Choices, choices, choices...
Thanks!
|
Doug_at_PARLEE
new member
Reged: 03/10/04
Posts: 12
Loc: Northborough, MA
|
|
I'll chime in with a *biased* opinion, since I don't think there are too many people who have ridden both frames.
First, the closest comparison is a Z1x vs. a Z2. They both have the same tubeset with the 0/90 woven cloth outer layer. The difference between the two being that a Z1x is available in custom geometry and has a traditional dual-stay design, where the Z2 has a wishbone seat stay. That said, if you rode a Z1x and Z2 with the same exact geometry the difference would be very subtle. They would both have about the same "stiffness", but the Z1x has a bit more vertical compliance in the rear end providing a more comfortable ride over long distances.
The Z1 uses a unidirectional carbon outer layer on the tubeset (the rest of the lay-up is the same as the Z1x and Z2). This gives the Z1 a slightly "brighter" or "more direct" feel. It is a subtle difference, like changing your tire pressure by 10psi or so, but it is noticeable back to back.
So, it is a subtle difference, and a bit hard to describe. Let me know if you want me to clarify anything.
Thanks,
Doug
--------------------
Doug Foster
PARLEE Cycles
doug@parleecycles.com
|
1centaur
journeyman
Reged: 12/24/03
Posts: 126
Loc: Massachusetts
|
|
Sorry to wade in here, but as long as you're looking here Doug, what can you tell us about the 820 gram frame, such as ride quality, length of warranty, compact vs. traditional, trade-off vs. Z1 or Z2, and what it took technically to take that much weight out of the previous frame?
BTW - Have a Tetra, getting a Crumpton, thinking of a Parlee in 2005. Guess I like carbon.
--------------------
"You never make a gift of Ventoux"
Eddie Merckx to Lance Armstrong
|
TiLee
new member
Reged: 10/19/04
Posts: 11
|
|
I had the opportunity to visit Parlee recently and got to ride the Z1x and Z2 back to back. Douglas speaks the truth. Both were phenomenal rides, but the Z1x was oh so smooth. I went with the idea of buying a Z3c to supplement my Vamoots and ended up ordering a Z1x. Z1x had everything one could ask for in a bike: quick/fast/responsive/light and did I mention Oh so smooth.
The people at Parlee are the best. Set me up with the two bikes, gave me a map of their local TT course, some tools to switch out pedals/post and sent me off to play. Spent another hour with me upon my return after business hours answering questions of viewing decals.
Now for the bad news- I'll receive the bike mid-December just as the snow begins to fall here in the North East.
|
wooly
new member
Reged: 10/15/04
Posts: 13
Loc: Orange County, California
|
|
Post a pic of your new Z1X. We'd all love to see it!
|
TiLee
new member
Reged: 10/19/04
Posts: 11
|
|
Wooly,
The only photo available now might come from a CAT Scan of the Parlee people's heads as the drawings are not yet complete for my review. While the Parlee guys are so accomodating and might actually do the scan, I'd rather they just keep focused on producing my bike.
I plan DA10, K's Sl, Ouzo ProLite, and Airione Saddle, but need thoughts on bars/stem/post?
|
RDP
captain
Reged: 12/18/03
Posts: 245
Loc: Kansas
|
|
When are you getting your Crumpton? You must give a full report when you receive it, test ride it, and drool over it. I am looking forward to seeing the results. BTW- what size will it be? Do you have pics of your Calfee in the forum?
Regards,
Richard
--------------------
It is about the bike.....BikeFanClub Forums
|
BlueJays
journeyman
Reged: 09/21/07
Posts: 69
Loc: United States
|
|
Quote:
Doug_at_PARLEE wrote:
"...First, the closest comparison is a Z1x vs. a Z2. They both have the same tubeset with the 0/90 woven cloth outer layer. The difference between the two being that a Z1x is available in custom geometry and has a traditional dual-stay design, where the Z2 has a wishbone seat stay. That said, if you rode a Z1x and Z2 with the same exact geometry the difference would be very subtle. They would both have about the same "stiffness", but the Z1x has a bit more vertical compliance in the rear end providing a more comfortable ride over long distances.
The Z1 uses a unidirectional carbon outer layer on the tubeset (the rest of the lay-up is the same as the Z1x and Z2). This gives the Z1 a slightly "brighter" or "more direct" feel. It is a subtle difference, like changing your tire pressure by 10psi or so, but it is noticeable back to back..."
Does that mean that one or the other (Unidirectional vs. X-Weave) is perceived as an advantage or upgrade over the other for each respective tubeset? X-Weave can be added to SL or XL tubing as an option, correct?
|
BlueJays
journeyman
Reged: 09/21/07
Posts: 69
Loc: United States
|
|
Bueller? Ferris Bueller? Anyone? 
|
taketothehills
new member
Reged: 10/01/07
Posts: 6
|
|
My understanding is that for 2008 the Z1/2 use the same tubing set now. The only differences would be from the seat stays therefore-plus the fact the Z1 has a larger range of 'stock custom' sizes.
I think I'd struggle to spend the extra on a Z1 just for the slight ride difference if the prices continue to have a big jump-although my dealer said that price margin may be changing too.
I'm booked for my fitting and to order my frame in a few weeks Any more tips from one and all about choosing and speccing my bike would be appreciated.
PS has anyone got pics of a bike with a red over silver panel paint scheme (ie silver text under red panel)
|
Whitney
new member
Reged: 10/25/07
Posts: 2
|
|
The Parlee frames at Hampsten Cycles show a large jump in prices for 2008.
Prices include Reynolds UL fork and King headset:
Z2 and Z3c $6000 stock/$6600 custom
Z1 $6700 stock/$7300 custom
http://www.hampsten.com/Bikes/ClassicRoad/z1pro.html
|
BlueJays
journeyman
Reged: 09/21/07
Posts: 69
Loc: United States
|
|
taketothehills, so how is this done? Are you saying it will be a traditional black/gray carbon bike and that the red panels have essentially been die-cut and have a silver graphic underneath and then everything gets clearcoated once applied? Would this panel be on just the down tube, seat tube, and top tube, or are you considering a combination of them? Sounds like it could be pretty sharp.
Something like this, perhaps: http://www.parleecycles.com/galleries.html and similar to the first picture in the "builds" section except with silver rather than white?
|
taketothehills
new member
Reged: 10/01/07
Posts: 6
|
|
Actually pretty like Pic 26 in that gallery with silver where the gold is. Might just settle for red/white. I think the bikes look best with a relatively simple crisp graphic on one or possibly two tubes rather than all over the place.
|
Nev
captain
Reged: 05/03/04
Posts: 376
Loc: Never where I want to be
|
|
Quote:
Whitney wrote:
The Parlee frames at Hampsten Cycles show a large jump in prices for 2008.
Prices include Reynolds UL fork and King headset:
Z2 and Z3c $6000 stock/$6600 custom
Z1 $6700 stock/$7300 custom
http://www.hampsten.com/Bikes/ClassicRoad/z1pro.html
So exactly what's Hampsten doing?
Frame design that they then send to the featured builders that they get to put their stickers on? What do they know about custom design that Independent, Parlee, Moots, etc. don't?
|
Whitney
new member
Reged: 10/25/07
Posts: 2
|
|
Good questions; I was just looking for some updated prices on Parlee frames. 
|
BlueJays
journeyman
Reged: 09/21/07
Posts: 69
Loc: United States
|
|
Nev, one typically has to go through an authorized dealer to purchase a frameset from the companies you mentioned...so it's not like a person picks-up the telephone and can start working with Parlee (for example) straight out of the gate. I'm sure they make exceptions if the closest dealer is three hours away or something, but it's typically not a factory-to-consumer relationship.
As an upper-tier rider in American cycling history...Andy Hampsten has worked extensively with people like Eddy Merckx, Eddie "Eddie B." Borysewicz, Bernard Hinault, members of the 7-Eleven team, not to mention countless other coaches and professionals. He and his brother Steve have established relationships with top suppliers, there isn't a "dog" among any of them. They definitely know a thing or two about design, fit, and material selection!
As far as decals go, the ones used by Hampsten are whimsical and definitely VERY cool in a throwback-to-an-earlier-era sort of way. I hope to have one of their bikes someday soon!
|
BlueJays
journeyman
Reged: 09/21/07
Posts: 69
Loc: United States
|
|
rnhood, that is fantastic news for you. It's good to hear your frameset will be in line to be built in scenic Peabody, Massachusetts soon.
Interacting with Andy & Steve Hampsten should be viewed as a "positive" that can help gain insights on the build. Ask the folks at Parlee to speak about Hampsten Cycles and you will hear only raves about these partners. It is a very symbiotic relationship that has greatly enhanced both of these well-regarded firms. Besides, the Paul Barnes decals Hampsten Cycles provides are simply way cool!
|
taketothehills
new member
Reged: 10/01/07
Posts: 6
|
|
Well I've done the deed. Bike fit session completed and CAD signed off for a Z1 full custom. I preferred the clean looking straight seat stays over the Z2/3. Colour will be dark red metallic panels, silver bands and silver decals.
Now I need to be patient, they are telling me that at this time of year approx 8 weeks build time and a week or two for the painter.
How long did yours take?
|
BlueJays
journeyman
Reged: 09/21/07
Posts: 69
Loc: United States
|
|
taketothehills, that is great news! Hopefully your awesome Z1 arrives in time for spring riding and is everything you expect it to be!
|
Previous
Thread Index
Next
Threaded
Z1 vs Z2
Edit
Reply
Quote
Re: Z1 vs Z2