JTM
new member
Reged: 10/02/07
Posts: 2
Loc: New England
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I had my bike in the shop for repairs/upgrades and made the "mistake" of accepting the shop owner's loan of a Z3 set to my measurements.
It was like dropping your Honda Prelude off at the shop and getting a Ferrari as a "loaner".
My bike is a older Klein Quantum that's been upgraded as parts have worn out over the years. I never thought of it as having a harsh ride until I got on the Parlee.
I've been saving up for a Klein replacement and planned to pull the trigger in two years, when the Klein will be 15 years old.
Sadly, the Z3 is out of my range but I see that they offer a Z4 that I might be able to reach. I am 5'10", 165 pounds, and tend to be "average" in all areas, never experienced any fit problems. I'm also 52 years old and ride about 150-175 miles a week, in season.
My only concern with the Z4 is a mention somewhere that it is built in Taiwan (I forget where I saw that). No offence to Taiwan, but if I am going that route, I might want to look at other options.
Thanks for listening. Any input would be appreciated.
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BlueJays
journeyman
Reged: 09/21/07
Posts: 69
Loc: United States
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"...Better to have loved and lost, than to have never loved at all..." 
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rnhood
friend
Reged: 12/18/03
Posts: 38
Loc: NC
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Back in the early '80's I heard the same comments and concerns in regards to sailboats. But, once those Baba's and other Taiwan boats hit our shores, all worries and concerns quickly vacated. They were, and remain today, some of the most beautifully crafted boats on blue waters. Don't confuse Taiwan industrialization with the Chinese global revolution going on right now. There are good bikes coming from China too but, there are not-so-good bikes coming down their pipe as well. Taiwan has a different infrastructure.
Parlee will likely tell you the same thing and, given their credibility I can assure you the last thing they would put their name on is a "compromised" road bike.
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wgp
new member
Reged: 09/05/07
Posts: 6
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JTM - I feel your pain. See my recent post on the purchase of my Z3. Went to get my fit totally dialed in via this highly-recommended Advanced Serotta fitter on my current bike (Specialized S-Works E5) and the dealer had a sale on their demo Z3 (about $750 off the new $3250 price tag).
So ... after setting up the Parlee to fit me, I borrowed it for a two-day testing run. Long and short, couldn't let it go, and I'm the proud owner of a slightly used Z3. The transition from the jarring aluminum to full carbon has been well-documented by others. That the Parlee gives up none of the crispness and agility of the E5 is mind-boggling.
The bike is to die for ... that's all to say on that!
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alan278
new member
Reged: 02/08/08
Posts: 1
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What did you decide?
Parlee confirmed to me that the Z4 is made in Taiwan, but as expected, they stand behind the quality of that workmanship.
I have just ordered a Z3, but would love to have saved the money and gotten a Z4 if it could have been built up to fit me reasonably well, but alas, it could not. I am though extremely excited about the Z3.
There are other options for fully custom made bikes in the USA at prices closer to the Z4. Take a look at Elite Bicycles http://www.elitebicycles.com Joule Pro Carbon.
Edited by alan278 (02/08/08 09:20 PM)
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