1centaur
journeyman
Reged: 12/24/03
Posts: 126
Loc: Massachusetts
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Yes, I could contact Parlee directly, but I'm annoyed to have to do that. Could someone who has gone through the process list prices here (understanding that Parlee could change these prices at anytime, etc.) for the Z1 and the Z1x, as well as any upcharges likely to be encountered in the process, especially if the buyer wants paint (where the paint is done would be a plus), and finally about how long it takes to get one of these frames.
I literally live less than 20 minutes from the factory and collect/ride high end bikes with a strong preference for carbon fiber, but the Parlee site always turns me off (sorry Parlee fans) for a variety of reasons. If I can customize the head and seat tube angles and get a great paint job, the name should be on my list of maybes, and with a little more information I might get there.
Thank you.
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"You never make a gift of Ventoux"
Eddie Merckx to Lance Armstrong
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audissix
friend
Reged: 12/22/03
Posts: 25
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1centaur, if you live so close why don't you pick up the phone and call Bob and set a time to go by and talk to the guys at Parlee. I also live in the Boston area and have met and spoken with Bob, Doug and John on many occassions. They are all very, very nice and more than happy to answer any questions you might have about their bikes. The Z1 and Z1x are in the $3,500 range. Paint is additional, but if you have seen one of their frames up close I would suggest leaving it nude, it's really a beautiful thing. Don't be annoyed to have to contact Parlee, be glad you live so close to the builder of the best carbon fiber frame available today! Go ahead, pick up the phone, you will not be disappointed, promise.
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1centaur
journeyman
Reged: 12/24/03
Posts: 126
Loc: Massachusetts
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Fact is, I don't want to have a phone conversation at this stage - I want to gather data to get me to the point where I think it's worth a phone conversation - conversation occurs when I think I might be ready to make a move, not when I'm figuring out if a product might make the cut vs. alternatives. Parlee stands alone, in my experience, in not posting prices, which is the type of move you expect from a "if you have to ask the price" (translation - overpriced) retailer. I can guess the $3500 price point from Hampsten's site (thanks for the confirmation), but since I am absolutely sick of carbon makers telling me their carbon weave is so wonderful (make that a dime a dozen folks, stop fooling yourselves) my price is higher than that. If the real story is $3500 plus $500 for the only paint job we endorse, or more if it's too fancy, plus more for what, fork?, then perhaps there is no reason to ever look at a Parlee again. There's a reason the years pass and Parlee keeps not making my list as I buy bike after bike: Parlee has not laid out a value proposition on their site that makes sense vs. the competition, and wants to force me to come to them to ask them all the questions they could so easily answer on their site. This either represents a level of cluelessness about how to sell their bikes, or a strategy to get customers emotionally involved so they get past the feeling the product is overpriced. Either way, I'm asking the question here so I don't just assume them out of the picture.
So, folks, list the prices and the options so all those who come after me won't have to either call Parlee or ignore them.
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"You never make a gift of Ventoux"
Eddie Merckx to Lance Armstrong
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rnhood
friend
Reged: 12/18/03
Posts: 42
Loc: NC
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Parlee is like Alex Singer, Mariposa, Roland del Santa, Eisenstraut, etc. These are very custom bicycles. They are priced according to the specific material and construction techniques necessary to fit a specific cyclist and provide the ride and performance characteristics desired. Discriminating cyclist interested in a Parlee should call, others should look elsewhere.
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Doug_at_PARLEE
new member
Reged: 03/10/04
Posts: 12
Loc: Northborough, MA
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Hi,
The current MSRP of a Z1 or Z1x custom frame is $3,595, which includes customized geometry such as top tube length seat angle, bb drop, etc. A Z2 or Z3c frame retails for $2,495, which come in standard sizes (51 - 59cm) with custom head tube extensions included in the cost of the frame.
Clear-coat is our standard finish. A matte finish, pearls under clear, or a solid color paint job is $100 upcharge. A pearl or solid fading to clear is an additional $100. Custom paint is available, with customers doing Italian flag colors, flames, gold-leaf lettering, etc.
We recommend the Reynolds Ouzo Pro fork, which we retail for $330, but the final price is set by the dealer.
At this point this pricing, our dealer list, and a bunch of other information hasn't made it up onto our website because, honestly, we're a small company and our site is difficult for us to update on our own. I'm working hard to get the site updated, but if you let me know what you think is the most important info, I'll try to get that up there.
Also, you can always e-mail us at info@parleecycles.com , and I'll try to get you answers as soon as possible.
Hope this helps,
Doug
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Doug Foster
PARLEE Cycles
doug@parleecycles.com
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1centaur
journeyman
Reged: 12/24/03
Posts: 126
Loc: Massachusetts
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Nice answer Doug, and so much in contrast to rnhood's, which is so extreme as to sound tongue in cheek.
Frankly, your answer in web page form would be close to perfect - just the right kinds of details. I also recommend the pricing page of the Calfee site for its clear approach to the topic. What's interesting about that site is that most folks chose paint jobs shown on the site, rather than getting creative. The power of suggestion is high.
3595 plus $200+ plus the fork puts me a little over C-50 territory, which gives me a fair basis of comparison. The power of the custom paint job to swing the deal might be overwhelming; now I can let this idea simmer.
Thank you.
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"You never make a gift of Ventoux"
Eddie Merckx to Lance Armstrong
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Bob_Ross
new member
Reged: 01/03/07
Posts: 11
Loc: New York, NY
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Quote:
Doug_at_PARLEE wrote:
The current MSRP of a Z1 or Z1x custom frame is $3,595, which includes customized geometry such as top tube length seat angle, bb drop, etc. A Z2 or Z3c frame retails for $2,495, which come in standard sizes (51 - 59cm) with custom head tube extensions included in the cost of the frame.
Any chance of getting an update on the 2007 prices? Thanks.
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Bob_Ross
new member
Reged: 01/03/07
Posts: 11
Loc: New York, NY
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Quote:
Bob_Ross wrote:Any chance of getting an update on the 2007 prices? Thanks.
Well, I found out for myself:
Z1 stock $4900
Z2 stock, $3900
Z3 stock, $3900
Z4 (only available stock, & the only model that includes a fork), $2950
SL Tubeset, add $450
XL Tubeset, add $300
X Tubeset, add $200
Uni lug set, add $250
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BlueJays
journeyman
Reged: 09/21/07
Posts: 69
Loc: United States
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To take this a step further, could the features and benefits of the various tubeset options be listed?
For example, what's the physical differences between the SL superlight tube set, the XL extra-stiff tube set, and the X-woven tube set?
Thanks! 
Edited by BlueJays (09/28/07 02:10 AM)
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rnhood
friend
Reged: 12/18/03
Posts: 42
Loc: NC
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I speak with caution and am always willing to stand corrected but, I believe the X-Woven tubeset is more for aesthetics to provide that classic quality carbon weave look; the XL is the super stiff tube set better suited to heavy masher and, perhaps pro racers who value stiffness above all else; and the SL is the lightest high modulus tubes that Parlee feels comfortable constructing a frame out of.
Having said this, I believe the best solution when considering a Parlee is to let them pick the best tube set following a discussion with them on your riding style, preferences and bio-physique.
And, having said this I believe Parlee might be getting ready to rationalize down these options here real soon. This should streamline their offerings to better remove the confusion in tube sets, frames, etc. Unfortunately, this refresh will likely include a price increase ( but what doesn't these days).
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BlueJays
journeyman
Reged: 09/21/07
Posts: 69
Loc: United States
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rnhood, would you say it's safe to say the appearance of the Parlee lugs looks most like the X-woven tubeset? That's my understanding. I'm not certain if I've ever seen unpainted SL or XL tubesets.
Then the topic of finish enters the picture to create further decisions that must be made! 
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Dave_Thompson
prophet
Reged: 12/19/03
Posts: 720
Loc: Spokane, Washington
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Steel lover, but then I like Ti with carbon too.
Licensed bike geek.
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Dave_Thompson
prophet
Reged: 12/19/03
Posts: 720
Loc: Spokane, Washington
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By davetspokane, shot with NIKON D100 at 2007-04-04
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Steel lover, but then I like Ti with carbon too.
Licensed bike geek.
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BlueJays
journeyman
Reged: 09/21/07
Posts: 69
Loc: United States
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Dave, that appears to be a very cool Tournesol frame. Now, with that said:
- is that an an example of X-weave, XL, SL, or a different tubeset?
- which Parlee finish, i.e., nude, waxed, matte, gloss, etc.?
- insights on your chosen finish?
Thanks a million for your detailed snapshots and thoughts on Parlee tube selection!
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Dave_Thompson
prophet
Reged: 12/19/03
Posts: 720
Loc: Spokane, Washington
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Quote:
BlueJays wrote:
Dave, that appears to be a very cool Tournesol frame. Now, with that said:
- is that an an example of X-weave, XL, SL, or a different tubeset?
- which Parlee finish, i.e., nude, waxed, matte, gloss, etc.?
- insights on your chosen finish?
Thanks a million for your detailed snapshots and thoughts on Parlee tube selection!
I don't know which tubes these are, they were spec'd by Steve Hampsten and Douglas Brooks at Tournesol. I *believe8 the finish is done by Hampsten/Tournesol in Seattle.
IIRC, the finish is standard on Tournesol carbon bikes to de-emphasize the bling and make the bike visually seem as one, rather than appear as a fancy frame with other bits attached.
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Steel lover, but then I like Ti with carbon too.
Licensed bike geek.
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BlueJays
journeyman
Reged: 09/21/07
Posts: 69
Loc: United States
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Dave, that's the reason I ask because your Tournesol pictured has an especially attractive, low-gloss finish. Parlee advertises a "waxed" finish, but I have no idea how that appears...or whether it is something that must occasionally be reapplied. We'll have to see if anyone chimes-in on this thread. BTW, the honey-colored saddle paired with the flat-black carbon must look very sharp. I dig your bike!
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Bob_Ross
new member
Reged: 01/03/07
Posts: 11
Loc: New York, NY
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FYI: New MSRP's. They now include custom tubes, SL or XL and layup. They also include fork, headset, and carbon derailleur clamp.
Z1 Custom, $7300
Z1 Stock, $6700
Z2/Z3 Custom, $6600
Z2/Z3 Stock, $6000
Z4, $3200
TT Custom, $8500
Again, all prices include fork, headset and FD clamp for 2008. The Z1/2/3's also include any tubes needed for the individual rider, i.e. there are no longer separate charges for tubing changes, like SL or XL. Uni lugs or Integrated THM bottom brackets are the only options there are upcharges for aside from paint.
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rnhood
friend
Reged: 12/18/03
Posts: 42
Loc: NC
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Whew!! Awful lot of money for a frameset. I guess if I ever own one, it will be the Z4.
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mikeu
new member
Reged: 01/11/08
Posts: 2
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Let's see, a year ago (posted above) you could get a Z1 stock geo with X-weave tubing for $5100, not it's $6700, or a Z2 stock with X-weave for $4100, now it's $6000.
Granted, these prices do include forks, but a custom Ti with fork can easily be found for $3000-3300 (Strong, Lynskey). I think my dreams of a Parlee flew out the door, unless that magical Lotto ticket comes my way somehow.
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dbarnet1
friend
Reged: 10/09/06
Posts: 34
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Quote:
mikeu wrote:
Let's see, a year ago (posted above) you could get a Z1 stock geo with X-weave tubing for $5100, not it's $6700, or a Z2 stock with X-weave for $4100, now it's $6000.
Granted, these prices do include forks, but a custom Ti with fork can easily be found for $3000-3300 (Strong, Lynskey). I think my dreams of a Parlee flew out the door, unless that magical Lotto ticket comes my way somehow.
That?s why I bought a Calfee Dragonfly Pro for $3,500. This is Calfee?s top of the line frame and in my opinion is better than a Parlee Z1.
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mikeu
new member
Reged: 01/11/08
Posts: 2
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Just kidding.
I've looked at Calfees many times and very much appreciate the quality, but I could never get past the gussets, or whatever they are called to strengthen the tubing joints. I like the look of the Parlee with the larger diameter tubing and more traditional lug-like bonding. Plus, it would be very difficult to mount a full size pump under the top tube and the idea of strapping a pump to the seatstay is like putting a roof rack on a Porsche.
>88% of my riding is solo so I do not like to depend on CO2 and don't care for mini-pumps.
I guess I just like the aesthetic and some design qualities of the Parlee more than the Calfee, and will end up buying neither.
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