So I bought a Parlee

[ddtn]

A 2007 Z1. Total impulse buy – missed out on a Look 585 Optimum, found this and the deal was too good. Don't like the color at all, but the geometry works for me, and it's a Z1. Just thought if I didn't pick it up I'd probably never get to own one.

I'll get a respray done eventually, probably next year but before that happens, I want to ride it hard well into the winter. Any ideas how to make a maroon/burgundy bike look good?

[Clean39T]

You've got a great start there...and could go many directions. Some classic silver accents in the components and finish kit would look really nice. If it had white decals, I'd do white saddle and tape, but since it is dark, I'd probably just go with all black and muted decals, and nothing red on it anywhere - so, Zipp SC SL polish on black, DA 9100, etc.

Great pickup - especially if it fits you well. When things get more mellow at Parlee, send it in for a refinish and have them do a waxed carbon look - hard to beat that..

[happycampyer]

I would wait and see if the color grows on you—it’s not your typical Parlee finish, but I think it’s quite nice. I also think you’ll like it better once it’s built up. To that end, I would keep it simple and go with modern (i.e., black) components, and black handlebar tape and saddle. I had a candy-apple red Crumpton that that reminds me of.

[dgauthier]

+1 on going all black with muted decals. Rub it lovingly with some Meguiar's Clear Coat Prep And Swirl Remover to bring up the glossy finish as well. I think that's a very nice color as it is, btw.

What's the process for respraying a carbon frame? Can the old paint be safely removed? If the frame is only lightly sanded and painted over, you'd be adding the weight of more paint to the frame. That would be a shame with a featherweight Parlee.

I'm envious. The best riding carbon frames I've tried have all had round tubes. If I were ever shopping for carbon, I'd probably get a Parlee. That's a sweet bike.

[edsteck]

Some Campy components would do wonders.

[Pinned]

That is the best looking Parlee I've ever seen - I'd keep the color.

[robt57]

Nice, I see the stealth dark across the board on that personally. But some hubs/tape/saddle contrast with the right color to go with the deep red could also be fly. And maybe some new DT decals same color if you can find that contrasting color that floats your boat.

Of course if you are going for paint, the shy is your limit. ;)

Nice go fast machines...

[mdeth1313]

I like the color, but man, that's some serious headtube!

[TunaAndBikes]

All black components + black leather everything would make this look like that raw carbon Chiron

https://i.redd.it/yloh8wasbjyy.jpg

[uber]

I love the color too. Black matches everything. White saddle/bar tape could make it pop. I also think that gold accents would work too. Thinking gold headset, bottom bracket, seat clamp, chain? If you like the gold accents, go black tap/saddle. Gum side wall tires instead of black could be a great look too. Have fun. I have a similar red bike with gum sidewalls and black tape/ saddle under "Vanilla SSCX" in Custom bikes if you want to take a look.

[ean]

You aren't going to see that color often. Enjoy the rarity.

[phishrabbi]

beautiful

[Coffee Rider]

I think it looks good as is, but color choices are very personal. It's a great bike and if you're going to get it repainted, go all in. There are lots of good options for painting and Parlee does repaints as well.

[IJWS]

That thing looks cool. Go all-black and enjoy the h**l out of it!

[weisan]

You can always count on Tim...

https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/a583/porterphoto1/6124DAFD_59D3_432E_8DF2_5DF6C0CE4D0E.jpeg

[KonaSS]

I like my new Specialized with all black and muted decals. Thinking about some tan wall tires though.https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200825/072489ffb931e1b3942e21feac18ff7c.jpg

Sent from my SM-G960U using Tapatalk

[kppolich]

I like my new Specialized with all black and muted decals. Thinking about some tan wall tires though.https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200825/072489ffb931e1b3942e21feac18ff7c.jpg

Sent from my SM-G960U using Tapatalk

Dura ace rotors would be a nice touch.

[cmg]

that is sweet. The fork, head tube, stem intersection is really well done, super clean. double plus good and all.

[pdmtong]

I would go all black since those bits are easy to sell off if you decide to 1) keep the color and then accent it or 2) respray something else.

Personally, I like that color. and that just save you $1,000 in paint....

[ddtn]

Thanks for the compliments and ideas guys, really appreciate it.

For those of you who say it's a nice special color – you've convince me somewhat. I'll definitely build it up and keep it as is for a while. Have a later model Chorus 11 groupset and some Zipp stuff laying around. Gotta have a think on finishing kit.



What's the process for respraying a carbon frame? Can the old paint be safely removed? If the frame is only lightly sanded and painted over, you'd be adding the weight of more paint to the frame. That would be a shame with a featherweight Parlee.


I've been told by Parlee and a few reputable shops here in the UK that the process starts with a deep sanding down. Apparently it's a pretty thick coat from the factory. Parlee also told me they won't be able to do the black gloss finish that shows the carbon weaves because the sanding process would ruin the weaves. Depending on the paint, weight gain could be minimal.



I like the color, but man, that's some serious headtube!

Indeed. I wish the TT joined the HT further up but that'd need a shallower ST angle to keep the TT non-sloping, I guess. Kinda what I was looking for, something sportiv rather than racy. Been spending a lot of time on my C40 with a 167mm HT, it's great for 3-4 hours but the old neck gets sore if I'm in the drops too much.


You can always count on Tim...

https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/a583/porterphoto1/6124DAFD_59D3_432E_8DF2_5DF6C0CE4D0E.jpeg

That's fvcking cool.


I like my new Specialized with all black and muted decals. Thinking about some tan wall tires though.https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200825/072489ffb931e1b3942e21feac18ff7c.jpg

Sent from my SM-G960U using Tapatalk

That's one of the most special Spesh I've seen in a while. Tan would be great on a dark muted bike like that.

[veloduffer]

I like the burgundy color and think you can do accents with gold color - hubs, wheel nipples, spacers, bar end plugs, headset. Plenty of options to source parts like Chris King, Wolftooth, Industry Nine, Aivee, etc. I think it adds just enough pop without overdoing it.

I did this for my matte black Parlee Z1 in blue accents. I will change the handlebar tape to black perforated tape where there is blue in the preforations.

https://johnz.zenfolio.com/img/s/v-10/p2971049032-5.jpg
https://johnz.zenfolio.com/img/s/v-10/p2971049408-5.jpg
https://johnz.zenfolio.com/img/s/v-10/p2971049615-4.jpg

[jkbrwn]

@ddtn - I love the o.g. finish and wouldn't touch it, but, have you considered just taking it to someone in the U.K?

Check Cole Coatings Workshop for London, or Colourburn Studio's in Bristol. The latter is a friend of mine and his work really speaks for itself. Neither are cheap, but their work is outstanding - especially Colourburn.

[tv_vt]

That is a really nice looking frame. Mine is from about the same vintage. Wonder what size tire will clear in back. Veloflex 25's that you have on there work fine. Vittoria Corsa 25's didn't clear the chainstays by much.

I had a Look Optimum. My Parlee is up on another level. Part of it is fit, and part of it is the ride. And the Look wasn't bad at all.

[mulp]

Nice pick up! I'd try and maintain the red shade if possible! It'll look great either way!

[nobuseri]

Nice snag! Based on my recent talks with Tom over at Parlee, they aren’t doing any non-essential work until Winter, anyway.

Build it up and ride it; take note on some color schemes until then.

Just saying, it looks great as it is right now. :beer:

[adirik]

I'll add my vote to stick with this color (is it a candy red/burgundy tint?) and go with black components and optionally, tanwall tires. Depending on how sunlight hits your bike, it will sometimes look dark -- almost black -- and at other times will glisten in the sun.

When I bought my Crumpton frameset off eBay over 10 years ago (it was unused and never built up), I originally wasn't crazy about the color and thought I would it get it repainted. But it soon grew on me.

https://dgtzuqphqg23d.cloudfront.net/sOBY_2j_wlVcEmig2zgTGD1DbC-qIvMOxicxbza2laQ-2048x1536.jpg

https://dgtzuqphqg23d.cloudfront.net/qDiDZjBqroTH7NeZ7nUoUol_xXSgUkFdTqqVsXufeM0-2048x1536.jpg

[Nick12]

+1 for keeping the colour, with black components, finishing kit and tan side walls

[Matthew]

Absolutely keep that color!!!!

[chismog]

It's a great color. Keep it for a while, if you're like me you'll never get around to changing it and will eventually just buy something else. :rolleyes:

Also, that Crumpton. :eek::eek::eek:

[happycampyer]

Tim's HSG Custom was another example that I was going to mention, but Weisan got to it first. Serotta called that color "tempranillo," so it was more of a red wine color than a maroon. Still very close. This was my Crumpton, which had a similar finish to adirik's above:

https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-B2FgjVJ/0/26a7ee73/XL/i-B2FgjVJ-XL.jpg

Someone above mentioned using gold accents. This can be tricky to pull off, but if done right it can look really good against maroon paint. Imo perhaps the most put-together version of this color combination was Jack Brunk's MeiVici:

https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-tQHrhP5/0/107c8881/O/i-tQHrhP5.jpg

Personally, I don't have the chutzpah to pull something like that off, and in the case of your frame, I think the blue logos would keep from pulling everything together. It's always nice to show one of Jack B's special creations.

[EliteVelo]

Another vote for keeping the color.

[Veloo]

One more to keep the color as is.
I think black or silver group would both work with it.

Can also add color to go with it.

I'm sure you'll get more compliments when you get it out on rides.

[ddtn]

At this point I should retitle the thread "Dark red bike appreciation" or something along those lines. Thanks to everyone for all the comments. Looking forward to building the frame up and hopefully join the awesome red bike gang.


@ddtn - I love the o.g. finish and wouldn't touch it, but, have you considered just taking it to someone in the U.K?

Check Cole Coatings Workshop for London, or Colourburn Studio's in Bristol. The latter is a friend of mine and his work really speaks for itself. Neither are cheap, but their work is outstanding - especially Colourburn.

I have asked a few UK specialists but didn't know about either you mentioned. Thanks and will definitely look into them.


That is a really nice looking frame. Mine is from about the same vintage. Wonder what size tire will clear in back. Veloflex 25's that you have on there work fine. Vittoria Corsa 25's didn't clear the chainstays by much.

I had a Look Optimum. My Parlee is up on another level. Part of it is fit, and part of it is the ride. And the Look wasn't bad at all.

I might not have pulled the trigger on this had I not been envy of yours – I kept an eye on yours through the various threads. In fact yours had the geometry I really wanted! Will report back on tire fit – that pic on Veloflex 25s is from the seller, still waiting to receive frame.

[wgp]

Congrats on the acquisition - I'm confident that you'll love it. I looked for years to find a Z1 that would fit me. Welcome to the club ;-)

And I also vote keep the color - I've never seen that color on a Parlee and it makes your Z1 special.

[robt57]

I bought a Parlee [derailleur clamp], as close as I am likely to get.

[mdeth1313]

I'm assuming cryptic did the paint?

[robt57]

I'm assuming cryptic did the paint?


Did you ever get a Parlee. Or did you do the right turn to a Addict LTD like I did back when...

[EliteVelo]

I'm assuming cryptic did the paint?

Yes, Kevin from Cryptic. Pics don't do the frame justice. When the sun is out, it changes color. More importantly, the ride is better.

[mdeth1313]

Did you ever get a Parlee. Or did you do the right turn to a Addict LTD like I did back when...

Nope. Went from the y-foils to an aluminum lapierre (which I loved), scott cr1, scott addict ltd, neil pryde bura sl (and a raleigh disc brake bike), now riding:

Wilier Zero.6
Focus Izalco Max
Focus Paralane

(all 11 speed etap).

OK - back on topic.

That paint job is ridiculous!

[mdeth1313]

Yes, Kevin from Cryptic. Pics don't do the frame justice. When the sun is out, it changes color. More importantly, the ride is better.

Aside from the cryptic label -before I saw that it reminded me of his work. Just gorgeous.

[ddtn]

Another vote for keeping the color.

Which saddle is that? Awesome bike and paint.

[EliteVelo]

Which saddle is that? Awesome bike and paint.

Thank you! It's a 3K Berk Lupina I had Kevin spray as well.

[firingsquad]

keep the color

[John H.]

I loved my custom Parlee circa 2006. It was a z3.
About 4-5 years ago I picked up a used stock z3 size medium I think it belonged to Paul Tong- Then went to Slow Poke Pete.
I found it to be kind of "meh". I don't know if it was the frame, or if my tastes had changed a bunch in that time.
I also had a Parlee Altum. It was my last rim brake bike. I liked it quite a bit better than the z3.

[PTinz]

I loved my custom Parlee circa 2006. It was a z3.
About 4-5 years ago I picked up a used stock z3 size medium I think it belonged to Paul Tong- Then went to Slow Poke Pete.
I found it to be kind of "meh". I don't know if it was the frame, or if my tastes had changed a bunch in that time.
I also had a Parlee Altum. It was my last rim brake bike. I liked it quite a bit better than the z3.

"meh".....please say it isn't so!?!?....I just bought a Z3 off wgp across the hall, but alas, will not build it up until next summer. Seriously though, I have no doubt the ride will be 'sublime'. Continuing the hunt for a Z1 though.

[pdmtong]

"meh".....please say it isn't so!?!?....I just bought a Z3 off wgp across the hall, but alas, will not build it up until next summer. Seriously though, I have no doubt the ride will be 'sublime'. Continuing the hunt for a Z1 though.

To each his own. John certainly has built and ridden enough bikes to have an informed opinion.

Parlee builds their frames - whether Z0-1-2-3 - to have the same ride characteristics. The Z3c he bought from me was a stock ML pre-UL version so an 1100g frame. Reynolds OP fork. I really enjoyed that bike a lot and felt it was just fine 100/10,000. I really liked the idea of handmade USA and the miter/wrap (not lugged) joints.

FWIW I sold my ottrott in favor of the Z3c since i did not feel there was marked difference. I sold the Z3c to John in favor of a Moots CR since i did not feel there was marked difference. I recently sold the Moots in favor of a hi-mod synapse that has discs, fits 32s and has fender mounts all in the same wheelbase as a tarmac

An older Parlee will ride the same as a 2020 model. The main reason to buy new is custom geo or made for electric. if not, used Parlee is a great deal.

The other reason I sold the Parlee is that was not going to be the chassis to get to 15#s and I had that in my mind as a target

[wgp]

"meh".....please say it isn't so!?!?....I just bought a Z3 off wgp across the hall, but alas, will not build it up until next summer. Seriously though, I have no doubt the ride will be 'sublime'. Continuing the hunt for a Z1 though.

"Meh?" Rides like a dream ;-)

[John H.]

"Meh" for one rider can certainly be sublime for another.
It depends on your preferences, weight, past experiences,build choices, etc.

As I said- I really liked my custom Z3, but about 10 years passed from my custom Z3 to stock Z3.
As a data point- The guy who currently owns my Z3 still loves it.
Another rider I know had a custom Z3 built to get a higher handlebar position- He is quite long and lanky. He also did not like his Z3. So much so that he went back to riding his "worse fitting" Time VXRS. And he is the kind of guy who could afford to buy any bike that he desired.

I have put a few bikes under me since the stock Parlee. I am currently on a 2021 Trek Emonda. Geometry is shockingly similar to the Z3 that I didn't like.
Main differences are disc brakes, lighter in weight than the Z3, carbon wheels, and 700x30mm tires.
So the takeaway is that parts and small differences can also make a difference.

To each his own. John certainly has built and ridden enough bikes to have an informed opinion.

Parlee builds their frames - whether Z0-1-2-3 - to have the same ride characteristics. The Z3c he bought from me was a stock ML pre-UL version so an 1100g frame. Reynolds OP fork. I really enjoyed that bike a lot and felt it was just fine 100/10,000. I really liked the idea of handmade USA and the miter/wrap (not lugged) joints.

FWIW I sold my ottrott in favor of the Z3c since i did not feel there was marked difference. I sold the Z3c to John in favor of a Moots CR since i did not feel there was marked difference. I recently sold the Moots in favor of a hi-mod synapse that has discs, fits 32s and has fender mounts all in the same wheelbase as a tarmac

An older Parlee will ride the same as a 2020 model. The main reason to buy new is custom geo or made for electric. if not, used Parlee is a great deal.

The other reason I sold the Parlee is that was not going to be the chassis to get to 15#s and I had that in my mind as a target

[ddtn]

To those who convinced me to keep the red – thank you. Been riding it for a few weeks now. Bike is dirty and it's only the winter setup, but thought it deserved a picture on here.

[dgauthier]

Gorgeous.

I'm generally a metal bike fan but there's something about Parlee's that I love.

How's it ride?

[m_sasso]

That looks great, well done, just keep the black tires, don't even think about chewing gum.

[Will_s]

Such a refined bike.

[NorthWestDork]

Nice build, super clean.

[charliedid]

That is a very nice bike right there.

[Hilltopperny]

The bike is a stunner! Parlee makes a great riding bike!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[ddtn]

Thanks guys!


Gorgeous.

I'm generally a metal bike fan but there's something about Parlee's that I love.

How's it ride?

The closest thing I can compare it to is my C40HP. The Z1 on 28c just feels like a better version of the Colnago (on 25c tubs). Smoother, lighter, stiffer and more stable. Magic carpet + would be a good description.

I have a Merckx Corsa 01 and actually find my self comparing it to the C40HP a lot (both have custom geometry and have almost the same contact points for me) – so there you go, metal is always relevant.

don't even think about chewing gum.

Oops...

[kiwisimon]

OP, in sunlight that colour is so cool.
This only thing that would make it look better is being hammered real fast.
Ride it like you stole it.
Agree on the black tires, leave them black.

congrats on the sweet bike.

[Stuart S]

Glad it arrived safe & sound! Build looks great, did you swap the faded CK headset for a fresh sotto voce?

[TunaAndBikes]

To those who convinced me to keep the red – thank you. Been riding it for a few weeks now. Bike is dirty and it's only the winter setup, but thought it deserved a picture on here.

If this is dirty and winter setup...
Can't wait to see clean summer setup :eek:

[ddtn]

Glad it arrived safe & sound! Build looks great, did you swap the faded CK headset for a fresh sotto voce?

Thought you might be on here! Yep swapped the old CK out, went for full stealth. Finding the SV CK was actually the deciding moment – I think literally the last one in Europe. Was actually gonna wait until spring to build it up, but couldn't stand staring at the frameset. Also, 28c Corsa Control TLRs fit (barely in the rear), which makes it one sweet (British) winter ride.


Might go white tape + saddle and gum wall in the summer, but will see – really liking it as-is.

[Stuart S]

Thought you might be on here! Yep swapped the old CK out, went for full stealth. Finding the SV CK was actually the deciding moment – I think literally the last one in Europe. Was actually gonna wait until spring to build it up, but couldn't stand staring at the frameset. Also, 28c Corsa Control TLRs fit (barely in the rear), which makes it one sweet (British) winter ride.


Might go white tape + saddle and gum wall in the summer, but will see – really liking it as-is.

Yes, funny to stumble across your post. I was also considering swapping for a sotto voce, a perfect match for these bikes especially in the raw carbon configuration. Glad you're liking the bike, impressive you managed to squeeze 28's!

[Keith A]

Nice looking Parlee...and I like the color!

[antlockyer]

That is a lovely looking bike