The adjustment to the rider is successful: For the 65-kilo rider, the medium riding stability is perfectly okay, but the SL tubeset is light and the comfort value of the frame is above average. Other characteristics could be realised with four other possible tube sets, which should also make heavier riders happy. The frame is convincingly processed and finished down to the last detail, the merely waxed surface allows the fibre structure to be seen. A whopping 16 standard geometries are available, as well as the customised frame option. The manufacturer gives a lifetime guarantee on the frameset and provides a crash replacement. The downer is the very high price.
Conclusion Lightweight frame, perfectly finished, great finish. Short delivery time, generous guarantee. Very expensive.
Price frame set 6,280 Euro
Weight of complete wheel 6.1 kilos
Available in specialised shops
Reference/Info www.parleecycles.com
Weight frame/fork/steering bearing** 941/342/70 grammes
Frame sizes*** XS, S, M, ML, LXL, XXL, XXXL and made to measure
Seat/steering angle 73°/73,5°
Seat/top tube/head tube 525/565/158 mm plus 15 mm headset cap
Wheelbase/caster 990/53 mm
Stack/Reach/STR**** 563/395 mm/1.43
EQUIPMENT
Steering bearing Cane Creek, top 1-1/8, bottom 1-1/4 inch
Brakes/gears/bottom bracket Shimano Dura Ace (52/36 t, press-fit)
Wheels/tyres Lightweight Milestone/Conti Competition (tubular tyre)
Handlebar/stem Parlee Carbon
Saddle/post Fizik Arione/Parlee Carbon (31.6 mm)
*The frame set accounts for 40 per cent and the equipment for 60 per cent of the overall grade. The grades are calculated with all decimal places up to the final grade; however, for the sake of clarity, all grades are given with rounded decimal places.
**Weighed weights.
***Manufacturer's specification, test size bold.
****Stack/Reach Projected vertical/horizontal measurement from the centre of the bottom bracket to the top of the head tube. STR (Stack to Reach) 1.36 means a very stretched, 1.60 an upright sitting position.
