My tall height, made up of long legs and shorter torso, kind of limits my bike options, but Parlee TTiR XL/T seems to be the perfect fit (and yes, it was a pro fitter).
I have researched Parlee, and they seem to have good reviews–great ride quaility, balance between aero and lightweight frame–but the reviews are no where near as plentiful as other bikes (Cervelo, Felt, Specialized).
I have found a few older threads here where people who have Parlee seem to love them. But any reviews on the newest model TTiR?
Any one have any “cons” against Parlee?
Any other recommendations for $4k or less bike, with ideal top tube length of 57.5 and seat angle of 79 degrees?
Thanks for pointing me in any directions to further research.
Thanks, Jake. I am 6’4 so it is nice to hear from someone of similar stature.
My wife is also looking to getting a new bike–she has it narrowed down to a Parlee TTiR vs a Felt DA4.
She has many more options with her geometry. The common reviews about the DA4 are that there is a dampening of power transfer due to a flexy frame, making it not great on hills (we live in the hills, literally)–see http://www.triradar.com/gear/felt-da4-bike-review/
Can anyone find info/experience Parlee vs Felt DA stiffness/power transfer?
I have read several times how “Parlee ride like a road bike” and how great the overall ride quality is, but is this also in reference to good “agility” when climbing?
If you doing long course, it’s about comfort and aero. You aren’t trying to muscle up hills at 500+ watts to catch a break-away. I was a good climber when I had a very flexible steel road bike. I think that’s like saying you can’t run a fast marathon in Hokas or even Saucony Cortanas because they ride too soft.
Maybe Jackmott will chime in and set us straight, but I’m think that frame stiffness in terms of combined lateral bottom bracket and chainstay deflection is not all that relevant. On the positive side, a smoother rides does save energy, reduce fatigue and can make a bike corner better. Some lateral flexibility in the chainstays will act like a suspension when you’re leaned over cornering.
If it was relevant, you’d have to pay attention to stiffness at the seatpost, bars and front fork as well. Depending on how hard you pedaling, they can all act opposite to pedaling forces.
I mean honestly… how much “agility” are you after with deep wheels or discs and a low, aero TT position. I’m not sure I really know hwat ascending agility is. I think of agility in terms of how responsive, nimble and balance when cornering or descending. All I car about going uphill is having enough gearing. I’m rarely if ever climbing out of the saddle on my TT bike. Though I have been practicing the out of saddle riding while still aero technique that Starky nicely demonstrated in the Kona coverage.
Two friends have Parlees and like them alot. Nice bike but I’ve never been overly impressed. I’m all arms and legs with a really short torso and a Shiv is one of the only bikes that fit my position, very tall and narrow frame. Really damn comfy bike too, climbs like an anchor but really fast otherwise. Check out the XL.
Two friends have Parlees and like them alot. Nice bike but I’ve never been overly impressed. I’m all arms and legs with a really short torso and a Shiv is one of the only bikes that fit my position, very tall and narrow frame. Really damn comfy bike too, climbs like an anchor but really fast otherwise.
How can a bike climb like an anchor other than be a little bit heavier than another choice? It’s not enough heaver than any other “superbike” to make a real difference on climbs, espcecially on anything other than Embrunman or Alpe d’Huez.
I agree on perhaps I am not quite sure about my “agility” comment. This will be my first tri bike, and I am used to my roadie just powering up and over anything that I pointed it towards (I live on a 10% grade hill, to give you an idea of what I mean by hills). I’ve done Olympics on my road bike where I consistently pass everyone on any sort of incline, but then get re-passed on the flats (disclaimer, I never even purchased aero bars, so I never stood an “aero” chance). The goal is to get a good frame and go from there as I have 70.3s and full IM in the summer–with wheels, di2, all of the toys added in the years to come.
I looked at the Shiv, but for the same price point as the Parlee (non-custom), I like what I have read/heard about the Parlee more.
something to consider - I would guess the aero r&d effort that went into the parlee is very small compared to the Shiv and in triathlon, that and your fit (to maximize aero while maintaining power and enough comfort to stay in position) are the two most import factors in a bike. What is it about the parlee that you have heard that sways you toward it?
What I have heard that I like about Parlee…
1–it fits–they have a large range of frame sizes (regular and tall versions)
2–ride quality–I have read elsewhere why one would pay more for a Parlee when a “faster” bike could be had for less money, but the common answer to that seems to be that all one has to do is ride a Parlee and they easily feel the difference. This is usually where the “it rides like a road bike” comes in. Disclaimer: I have yet to ride it myself–but I hate to have bike shop order my odd size and then they have to deal with it if I don’t buy it.
3–Weight (or lack thereof)–I know, I know: Aero is more important than weight, but how important can Aero be when you are climbing at 12 mph? Mont Tremblant and Lake Placid are my IMs of choice due to proximity and hills are a fact of life around here (at one point, or perhaps still, wasnt the IMLP record held by a roadie?)
4–Recognition: http://triathlon.competitor.com/2012/10/gear-tech/lighten-up-a-dream-bike_65010 Parlee does not seem to have a huge reputation out there due to their size, but those who know it seem to praise it.
5–Aero: perhaps not as aero as some, but more aero than others (yes, I know dated, and you have to look at them back and forth to see where the Parlee falls in line compared to the others)
FWIW, I am 6’4" and current owner of the Parlee TT (slightly older version). I’ve raced the bike for 2 years and overall, it is a good ride. I guess I agree with the whole road-bike feel comments – when it fits, its comfortable over long distances. I live in the Bay Area with a load of great climbing and the bike handles well up the steeps - seems stiff enough but I don’t have much by way of a direct comparison.
My biggest complaint is with the width of the chainstays. Wider wheels will not work (e.g. Zipp Firecrest). I’m not sure if the latest version fixes that problem so you might want to check it out if wheel choices are important to you. This to me is a major annoyance and the reason I am moving off the Parlee TT for this coming season.
If the qualitative “feel” characteristics are more important to you and you like the feel of the Parlee, then go with it. If going as fast as you can go is most important to you, then aero is key, even in Tremblant and Lake Placid. They may be hilly compared to many other triathlons, but not so hilly that it even comes close to making sense to choose low weight over low drag.
Also, you cannot transpose data from one wind tunnel test to another. The protocol is almost certainly very different. Just look at the difference in 0 deg. yaw drag for the P4! And none of those charts include today’s best bikes like the plasma, p6, trek and shiv.
I’m not sure I agree with your wider wheels will not fit comment.
I have the 2012 Parlee TT non-custom frame and have run both 404 and 808 firecrest on it with zero issues. I did, however, have to remove the washers on my TRP rear brake to fit the wheel, but the chainstays themselves have never presented any issues. I’ve ridden it on pancake flat courses like Austin 70.3 / Cebu 70.3 and on relatively hilly/windy courses like Honu 70.3 and Laguna Phuket. No regrets, no issues, never felt like I would have been faster on a different bike setup. It’s the engine that needs more work =)
The best TT bike will be the one that fits you best and enables you to put out the most power for the duration of your chosen distance whilst not taking away from your run.
My view is, unless you’re being paid to ride a particular bike or are at the very pointy end of your AG, buy kit and equipment that you like and is effective for your style of racing. If the ride of a Parlee frame gives you the confidence and comfort you need to perform your best, go for it.
Whether or not it’s as aero as the most cutting edge frames out there (sans rider) is not really relevant in my opinion. It’s not like you’re riding a brick vs a F1 car. Buy what you like because it enables you to perform your best, not because in a vacuum lab test it was a handful of seconds faster over 40k.
I do like the look of the new TTiR. But not so much that I would give up my current Parlee TT. Nothing wrong with it and gets me plenty aero. Just age, time, and consistency holding me back!
Another thing to consider, how easy is it to work on. I currently have a QR Cd01 and hate the rear brake. My LBS had Parlee as a team bike last year but, this year they’ve moved to Felt. After reading comments and concerns about the rear brake, I’m going with Parlee. The new upgrades for this year seem pretty good. If you want a Parlee.
FWIW, I am 6’4" and current owner of the Parlee TT (slightly older version). I’ve raced the bike for 2 years and overall, it is a good ride. I guess I agree with the whole road-bike feel comments – when it fits, its comfortable over long distances. I live in the Bay Area with a load of great climbing and the bike handles well up the steeps - seems stiff enough but I don’t have much by way of a direct comparison.
My biggest complaint is with the width of the chainstays. Wider wheels will not work (e.g. Zipp Firecrest). I’m not sure if the latest version fixes that problem so you might want to check it out if wheel choices are important to you. This to me is a major annoyance and the reason I am moving off the Parlee TT for this coming season.
Hope this helps.
What year TT are you riding? I have a 2011 TT, and ride 404/808 Firecrest carbon clinchers. The rear chainstays are a tight fit, but the 808 DOES fit. Using a Continental GP4000S 23mm tire.
Been to my LBS many times on the issue…trust me, I’ve tried everything. Based on what I’ve read on this thread it looks like an isolated issue with my particular frame though which is good for others.
If the qualitative “feel” characteristics are more important to you and you like the feel of the Parlee, then go with it. If going as fast as you can go is most important to you, then aero is key, even in Tremblant and Lake Placid. They may be hilly compared to many other triathlons, but not so hilly that it even comes close to making sense to choose low weight over low drag.
Also, you cannot transpose data from one wind tunnel test to another. The protocol is almost certainly very different. Just look at the difference in 0 deg. yaw drag for the P4! And none of those charts include today’s best bikes like the plasma, p6, trek and shiv.
To be fair I don’t think either of those bikes you mentioned, except for the P5 and possibly latest version of the Trek, is much if any faster than the P4 overall. And certainly not at low yaw angles. The Parlee seems pretty fast from 7-8 degrees of yaw and up so for people spending a lot of time at slightly higher yaw it’s probably not a bad choice.
I have a 2013 TTi and like others have mentioned the handling feels very solid. Probably in part due to the stiffness of the fork and front end which makes it track very nicely. Other things I like is that it’s very easy to live with compared to some of the super bikes as well as being more adjustable. The biggest improvement with the new TTiR from previous generations is probably that it allows a direct mount brake on the rear which means you will have better choices in rear brakes than before.
