Bike of the Week: Parlee Z5 SL Limited Edition

As cyclists we are often tempted by the sirens’ song of the latest and greatest lightweight wheel, part or frame and fork combo. The Z5 SL Limited by Parlee is a bike that COULD be marketed solely by its breathtakingly light weight (making it very tempting indeed) but this Z5 SL is much more than just a sub 800 gram frame.



Last year the original Z5 was the lightest frame in the closely watched German Tour magazine frame test, however, light weight is not the defining characteristic of this machine. It’s the ride quality that makes this bike so desirable. Building upon their experience with the very first Z1, the Z5 SL Limited is a bike designed and built for a lifetime of sublime riding without the compromises often found in what others ache to call the “lightest”

With no rider weight limits, no reduction of (lifetime) warranty, no reduction in function or fit, the Parlee Z5 SL Limited is a machine that inspires long rides and fast race days any day of the week.

This one, recently sold to a very happy customer of ours, is spec’d with Reynolds Assault carbon clincher wheels, SRAM Red components, Edge (now Enve) and 3T components.

Available in 12 Flex-Fit sizes to suit all riding styles. The SL in the SL Limited Edition means 100-150 (size dependent) grams of weight savings over Parlee’s (already light weight) Z5.

“We ride many superb bikes. But once in a while, one comes along that shines a little brighter. The Parlee’s Z5 SL ” – Bicycling Magazine