bifford

Hi,

I was looking at the Parlee website and noticed that the Z1 is available in fully custom geometry while the Z2 is only available in "standard" sizes with customizable head tube extensions.

I am 6'3" with long arms and am interested in custom geometry because I want a great fitting bike. Other than my height and long arms, I'm fairly normal--physically. Therefore, how beneficial would fully custom geometry be as opposed to a custom head tube? In other words, how much of a custom fit can/is accomplished via the head tube? I know this is a vague question, but I thought I would throw it out there anyway.

I'd list my measurements, but I can't remember them. I currently ride a 60cm six13 and use a 140mm stem (Easton EA50 with 84 degree rise). I get confused with stem geometry etc., but my bike is set up with the stem sloping upward. This stem was chosen by my LBS b/c it's one of the few 140mm stems available. I'd like a custom frame so that I can have more options; I feel like I'm on the outer limits of what a good fit should be, as evidenced by the fact that there are few stem options for me. Does this make sense? According to Andy Hampsten, the stem is a sufficient summary statistic for bicycle fit.

I appreciate any helpful comments you may have.

Thank you,

Bifford

SpongeDad

The head tube extension is more about how aggressive you want your sitting position to be. For example, do you want the handlebars even with the saddle without using spacers. If you do, a longer headtube might be in order. Extending the headtube isn't going to affect your stem length assuming you place the handlebars at the same height.

Looked at differently, if I'm shelling out for a Parlee, that sucker is going to match my body like a fine italian suit. At 140mm, you might want a bit more top tube in a custom ride, but that's a guess.

Lots of great custom frames out there: Parlee (cf), Calfee (cf), Spectrum (Ti or Fe), Serotta (Ti or Fe), Independent Fabrication (Ti or Fe), Seven (Ti) just to name a few of the more recognizable shops.

bifford

Thanks spongedad. That's what I thought, but I just wanted to make sure. FWIW, I find it annoying that the only fully customizable Parlee is his most expensive model, the Z1. I really don't understand the point of starting a small boutique carbon fiber bike company and only making one custom model. That certainly isn't the case with Serotta, Seven, IF, etc. And yes, I want my new bike to fit like a fine suit, which is why I'm probably going to get a custom Calfee Tetra Pro. I rode it a few days ago and really enjoyed it. Plus, it's not 5k for a frame.

Thanks again for the response.

caryback

I have been looking at these for a while, BTW, the Z3 is customizable too, not just the Z1.

slvoid

Sorry, I just wanted to link this picture again, its making me drool..