Parlee Z-Zero XD Bespoke Build Carbon Fibre CX/Gravel Frame and Fork

Bike Science Bristol are proud to be one of a select number of independent bike shops in the UK having been selected to supply and fit Parlee bikes. Each Parlee frame or complete bike supplied includes our highest Level of Retul fitting service to ensure the best possible set up. Please contact us to discuss a fitting appointment and complete bike build options.

CUSTOM BUILT FOR ADVENTURE

Picture your perfect gravel/dirt/cyclocross bike. What comes to mind? Ask ten riders to describe their dream machine, and you’ll get ten different answers. That’s because there are so many variables at play: riding style, terrain, seasonal conditions, your local cyclocross scene. Bikes in this emerging category are put to so many different uses—from hardcore ’cross racing to gravel grinding to adventurous road riding—but the truth is most production cyclocross bikes are all quite similar. Higher bottom brackets, traditional geometry, overbuilt frame tubing—features born from the very specific demands of cyclocross. That’s why Parlee created the all-new Z-Zero XD. Rather than follow the typical blueprint for a cyclocross bike, they set out to create a premium ride experience with nearly unlimited versatility. The name speaks to the DNA of this bike, and also its expanded capabilities. Its sibling, the Z-Zero, is a semi-custom carbon-fiber road bike that blends lightweight performance with made-to-order comfort and ride tuning. We started with that same precision engineering as the Z-Zero, then tweaked the geometry and added some features including disc brakes and extra clearance for tires up to 40mm wide. The result is this: a 100-percent made-in-the-USA carbon fiber bicycle that lets you expand your riding possibilities with zero compromises in ride quality.

The first step we take before building your Z-Zero XD is gaining an understanding of exactly what you want from your bike. As important as this is for a road bike, it’s even more critical with the Z-Zero XD. Why? Well, think of this bike as a Swiss Army knife. It’s designed to do many things well, but based on your riding style and preferences, Parlee can fine-tune the ride and dial in the performance features that matter most to you. Everything from the layup schedule of the carbon fiber to the tubing sizes and geometries are customizable for comfort and performance. When you factor in all the different tubing choices, there are essentially 16 effective sizes to give you the perfect fit. There’s no other carbon fiber frame in this category that can offer that level of comfort and performance.

The Z-Zero XD also allows riders to choose details such as fork style (thru-axle or quick release), cable routing and ports. The rear brake hose is routed through the downtube and chainstay, allowing the rear disc brake caliper to be mounted inside the triangle. The rear dropouts are modular, compatible with either thru-axle or QR, and the frame also includes integrated mudguard mounts for a sleek setup in wet weather conditions. A ’cross bike means different things to different people. Tell us what it means to you, and we’ll build you the perfect bike.

TECHNICAL FEATURES

PARLEE tube joining process: Pioneered on the Z1, Parlee's exclusive molding process is the technical benchmark for fusing carbon fiber tubes into a monolithic structure. Their process is neither “lugged” or traditional “tube to tube” construction. The Z-Zero joining process is more precise, more costly, and unmatched in strength, using only carbon fiber to fuse each tube to another in a manner that yields a wholly unified structure with almost zero redundant material.

Carbon dropouts and bearing races: First used on the Z5, Parlee's compression molded carbon drops and bearing races (in the head tube and bottom bracket) allow us to reduce the metal content in the Z-Zero to less than 20 grams. Eliminating metal correctly in any carbon composite structure translates to lighter weight and better durability.

Shaped, bladder-molded tubing: A technology first used in the Z5, the performance based shaping allows for lighter overall tube weights and optimized tuning of the laminate schedule. A variety of tube designs allows us to perfectly tune the ride to each riders needs. Produced by hand, by Parlee's staff, in Beverly, MA, the Z-Zero tube set is 10-15% lighter on average than the already light Z1 (with better torsional performance).

Tapered head and steerer tubes: An innovation derived from the now industry-wide CEN testing protocols; tapered steerer and head tubes are hardly news anymore, however, with their Z5, Parlee pioneered the use of the smaller 1.250” (32mm) inch lower standard over the heavier 1.500”(38mm) inch standard. Riding the bike demonstrates that the 1.250”(32mm) taper provides the ideal balance for a road bike. Strength, safety, performance and lightweight without harshness.

Disc Brake compatibility: A new standard for the future, disc brakes for road bikes present a range of new options for brake, wheel and drive systems. The Z-Zero was designed from inception to be both caliper and disc brake capable.

Z-Zero XD Standard Features

• DESIGN: Compact, custom, multi-surface geometry, built to order
• TT SLOPE: 5-9 degrees
• TUBING: PARLEE Z-Zero XD, rider specific lay-up schedule
• SEAT STAYS: Twin carbon, rider specific lay-up schedule, optimized for 30-40c tires
• TYRE SIZES: 20-40mm (with fenders)
• SEATPOST: 31.6mm
• CABLING: Internal Di2/EPS or external mechanical
• BOTTOM BRACKET: Press Fit 30 (68mm x 46mm), English on special order
• DROP OUTS: Carbon, replaceable hanger, quick release
• BRAKES: DISC, post mount front and rear, internally routed, 140mm or 160mm rotors
• FRONT DERAILLEUR: Braze-on with PARLEE carbon mount
• STANDARD FINISH: Nude waxed or gloss clear coat
• OPTIONAL FINISHES: Custom finishes available
• FRAME WEIGHT: 870-1020g
• FORK SPECS: PARLEE XD, multi-surface disc, tapered steerer, integrated crown race, 15mm through axle, 390g
• MUDGUARD MOUNTS: Integrated, hidden, front and rear
• HEADSET: Integrated Cane Creek, IS41 upper, IS47 lower
• OPTIONAL EXTRAS: Parlee Carbon finishing kit, bars, stem, seat post - Add £830