Specialized Tarmac S-Works SL4 or Parlee Z5

Questions about bike hire abroad and everything light bike related. No off-topic chat please

Moderators: robbosmans, Moderator Team

Easy Rhino
Posts: 1
Joined: Tue Jun 28, 2005 9:10 am

by Easy Rhino

I am sitting on the fence between a 2012 Specialized Tarmac S-Works SL4 or Parlee Z5 frame. My primary criteria is which frame will transfer power better...especially on out of saddle climbs. I'm not too concerned about comfort just raw power transfer. Any thoughts? Thank You.

mpower
Posts: 157
Joined: Mon May 23, 2011 4:37 pm

by mpower

SL4.

by Weenie


Visit starbike.com Online Retailer for HighEnd cycling components
Great Prices ✓    Broad Selection ✓    Worldwide Delivery ✓

www.starbike.com



User avatar
brycerider
Posts: 127
Joined: Tue Jul 14, 2009 11:59 am
Location: Australia

by brycerider

SL4

Sent from my ME860 using Tapatalk
N+1 It Never Stops

NJBiker72
Posts: 64
Joined: Fri Jul 08, 2011 3:43 am

by NJBiker72

Haven't tried the SL4 but hard to imagine better than even the SL3.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I997 using Tapatalk

User avatar
MattSoutherden
Posts: 1376
Joined: Fri Jul 10, 2009 7:22 pm
Location: London

by MattSoutherden

Easy Rhino wrote:I am sitting on the fence...


Welcome to the forum Mr Hoogerland. :welcome:

:hmm:

SL4 is likely gonna be pretty stiff.
Snacking on carrot sticks - Where did it all go so wrong?
-
Finsbury Park CC

KWalker
Posts: 5722
Joined: Mon Dec 28, 2009 8:30 pm
Location: Bay Area

by KWalker

Z5's are nice, but the one I rode wasn't sensational. It was stiff and nimble, but didn't wow me. Finishing is slightly better, but it reminds me of a bike that middle aged men get to be unique and condescending to those who ride larger brands whereas the SL4 comes in pretty heinous colors. My final verdict is to go with what looks better and is in your price range. Z5 has better graphics in my opinion since I haven't liked a single SL4 paintjob that I've seen all year so if it came down to cash I'd go with that.
Don't take me too seriously. The only person that doesn't hate Froome.
Gramz
Failed Custom Bike

User avatar
stella-azzurra
Posts: 5066
Joined: Mon Jan 23, 2006 6:35 am
Location: New York

by stella-azzurra

I would not be too concerned with the transfer of power I'd be more concerned about the transfer of money from your account :lol:
I never took drugs to improve my performance at any time. I will be willing to stick my finger into a polygraph test if anyone with big media pull wants to take issue. If you buy a signed poster now it will not be tarnished later. --Graeme Obree

User avatar
brycerider
Posts: 127
Joined: Tue Jul 14, 2009 11:59 am
Location: Australia

by brycerider

Agree the SL4 painter needs to be fired. Solved by getting the project black version.

Sent from my ME860 using Tapatalk
N+1 It Never Stops

NotZeroSix
Posts: 1
Joined: Wed Mar 30, 2011 10:34 am

by NotZeroSix

Parlee Z5.

Get something different and unique. Though I like my SL3, im starting to lose interest since its easily attainable. Everytime I ride I see at least one S-works bike everywhere I go. Nothing special. Also, the SL4 paintjob is ugly as hell.

KWalker
Posts: 5722
Joined: Mon Dec 28, 2009 8:30 pm
Location: Bay Area

by KWalker

Parlees are not that unique anymore- they've become the Madone for those that have read bike forums and have the bank account to afford one.
Don't take me too seriously. The only person that doesn't hate Froome.
Gramz
Failed Custom Bike

User avatar
carbon2329
Posts: 753
Joined: Thu Aug 21, 2008 1:13 am
Location: Utah

by carbon2329

There is some truth to that.
However, I imagine it depends on where you live etc.... (not to disagree)

In my area I see an S-Works on every ride and usually more. (not a bad thing, just fact)
(there are A LOT of Specialized shops in my area, A LOT)

But, I have only seen three Parlee builds, other than mine, in the past 3 years.

Between the two mentioned, I would probably get the Parlee, but sometimes you feel like being "flashy" and the $$ is a consideration, as well and the the SL4 is new and fresh.

(althougth they need to get new paint designers. They could be much nicer looking, but that is personal)
Last edited by carbon2329 on Tue Nov 22, 2011 12:02 am, edited 1 time in total.

User avatar
djconnel
Posts: 7917
Joined: Wed Sep 26, 2007 1:57 pm
Location: San Francisco, CA
Contact:

by djconnel

Both frames are essentially going to "transfer" all the power. There's nowhere else for it to go. This has been shown repeatedly in analysis. Frames don't heat up when you ride, even though carbon is a relatively poor thermal conductor.

jozuph
Posts: 358
Joined: Thu Sep 02, 2004 10:19 am
Location: Germany

by jozuph

According to tour mag. test you should buy a Spezi

User avatar
djconnel
Posts: 7917
Joined: Wed Sep 26, 2007 1:57 pm
Location: San Francisco, CA
Contact:

by djconnel

That's the one good argument I've seen against the bike.


by Weenie


Visit starbike.com Online Retailer for HighEnd cycling components
Great Prices ✓    Broad Selection ✓    Worldwide Delivery ✓

www.starbike.com



Post Reply