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.

SL4.

SL4

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N+1 It Never Stops

Haven't tried the SL4 but hard to imagine better than even the SL3.
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Welcome to the forum Mr Hoogerland.



SL4 is likely gonna be pretty stiff.

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Snacking on carrot sticks - Where did it all go so wrong?
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Finsbury Park CC

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.

I would not be too concerned with the transfer of power I'd be more concerned about the transfer of money from your account

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

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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.

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.

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)

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.

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Fuji SL/1
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According to tour mag. test you should buy a Spezi

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

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Fuji SL/1
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