Specialized Tarmac S-Works SL4 or Parlee Z5

[Ozrider]

Z5

[prendrefeu]

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

[StuTheWeak]

I don't think he would be asking unless sex appeal was first priority. So, go with the sexiest bike.

[EightFiveTwo]

SL4 but color is ugly (IMO)

[justkeepedaling]

Sl4

[g_doraz]

Race bike or dream bike?

Race bike: SL4

Dream Bike: Custom Z1 (....or in this case a Z5)

[veloruche]

SL4, Just got mine a few weeks ago and love it. Always had Roubaix's before this Tarmac is fast!

[KWalker]

Just got an SL4 on Friday. Tested it an a Z5 and you can guess which came out on top. The Z5 is good, but its not earth-shattering.

[kac]

Perhaps you might consider trying one of each and decide based on your own riding impressions. Here (and elsewhere) you will get a variety of opinions, none of which may pertain to your particular situation.

KAC

[prendrefeu]

Perhaps you might consider trying one of each and decide based on your own riding impressions. Here (and elsewhere) you will get a variety of opinions, none of which may pertain to your particular situation.

KAC

Best response so far.

[elviento]

SL4's downtube and chainstays are absolutely massive (pretty dramatic if you look close). I imagine for out of the saddle riding, the SL4 will have an advantage.

But the Parlee will have a huge advantage in uniqueness points (they are the madone of WW, but in the real world, they are still quite scarce).

[sugarkane]

SL4's downtube and chainstays are absolutely massive (pretty dramatic if you look close). I imagine for out of the saddle riding, the SL4 will have an advantage.

But the Parlee will have a huge advantage in uniqueness points (they are the madone of WW, but in the real world, they are still quite scarce).

I live in a city of 5 million people... Have only seen 2 other parlees I built one for a friend, the other is a friends and they are both z4s.. Any parlee is pretty rare round here.. SL4s on he other hand

[nathanong87]

if your name is john hammond i'd go parlee

[KWalker]

Perhaps you might consider trying one of each and decide based on your own riding impressions. Here (and elsewhere) you will get a variety of opinions, none of which may pertain to your particular situation.

KAC

Best response so far.

That's not always so easy. A lot of Parlee dealers, such as mine, do not stock the full line because the demand isn't high enough to have a full run of sizes on the floor. Also, some dealers aren't too helpful with the selection process. Its also helpful to get opinions because the demo bike may have a different setup and its often hard to get a full feel of the bike in a very short ride on one type of road.

I have to say without a doubt the SL4 is laterally stiffer and I feel that its just as compliant. I have owned every iteration of Tarmac since the 2008 S-Works and I can say that this is the first that truly beats the Z5. I felt that the SL3 was stiffer as well, but a bit more harsh with no perceived benefit to the detriment in ride quality.

[rdy357]

I like my Z4 for my style of riding than I did my sl2 s works