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TECH NEWS

Parlee introduces RZ7 aero disc road bike and it’s a looker

New aero road bike doesn't compromise ride quality claims US firm

Parlee has introduced a brand new bike to its range, the RZ7, an aerodynamic road bike designed around disc brakes with a fully integrated handlebar and stem. It’s an aero bike that aims to provide speed without compromising the ride quality.

If you know anything about Parlee, you’ll know the US carbon fibre specialist was started by Bob Parlee whose background is in building high-performance boats and he’s brought this experience from America’s Cup racing boats to bicycle design with the new RZ7.

Parlee has developed the second generation of its own Recurve tube profile (first seen on the EXS) derived from NACA (National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics) low speed airfoils. NACA has a library of airfoil shapes which many bike brands use as a starting point before adapting for road bike usage. 

RZ7-Recurv-Flow

The aim of the Recurve profile, seen on the head tube, downtube and fork blades, is to provide the desired low drag whilst also providing the right blend of lateral and vertical stiffness to ensure ride quality isn’t compromised in the pursuit of aerodynamics, as has often been the case with aero road bikes over the years. The computer aided designed was validated in the A2 wind tunnel in North Carolina.

Parlee used it best-selling Altum Disc of the last three years as the benchmark for ride quality during the development of the new RZ7. Compared to the Altum the new RZ7 provides a 17% improvement in aerodynamic efficency when testing at 30mph with matching wheels and groupsets. The RZ7 also has a 7% stiffer bottom bracket.

Those improvements are apparently wrapped up with a ride quality that is comparable to the Altum, but despite this Parlee will continue to offer the Altum because it feels there are enough differences to appeal to different cyclists.

RZ7 Non Drive Side_White Background

A key focus for designers of the latest aero road bikes has been hiding all cables and brake hoses inside the handlebars, stem and frame, both to minimise drag and to provide an ultra clean appearance. To achieve this, Parlee has developed its own carbon fibre handlebar and stem which allows for full integration, with the cables passing into the steerer tube via a special stem.

Adjustability of fit hasn’t been compromised. The Flex-Fit Top Caps available in 11, 25 and 50mm heights provides up to 100mm of height adjustment whilst maintaining the clean appearance and internal routing. Parlee also analysed its database of past stock and custom geometries and is confident the system meets the fit needs of 99% of customers.

RZ7 Cockpit_White Background

Also fitting into this adjustable fit is the single seatpost with a reversible rail clamp system, offering either 0 or 25mm offset.

As most modern aero road bikes are, the RZ7 is designed entirely around disc brakes. Early fears of increased drag with disc brakes has largely been countered by improvements to the frame design when considering disc brakes from the outset. The wheels are held in place with flush-fitting 12mm thru-axles.

RZ7 Rear Brake_White Background

However, the RZ7 has a neat trick up its sleeve. First seen on the company’s TTiR time trial bike are the small SpeedShield disc brake fairings that wrap around each caliper and intended to reduce drag.

One big benefit of disc brakes is the tyre clearance it enables, and with space for a claimed 32mm tyre this most be the most accommodating aero road bike available right now.

Low weight has long been a hallmark of Parlee frames, and a claimed 870g medium frame weight easily makes it one of the lightest aero frames on the market right now.

RZ7 Front Brake_White Background

The new RZ7 range is spearheaded by the Factory Edition, a limited edition run of 100 bikes with unique graphics and individually numbered and equipped with either Shimano Ultegra Di2, Dura-Ace Di2 or SRAM Red eTap AXS groupsets. Prices will range from $6,599 to $8,479, we’ll update with UK prices once we get them.

More info at http://parleecycles.com

David worked on the road.cc tech team from 2012-2020. Previously he was editor of Bikemagic.com and before that staff writer at RCUK. He's a seasoned cyclist of all disciplines, from road to mountain biking, touring to cyclo-cross, he only wishes he had time to ride them all. He's mildly competitive, though he'll never admit it, and is a frequent road racer but is too lazy to do really well. He currently resides in the Cotswolds, and you can now find him over on his own YouTube channel David Arthur - Just Ride Bikes

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2 comments

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tempo36 | 4 years ago
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Saw this in person at my LBS and it looked fabulous...almost enough to walk away with since I'm in the market for a new bike. I wish someone (anyone?!?) had ridden it and reviewed it, but it seems like there's nothing online about how it handles (yes, I could take it out on a test ride, but it's nice to see opinions)

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srchar | 4 years ago
1 like

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. I'd say it's gopping.

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